Style

Question 1

Baroque

Answer 1

Energetic, lively rhythms
18th century dance character
Strong, spirited melodies in both upper and lower parts, sometimes with parts copying each other
Melodic decoration and ornamentation, especially at ends of phrases
Crisp, light articulation
Limited pitch range
Clear, contrapuntal textures with imitation between parts
Clear-cut cadences usually occurring only at ends of main sections
Limited dynamic shaping
Rare use of crescendo and diminuendo
Binary construction

Question 2

Classical

Answer 2

Regular, clear cuts and generally predictable phrase lengths that are clearly punctuated with cadences
Graceful and elegant melodic ideas, often involving repetition, mostly using notes from the key chord or scale
Accompaniments that clearly outline the harmony (chords/broken-chord patterns)
Dynamic shaping
Use of crescendo/diminuendo
Frequent use of melody-dominated texture, usually with the tune at the top
Repetition and contrast of ideas

Question 3

Romantic

Answer 3

Flexibility of tempo, including rubato 
Lyrical and song-like melodies 
Extended phrases
Rich harmonies and expressive use of chromatic notes
Thicker sonorities
Significant use of sustaining pedal 
Greater emphasis on dynamic range 
Range of textures
Regular and predictable phrases

Question 4

20th century

Answer 4

Vigorous rhythms with abrupt changes between ideas
Use of spiky accents
Melodic phrasing tending to be freer and less clearly defined
Adventurous and dissonant harmony
Various chords, note clusters and unrelated chords
Wide dynamic possibilities, sudden changes, exploration of extreme notes and dynamics
Tonal centres may be less obvious
Influence of jazz or blues
National styles like folk music
Varied texture with dramatic contrasts