Terms in Classical Era

Question 1

Classicism

Answer 1

refers to the cultures of ancient Rome and Greece as well as the art, architecture, and music of the late 18th century
adheres to principles of symmetry, balance and proportion
emphasis on excellence, enduring value, and timeless quality

Question 2

Viennese school

Answer 2

refers to the musical style forged by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven and their contemporaries
in late 18th century Vienna, Austria flourished as a musical center

Question 3

absolute music

Answer 3

instrumental music without extramusical associations
also known as “pure music”
generic titles reflecting tempos, genre, or forms; for example. sonata, allegretto, menuet, rondo

Question 4

sonata form

Answer 4

formal structure often used in the first movement of a sonata cycle
consists of exposition, development, and recapitulation
also known as sonata-allegro form

Question 5

exposition

Answer 5

the first main section in sonata form
two contrasting themes are stated
the first theme is in the tonic key
the second theme are in a contrasting key, generally in the dominant or relative major

Question 6

development

Answer 6

the second main section in sonata form
themes from the exposition are manipulated through fragmentation, sequential treatment, or changes to orchestration
modulations and increased harmonic tension
new themes may also be introduced

Question 7

recapitulation

Answer 7

the third main section in sonata form

first and second themes are both restated in the tonic

Question 8

coda

Answer 8

latin for “tail”

a concluding section reaffirming the tonic key

Question 9

sonata cycle

Answer 9

multi-movement structure that emerged in the classical era

demonstrated in the symphony, sonata, or concerto

Question 10

chamber music

Answer 10

music for small ensemble
one played per part
usually performed without a conductor

Question 11

string quartet

Answer 11

the most important chamber music genre of the Classical era
performing forces: first violin, second violin , viola and cello
usually in four movements: fast–slow–moderately fast–fast
first movement is usually in sonata form

Question 12

theme and variations

Answer 12

a work featuring a statement of a melody followed by a series of transformations
changes can be made to melody, harmony rhythm, or orchestration
often used in a slow movement of a sonata cycle

Question 13

serenade

Answer 13

a multi-movement orchestral genre
for small orchestra or chamber ensemble
popular instrumental genre in the Classical era
often performed in aristocratic social setting and at outdoor events

Question 14

rocket theme

Answer 14

rapidly ascending melody outlining an arpeggio

often used as a dramatic opening motive in classical era works

Question 15

menuet and trio

Answer 15

menuet: a stylised dance of French origin developed in the Baroque era
in triple meter
graceful, elegant character 
trio: contrasting middle section
ternary form

Question 16

rounded binary form

Answer 16

two part form: A, B+A1
opening material from Section A returns after Section B material
key structure similar to binary form

Question 17

rondo form

Answer 17

classical formal structure often used in sonata cycle
Section A recurs, with alternating sections creating contrast
Section A is herd three times or more in the tonic key
ABACA or ABACABA

Question 18

sonata-rondo form

Answer 18

combines elements of sonata form and rondo form
typical layout: ABACABA
also known as “rondo-sonata” form

Question 19

symphony

Answer 19

a multi-movement orchestral work originating in the 18th century
usually in four movements: fast–slow–moderate–fast
at least one movement is in sonata form

Question 20

cyclical structure

Answer 20

material heard in one movement recurs in later movements

creates structural unity in a multi-movement work

Question 21

motive

Answer 21

a short melodic or rhythmic fragment used to build a melody

Question 22

scherzo and trio

Answer 22

Italian for “jest” or “joke”
Beethoven substituted scherzo in place of minuet as the third movement in the sonata cycle
also in triple meter, but generally more dramatic than the elegant minuet
could be humorous or ironic
as with the minuet and trio, it contains a contrasting middle section (trio), resulting in ABA form