Unit 5: Brahms

Question 1

Dates

Answer 1

1833-1897

Question 2

Musical Style and Contributions

Answer 2

Used Classical forms and genres
Inherited the legacy of the German symphonic tradition
Choral music reflects love of polyphony
Showed little interest in program music and no interest in opera
German nationalism evident in his folk-song settings and dances
Used cross-rhythms, syncopation, hemiola, and augmentation

Question 3

Genres and Titles

Answer 3

Ein deutsches Requiem
Tragic Overture
Hungarian Dances

Question 4

V: Rondo form

Answer 4

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

Question 5

V: Inversion

Answer 5

Thematic material presented “upside down”

Question 6

V: Homorhythmic texture

Answer 6

All voices sing or play the same rhythm
Results in a blocked chordal texture
Delivers the text with clarity and emphasis

Question 7

V: Hemiola

Answer 7

Temporary shift in metric accents

Notes grouped in threes are momentarily grouped in twos or vice-versa

Question 8

Ein deutsches Requiem, op. 45, Fourth Movement: Genre

Answer 8

Sacred choral work

Question 9

Ein deutsches Requiem, op. 45, Fourth Movement: Language

Answer 9

German

Question 10

Ein deutsches Requiem, op. 45, Fourth Movement: Translation of Title

Answer 10

A German Requiem

Question 11

Ein deutsches Requiem, op. 45, Fourth Movement: Structure

Answer 11

Seven movements

Question 12

Ein deutsches Requiem, op. 45, Fourth Movement: Performing Forces

Answer 12

Soprano and baritone soloists, SATB chorus, orchestra