Western Art Music: Classical Era

Question 1

When was the Classical Era?

Answer 1

1750-1810

Question 2

Key composers of the Classical Era

Answer 2

Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert & Schumann

Question 3

Describe the melody of classical music

Answer 3

• Symmetrical melody in balanced phrases and cadences; diatonic

Question 4

Describe the rhythm and tempo of classical music

Answer 4

Dance rhythms favoured, regularly recurring accents; constant, no speeding up or down

Question 5

Describe the harmony of classical music

Answer 5

Diatonic, tonic-dominant relationship expanded

Question 6

Describe the texture of classical music

Answer 6

Homophonic texture; chordal-vertical dimension

Question 7

Instrumental genres of Classical Music (3)

Answer 7

Sonata, solo concerto, symphonies

Question 8

Vocal genres of Classical Music (3)

Answer 8

Opera, oratorio, mass

Question 9

Forms of Classical Music

Answer 9

Sonata, minuet & trio

Question 10

Features of Minuet and trio (3)

Answer 10

• Medium tempo
• Triple meter
• Key change between minuet and trio

Question 11

Common features of Symphonies

Answer 11

• First movement usually fast tempo in sonata allegro form (ABA)
• Second movement usually slow, can be in TnV or ternary ABA form
• Third movement is a triple meter dance, minuet or trio (Mozart and Haydn)
• Fourth movement in is rondo or sonata form, fast and lively