GMH2: Midterm

Question 1

Comic Opera

Answer 1

Appealed to middle class
Contemporary setting and action
Written in vernacular
Spoken dialogue instead of recitative
Led to development of opera buffa

Question 2

Opera Buffa

Answer 2

Independent comic operatic genre
2 acts
Stock characters and storylines
Larger cast
Bass voices
Ensemble finale

Question 3

Empfindsamer Stil

Answer 3

More profound emotional statement
Abrupt change in mood (multiple affects per mvt)
Frequent descending half steps
Chromaticism w/remote modulations
Flexible rhythms (variety, more rests)

Question 4

Sturm and Drang

Answer 4

Artistic aim-to frighten, shock, stun, or overcome w/emotion

Led to 19th century German Romantic Opera

Question 5

Sinfonia

Answer 5

Developed into the symphony
Fast-Slow-Fast
Finale is dance-like
Sammartini (wrote earliest symphony in sonata form)

Question 6

Mannheim Orchestra

Answer 6

Johann Stamitz
Crescendo/decrescendo
Piano/forte
Mannheim Steamroller (raising pitch w/increase in dynamics, density, and # of instruments)
Mannheim Rocket (arpeggiation used to change keys)

Question 7

Qualities of the Classical Period

Answer 7

Clarity
Simplicity
Symmetry
Balance
Order

Question 8

Christoph Willibald Gluck

Answer 8

Greatest opera reformer of all time
Calzabigi (librettist)
Orfeo ed Euridice
Alceste
Balance and Blend

Question 9

Orfeo ed Euridice

Answer 9

Gluck, Calzabigi
Tragic ending changed from original
Finale includes ballet and chorus
No secco recitative (now accompanied)
Blending of elements (French, Italian, German)

Question 10

Alceste

Answer 10

Gluck, Calzabigi
Expressive, relative text instead of ornamentation
Avoid repetitions (vocal fireworks) and construct form that suits situation
Remove sharp contrast between recitative and aria
Relate overture to drama
Great success in Paris

Question 11

Symphony

Answer 11

Varied orchestra (instrumentation)
Independent winds
4 movement structure (after 1750)
1. longest, serious, usually fast
2. Empfindsamer Stil/cantabile aria
3. Minuet and Trio
4. Light and Fast

Question 12

Divertimento

Answer 12

"a piece to be played in the evening"
closely related to suite
Allegro-Andante-Minuet-Allegro
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Removal of basso continuo (keyboard)

Question 13

String Quartet

Answer 13

Replaced Baroque trio sonata
Originally 2 violins and viola/cello in 8ves
type 1: 1st violin carries melody and others accompany
type 2: independent and equal parts

Question 14

Keyboard sonata

Answer 14

D. Scarlatti
Piano replaced harpsichord after 1750
Usually 3 mvts

Question 15

Concerto

Answer 15

Violin and Piano
Mozart - masterpieces of the genre
Fast-Slow-Fast/Sonata-Instrumental Aria-Rondo

Question 16

Franz Joseph Haydn

Answer 16

1732-1909
Esterhazy
Hoboken (catalogue)
Father of String Quartet
Father of the Symphony
London Symphonies

Question 17

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Answer 17

1756-1791
Independent composer
Köchel (catalogue)
String Quartets (27 total, 6 "Haydn"/finest)
Concerto (chief contribution)
Opera (Figaro-best example of his ensemble writing; Don Giovanni; Magic Flute-Singspiel)
Symphony (50 total)
Keyboard Sonata
Requiem Mass