Unit Three: The Classical Period

Question 1

dates

Answer 1

ca 1750 - ca 1825

Question 2

composers

Answer 2

Franz Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig Van Beethoven

Question 3

general musical styles

Answer 3

simplicity and clean style (like the rediscovered Greco-Roman art). Emphasized symmetry, balance, and proportion.

Question 4

genres cultivated (with examples)

Answer 4

?

Question 5

social and historical context of music in society

Answer 5

the decrease of patronage allowed the growth of the public concert.

Question 6

patronage of the arts

Answer 6

dynamic social and political changes (caused the French Revolution!) affected the composer-patron relationship. It was now possible to survive without a patron (like Beethoven).

Question 7

centre of musical activity

Answer 7

Vienna, Austria

Question 8

defining achievement

Answer 8

development of sonata form

Question 9

classicism

Answer 9

the highest level of excellence, possessing enduring value or timeless quality. Refers to the cultures of Ancient Rome/Greece, and the art of the late 18th-century. Emphasized symmetry, balance, and proportion

Question 10

Viennese school

Answer 10

the musical style forged by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and their contemporaries.

Question 11

absolute music

Answer 11

(pure music) music without extra-musical associations; generic titles reflecting tempos, genres, or forms

Question 12

sonata cycle

Answer 12

the multi-movement structure that emerged in the Classical Era. It is demonstrated in the symphony, sonata, or concerto. (ex. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik K525)

Question 13

menuet and trio

Answer 13

menuet: a stylized dance of French origin developed in the Baroque period, in triple meter, and with a graceful, elegant character. Trio = a contrasting middle section. Ternary form (ABA) (ex. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, mvmt 3)

Question 14

rondo form

Answer 14

classical formal structure often used in sonata cycle. Section A heard 3+ times in the tonic key, with alternating sections creating contrast. ABACA or ABACABA (ex. Eine Kleine, mvmt 2, ABACA Coda)

Question 15

sonata form

Answer 15

(sonata-allegro form) formal structure often used in the 1st movement of sonata cycle. Consists of Exposition (statement of 2+ contrasting themes), Development (departure), and Recapitulation (return). (ex. Eine Kleine mvmt 1)

Question 16

chamber music

Answer 16

music for small ensemble (2-10 players), with 1 player per part. Usually played without a conductor.

Question 17

string quartet

Answer 17

composed of violin 1, 2, viola, and cello, was the most important chamber-music genre of the era. Usually fast-slow-moderately fast-fast (4 mvmts), and mvmt 1 is usually sonata form. (Haydn String Quartet, op 76, no 2 “Quinten”)

Question 18

exposition

Answer 18

the first main section of sonata form. Two contrasting themes are stated: the first in the tonic, the second in a contrasting key (often dominant / relative major). (Haydn String Quartet, op 76, no 2 “Quinten”)

Question 19

development

Answer 19

the second main section of 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. (Haydn String Quartet, op 76, no 2 “Quinten”)

Question 20

recapitulation

Answer 20

the third main section of sonata form. 1st and 2nd themes are both restated in the tonic. (Haydn String Quartet, op 76, no 2 “Quinten”)

Question 21

coda

Answer 21

Latin for “tail” (cauda). A concluding section reaffirming the tonic key. (Haydn String Quartet, op 76, no 2 “Quinten”)

Question 22

rocket theme

Answer 22

rapidly ascending melody outlining an arpeggio, often used as a dramatic opening motive in Classical-era works (Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K525)

Question 23

rounded binary form

Answer 23

two-part musical form ( A :||: B + A :|| ). Music from A returns in B. (Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K525)

Question 24

serenade

Answer 24

multi-movement orchestral genre for small orchestra or chamber ensemble. Was popular in the Classical era, often performed in aristocratic social settings and outdoor events. (Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K525)

Question 25

cyclical structure

Answer 25

material heard in one movement recurs in later movements. Creates structural unity. (Symphony No. 5, op. 67)

Question 26

motive

Answer 26

short melodic or rhythmic idea, the smallest unit used to form a melody or theme (Symphony No. 5, op. 67)

Question 27

scherzo and trio

Answer 27

Italian for “jest” or “joke”. Beethoven substituted the scherzo in place of the menuet as the 3rd mvmt in the sonata cycle. also in triple meter, but generally more dramatic than the elegant menuet. can be humorous or ironic (Symphony No. 5, op. 67, mvmt 3)

Question 28

theme and variations

Answer 28

a melody is stated and then undergoes a series of transformations (of melody, rhythm, orchestration, etc.). Often used in slow movement of sonata cycle. (Symphony No. 5, op. 67, mvmt 2)