Classical Era General Terms

Question 1

Define <b>Classicism</b>

Answer 1

pertains the highest level of excellence

possessing enduring value or timeless quality

refers to the cultures of Ancient Rome and Greece as well as the art, architecture, and music of the late 18th century

emphasis on symmetry, balance, and proportion

Question 2

Define <b>Viennese School</b>

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 century

Question 3

Define <b>absolute music</b>

Answer 3

music without extra musical associations

also known as “pure music”

generic title reflecting tempos, genres, or forms (ex Sonata, Allegretto, Menuet, Rondo)

Question 4

Define <b>sonata cycle</b>

Answer 4

emerged in the Classical era

multi-movement structure

demonstrated in the symphony, sonata, or concerto

Question 5

Define <b>sonata form</b>

Answer 5

formal structure often used in first movement of sonata cycle

consists of Exposition (statement of two or more contrasting themes), Development (departure), and Recapitulation (return)

also known as sonata-allegro form

Question 6

Define <b>exposition</b>

Answer 6

the first main section in sonata form

two contrasting themes are stated

the first theme is in the tonic key

the second theme (or themes) are in a contrasting key; generally in the dominant of relative major

Question 7

Define <b>development</b>

Answer 7

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 8

Define <b>recapitulation</b>

Answer 8

the third main section in sonata form

first and second themes are both restated in the tonic

Question 9

Define <b><i>coda</i></b>

Answer 9

Latin for “tail” (<i>cauda</i>)

a concluding section reaffirming the tonic key

Question 10

When was the Classical Period?

Answer 10

ca 1750 - ca 1825