Chapter 6 “Classical” Flashcards
(22 cards)
What was the time of the Classical era?
1750-1820
What was the other name given to the Classical era?
Age of Enlightenment
What does Age of Enlightenment mean?
Human happiness and the pursuit of knowledge should be valued
Mention the cultural background of the Classical era
-The idea of Enlightenment pushed society away from feudalism and absolute monarchies, and towards liberty and equality.
-French and American revolution
-Napoleonic wars
How was the Rhythm in the Classical era?
Unexpected pauses, syncopations, and frequent changes from long notes to shorter notes.
How was the texture in the Classical era?
Homophonic texture that can be changed to Polyphonic.
How was the Melody in the Classical era?
It was most tuneful and easiest to remember.
How was the Basso Continuo in the Classical era?
End of it. No more improvisation.
How was the orchestra between Baroque and Classical eras?
-For the Baroque it was only 10 to 30 players, primarily strings.
-For the Classical it was 30 to 60 players in four section.
What is a Symphony?
Composition written for an orchestra, in four movements.
What is a string quarter?
Two violins, viola and cello.
What were cultural changes in the Classical era?
-Middle class thrived.
-More demand for printed music, instruments and music lessons.
-Audience shifted from serious opera to comedic ones.
-Vienna became the center of musical scenes.
What was the Sonata form?
Form for composition that followed:
Exposition
Development
Recapitulation
Coda
What is the Classical Concerto?
-Three movements work for soloist and orchestra
-It had Cadenza
What is Cadenza?
Showcase, without orchestra, plays virtuosity by playin dazzling scale passages, broken chords. Most commonly found in the first movement. Usually by the soloist.
After the 18th it declined and composers began to write it directly.
What is the Classical Chamber Music?
-Was designed for the intimate setting of room in a home or palace rather than for a public concert hall.
-Performed by a small group of musicians.
-Was lighter in sound than a Classical orchestra.
-Didn’t need a conductor.
Mention Important Composers of the Classical era
-Joseph Haydn
-Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
-Ludwig van Beethoven
Who was Joseph Haydn?
-The person who started the Classical Style. Pioneer in the development of Symphony and String Quartet.
-Mozart and Beethoven were influenced by him.
-Losts of humorous side to his life and music (Surprise Symphony).
Who was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?
-Most amazing child prodigy in history
-Begun his professional career as an international celebrity, he could not tolerate bing treated like a servant.
-Created the Requiem
-Created the Magic Flute
What was Mozart’s Requiem?
A Mass for the dead, musical composition created for the deceased.
What was Mozart’s Magic Flute?
Singspiel
German language form of music drama. Masonic
Who was Ludwig van Beethoven?
-He studied briefly with Haydn, was a freelancer and never served the aristocracy.
-At age 29 he started to become deaf.
-He used classical forms and techniques but added intensity.
-He bridged the classical and romantic era.
-He used syncopation and dissonance to create Build up.
-Only wrote 1 opera
-Wrote 9 symphonies
-Symphony No. 9 was a Choral Symphony.
