classical music genres (sonatas, symphonies, quartets, etc) Flashcards
(26 cards)
what is a classical sonata?
a composition written for one instrument in 3 or 4 movements
what are the four movements in a sonata?
fast movement in the tonic (sonata form), slow movement in alternate key, [minuet and trio in tonic], fast movement in tonic (rondo)
what is the exposition?
the first section of sonata form: 1st theme, transition, 2nd theme, codetta (all repeated, starts in the tonic and modulates to the dominant)
what is the development section?
the middle section of sonata form, in the dominant key
what is the recapitulation?
the final section of sonata form, an altered exposition but entirely in the tonic
how many symphonies did haden write?
104 (last 12 of which were in london)
what is style galant?
the precursor to the classical genre, simple, elegant and balanced
what is sturm und drang?
STORM AND STRESS, a sub genre within classical music with emphasis on passionate intensity and minor keys (pre-romantic)
what are the origins of the minuet and trio?
social dance of french origin in the baroque era, traditionally in binary form
how were minuet and trios used in the classical era?
as the 3rd movement in sonatas, symphonies and string quartets, in simple triple time and rounded binary form
what is rounded binary form?
[:a:][:ba:][:c:][:dc:][a][ba] where each :: is repeated
what is a scherzo?
a vigorous movement which replaced the minuet and trio towards the end of the classical era
what is rondo form?
used for final movements, a lively ABACA (or ABACABA) structure in 3/4
how many string quartets did haydn write?
68
what makes string quartets difficult to write?
it’s a musical argument with a severe lack of instruments, very conversational
what are some notable haydn string quartets?
op 33 (distinction between melody and accompaniment becomes less clear) and op 77 (pinnacle of his writing)
what are the origins of the early classical symphony?
italian opera and baroque sinfonia
what styles were early classical symphonies written in, and by who?
sammartini wrote over 70 in style gallant, light elegant and simple style
who was johanne stamitz?
an early developer of the classical symphony, who simplified the baroque styles and added the minuet and trio to make it four movements, and developed sonata form
where was stamitz from?
the mannheim school of composers
what are some mannheim techniques?
rocket (ascending arpeggio sequence), birds (chirping effect), crescendo (entire orchestral), sigh (descending pairs of notes)
what are the four movements in a symphony?
sonata form, slow ternary form, minuet and trio form (or scherzo!), sonata/rondo form
when did haydn stop using the harpsichord?
around 1770
what instruments did haydn use in his early works?
4x string parts, two oboes, two horns
