Classical Period

Question 1

Define sonata form

Answer 1

Sonata form usually consists of an introduction (optional) followed by an exposition section that has two themes that are played in two different keys (there’s a bridge part for modulation) followed by a closing theme, this section is repeated. Then comes the development section where any/all of the themes are played. Then comes the recapitulation part where theme one and two from the exposition are played in the same key (the transition period is called episode) and with no repetition only for it to end in a coda (optional)

Question 2

Key points about the classical symphony

Answer 2

One of the principal instrumentals forms of the period
Classical Orchestra around 30 to 40 players (Strings augmented with combinations of Woodwind, Brass and Percussion)
Key symphony composers Haydn, Mozart & (Early) Beethoven.

Question 3

Key point about the classical concerto

Answer 3

Three Movements – Fast, Slow, Fast
First Movement – Concerto Form like Sonata Form but with a double Exposition
Solo Instrument with Orchestral Accompaniment
Written to demonstrate the capabilities of the solo instrument and the performer
Piano Concertos the dominant solo concerto

Question 4

The concerto form

Answer 4

Similar to the sonata form but with a double exposition.

Question 5

Key points about chamber music

Answer 5

Music for 2 to around ten players, one player part
Golden Age of Chamber Music
The main chamber ensemble in the period was the String Quartet
Other popular types:
Duo, Trio, Quintet, Serenades and Divertimento

Question 6

Standard Chamber ensumble

Answer 6

Duos:
Solo Instrument and Piano
Trios:
String Trio – Violin 1, Viola or Violin 2, Cello
Piano Trio – Piano, Violin, Cello
Quartets:
String Quartet – Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello
Piano Quartet – Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello
Quintets:
String Quintet – Violin1, Violin 2, Viola 1, Viola 2, Cello
Piano Quintet – Piano and String Quartet
Divertimento & Serenade:
Larger chamber groups, considered to be half way between chamber music and the symphony.

Question 7

Key points about Vocal genres

Answer 7

Dominant choral works:
Mass
Requiem Mass
Oratorio
Two Types of Opera:
Opera Buffa
Opera Seria

Question 8

Mass, requiem and oratorio

Answer 8

Traditional all these choral genre performed in the church.
Early 19th Century these works began to be performed in concert halls, exposing this music to a greater audience
Haydn, Mozart & Beethoven all contributed and influenced these genres. Mozart Requiem is considered a master piece of the Viennese school.

Question 9

Classical operas

Answer 9

Opera Seria:
Serious or Tragic Opera
Italian Opera
Continuing the traditions of the Baroque period
Opera Buffa:
England knows as Ballad Opera, Germany – Singspiel, France – Opera Comique & Italy – Opera Buffa
This genre developed by Germany composer Gluck
Opera Buffa continued to use Arias & Recitatives but more use made of choruses and ballet sections
Less formal and considered to be more natural
Often in the language of the audience
Lively plots, humorous dialogue, popular tunes
Often touched on social issues of the day

Question 10

Thematic Development

Answer 10

Expansion of the Theme:
Varying its melodic outline
Rhythm
Harmony
Motive a small melodic idea a section of the theme. Motives can be used:
Sequence
Ostinato

Question 11

Classical forms

Answer 11

absolute Music:
Form very important
Not telling a story but the music itself is the story
Large Scales Works:
have an overall form
Each movement within the larger work has a form
Binary Form
Ternary Form etc..

Question 12

Multi movement cycle

Answer 12

The cycle consist of three or four movements
Works using multi movement cycle:
The Symphony
The Solo Concerto (3 movements)
String Quartet (other chamber music)
Sonata

Question 13

Movements

Answer 13

First Movement
Sonata Form (formal name Sonata-Allegro Form)
Allegro Tempo
Second Movement
Usually the slow movement 
Ternary Form, Shortened Sonata Form or Theme & Variations
Slow Tempo – Andante or Adagio
Theme & Variation
All music based on the original theme and is developed by varying:
Melodic Variation
Harmonic Variation
Rhythmic Variation
Third Movement
Most often Minuet & Trio
Triple Time
Two Dances – as one movement
Both Dances in Binary Form

Question 14

Significant composers

Answer 14

W A Mozart 1756-1791
J Haydn 1732 – 1809
L van Beethoven 1770 – 1827
F Schubert 1797 -1828

Question 15

Key features of Classical period

Answer 15

Melody – Symmetrical melody in balanced phrases and cadences; tuneful, diatonic, with narrow leaps.
Rhythm – Dance rhythms and regular recurring accents.
Harmony – Diatonic; tonic – dominant relationship expanded, becomes basis for large scale form
Texture – Homophonic
Instrumental Genres – Symphony, Solo Concerto, Solo Sonata, String Quartet, other chamber music genres.
Vocal Genres – Opera, Mass & Oratorio
Form – Large forms such as Sonata Form
Dynamics – Continuously changing dynamics through crescendo and decrescendo
Performing Forces – Orchestra standardized into four families; introduction of the Clarinet, Trombone, rise of piano