Classical solo concerto Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is a classical concerto?
A single solo instrument accompanied by an orchestra
What instrument was invented during the classical period which replaced the harpsichord?
Piano
What woodwind instrument was invented during the baroque period?
Clarinet
What did classical concertos no longer have?
Continuo section
What happened to the size of classical orchestras?
They became bigger than baroque orchestras as the number of instruments increased and new instruments such as the clarinet were added
What are the characteristics of the first movement of a classical concerto?
Sonata form, brisk, purposeful
What are the characteristics of the second movement of a classical concerto?
Ternary or variation form, slow, lyrical, song-like
What are the characteristics of the third movement of a classical concerto?
Rondo, variation or sonata form, fast, cheerful
What form did classical composers often use, particularly in their final movements?
Rondo form
What is the structure of rondo form?
ABACADA…, where A is repeated against contrasting episodes (similar to baroque ritornello form)
What sections do the soloist and orchestra sometimes perform?
Sections in dialogue with each other
How many sections does sonata form have?
3 sections
What is the first section in a sonata?
Exposition- where two contrasting (by pitch of tonality) themes are introduced, linked by a bridge passage
What is the second section in a sonata?
Development section- where new harmonies and rhythms are developed. Sequences, imitation or pedal notes could also be introduced
What is the third section in a sonata?
Recapitulation- where the themes from the exposition are repeated both in the tonic key often with some ornaments added followed by the coda
What is a coda
The concluding section that ‘ties up the loose ends’, bringing the sonata movement to a close
What is variation form?
a melodic theme which is then repeated with changes in melody, harmony, and rhythm
What is a cadenza section?
A section which occurs just before the end of the first movement (and sometimes the last movement). It is sometimes unaccompanied and is based on one of more of the themes from the movement
What do cadenza sections normally end in?
A long trill- a kind of signal or cue for the orchestra to get ready again to enter the final coda section where everyone plays together to end the movement
What do soloists normally do in a cadenza?
Improvise and include lots of fast scale passages, broken chords and decorated and ornementated melodies
Characteristics of classical concerto melodies?
Light/simple/elegant, sequences, ornaments (not as much as baroque), mainly homophonic texture, more expressive dynamics (than the baroque terraced dynamics), crescendos, diminuendos, balanced phrases (4 or 8 bar phrases), question and answer phrases
Characteristics of a classical concerto harmony?
Mainly primary chords- I,IV,V
What does a the conductor usually do in a classical concerto and why?
Follow the soloist. This allows the soloist to interpret their music as they wish
Examples of famous composers of classical concertos?
Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven
