Mid Term

Question 1

Sonata Form

Answer 1

A musical structure typically with three sections: Exposition, Development, and Recapitulation. Common in Classical symphonies and sonatas.

Question 2

Motet

Answer 2

A polyphonic vocal composition, often sacred and unaccompanied, popular during the Renaissance.

Question 3

Madrigal

Answer 3

Secular vocal music composition, usually a part-song for several voices, popular in the Renaissance and early Baroque periods.

Question 4

Opera

Answer 4

A dramatic work combining text (libretto) and musical score, typically performed with singers and an orchestra.

Question 5

[Da Capo] Aria

Answer 5

An aria in ABA form, where the first section is repeated after a contrasting middle section, popular in Baroque opera.

Question 6

Recitative

Answer 6

A style of delivery in opera where the singer adopts the rhythms of ordinary speech, often used to advance the plot.

Question 7

Suite

Answer 7

A set of instrumental pieces meant to be played in sequence, typically in dance forms.

Question 8

Monteverdi:

Answer 8

Claudio Monteverdi, a key composer of the late Renaissance and early Baroque, known for his operas and madrigals.

Question 9

Concerto [Grosso]

Answer 9

A Baroque orchestral form with contrasting groups of soloists (concertino) and the full orchestra (ripieno).

Question 10

Tutti

Answer 10

The full ensemble or orchestra, as opposed to a soloist or smaller group.

Question 11

Solo

Answer 11

A single performer playing or singing alone, often with orchestral accompaniment.

Question 12

Cadenza

Answer 12

A virtuoso solo passage in a concerto, typically near the end of a movement, allowing the performer to show their skill.

Question 13

Sonata

Answer 13

A multi-movement instrumental work, usually for solo instrument or small ensemble, popular in the Classical period.

Question 14

Sinfonia

Answer 14

An early term for a symphony or an instrumental introduction to an opera or oratorio.

Question 15

Oratorio

Answer 15

A large-scale musical work for orchestra and voices, usually based on a religious story, similar to opera but without acting or scenery.

Question 16

Cantata

Answer 16

A vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment, typically involving a choir, soloists, and often sacred in theme.

Question 17

Franz Joseph Haydn

Answer 17

A prominent Classical composer known as the “Father of the Symphony” and “Father of the String Quartet.”

Question 18

Organum

Answer 18

An early type of polyphonic music where plainchant is sung with an additional melodic line.

Question 19

Toccata

Answer 19

A virtuosic piece typically for keyboard or plucked instruments, featuring fast passages and improvisatory style.

Question 20

Fugue

Answer 20

A polyphonic composition where a theme is introduced and then developed by interweaving parts.

Question 21

Chaconne

Answer 21

A musical form used in the Baroque period consisting of variations over a repeating harmonic progression.

Question 22

[French] Overture

Answer 22

A musical form with a slow introduction followed by a faster section, often used to open operas and ballets.

Question 23

String Quartet

Answer 23

A chamber music ensemble consisting of two violins, a viola, and a cello, popularized in the Classical period.

Question 24

Palestrina

Answer 24

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, a Renaissance composer known for his sacred choral music and smooth polyphonic style.

Question 25

Fortepiano

Answer 25

An early version of the piano used during the Classical period, preceding the modern piano.

Question 26

Harpsichord

Answer 26

A Baroque keyboard instrument where strings are plucked, producing a bright, metallic sound.

Question 27

Basso Continuo

Answer 27

A continuous bass line typically played by keyboard instruments like the harpsichord and cello in Baroque music.