Music Exam 02

Question 1

What is the melody characteristic of Mozart’s Symphony No. 40?

Answer 1

Elegant, symmetrical phrases with motivic development; tuneful but urgent.

Question 2

What type of harmony is used in Mozart’s Symphony No. 40?

Answer 2

Functional diatonic harmony in G minor; frequent modulations within Classical bounds.

Question 3

Describe the rhythm in Mozart’s Symphony No. 40.

Answer 3

Steady, clear, with forward motion driven by syncopation and short rhythmic cells.

Question 4

What is the tempo marking for Mozart’s Symphony No. 40?

Answer 4

Allegro molto (fast and energetic).

Question 5

What are the dynamics like in Mozart’s Symphony No. 40?

Answer 5

Wide dynamic contrasts; sudden shifts add drama.

Question 6

What is the texture of Mozart’s Symphony No. 40?

Answer 6

Primarily homophonic with moments of polyphonic interplay.

Question 7

What is the timbre of Mozart’s Symphony No. 40?

Answer 7

Classical orchestration—strings dominant, light use of woodwinds and horns.

Question 8

What form does the first movement of Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 follow?

Answer 8

Sonata form—exposition, development, recapitulation.

Question 9

What is the key takeaway from Mozart’s Symphony No. 40?

Answer 9

This is Classical clarity at its dramatic best. Balanced structure, but emotionally charged within tight formal rules.

Question 10

What is the iconic melody motif in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5?

Answer 10

Four-note motif (short-short-short-long); obsessive development across movements.

Question 11

What is the harmonic progression in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5?

Answer 11

Begins in stormy C minor, moves toward triumphant C major; more chromatic than Mozart.

Question 12

Describe the rhythm of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.

Answer 12

Rhythmic drive is relentless; that opening motif is a rhythmic identity.

Question 13

What is the tempo marking for Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5?

Answer 13

Allegro con brio (fast with vigor); sharp tempo contrasts between movements.

Question 14

What are the dynamics like in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5?

Answer 14

Extreme—sudden fortes and pianissimos; Beethoven expands expressive range.

Question 15

What is the texture of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5?

Answer 15

Complex layering—denser than Mozart; moments of stark monophony to thick tutti.

Question 16

What is the timbre of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5?

Answer 16

Early Romantic expansion—heavier brass and percussion than typical Classical.

Question 17

What form does the first movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 follow?

Answer 17

Sonata form, but Beethoven stretches it to heighten emotional drama.

Question 18

What is the key takeaway from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5?

Answer 18

Beethoven is the revolution. He takes Classical tools and forges a new emotional language.

Question 19

What is the melody characteristic of Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat Major?

Answer 19

Ornate, lyrical, vocal-like; the main theme feels improvised.

Question 20

Describe the harmony in Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat Major.

Answer 20

Rich, chromatic; subtle modulations; uses dissonance to color emotional nuance.

Question 21

What is the rhythm style used in Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat Major?

Answer 21

Flexible and expressive—rubato is essential here.

Question 22

What is the tempo marking for Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat Major?

Answer 22

Lento (slow), but flows with expressive push and pull.

Question 23

What are the dynamics like in Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat Major?

Answer 23

Highly nuanced, from whisper-quiet to glowing warmth.

Question 24

What is the texture of Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat Major?

Answer 24

Homophonic—melody in right hand, accompaniment in left; lush inner voices emerge.

Question 25

What is the timbre of Chopin's Nocturne in E-flat Major?

Answer 25

Solemn, intimate piano tone; warm, resonant.

Question 26

What form does Chopin's Nocturne in E-flat Major follow?

Answer 26

Rounded binary or ternary (ABA); repeats with embellishments in the second A.

Question 27

What is the key takeaway from Chopin's Nocturne in E-flat Major?

Answer 27

This is the Romantic spirit—interior, intimate, and expressive.

Question 28

What are the main characteristics of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture?

Answer 28

Multiple themes—Russian hymns, folk melodies, and 'La Marseillaise'; instantly memorable.

Question 29

Describe the harmony in Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.

Answer 29

Nationalistic tonalities; lush Romantic harmonies and triumphant cadences.

Question 30

What is the rhythm style of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture?

Answer 30

March rhythms, fanfares, accelerations; high variety for dramatic effect.

Question 31

What is the tempo structure of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture?

Answer 31

Shifting—broad, then urgent, then explosive; structured for narrative pacing.

Question 32

What are the dynamics like in Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture?

Answer 32

Off the charts. Whispers to cannon fire—literal cannons and bells at the end.

Question 33

What is the texture of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture?

Answer 33

Thick, polyphonic climax; thinner passages contrast to build tension.

Question 34

What is the timbre of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture?

Answer 34

Monumental—full Romantic orchestra + artillery; power and grandeur.

Question 35

What form does Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture follow?

Answer 35

Programmatic—not traditional form; a musical story arc from despair to victory.

Question 36

What is the key takeaway from Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture?

Answer 36

This is musical theater without words.

Question 37

What are the core traits of the Classical Period?

Answer 37

* Music as clarity, order, and symmetry * Sonata form rules the day * Themes and variations as form * Obsession with balance and contrast * Rise of genres: Symphony, String Quartet, Classical Concerto

Question 38

Name two composers to know from the Classical Period.

Answer 38

* Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart * Ludwig van Beethoven

Question 39

What are the core traits of the Romantic Period?

Answer 39

* Music as emotion, drama, and individual genius * Expanded orchestra * Use of rubato and lyrical melodies * Obsession with nature, literature, folklore, and nationalism * Flexible forms

Question 40

Name two composers to know from the Romantic Period.

Answer 40

* Frédéric Chopin * Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Question 41

What are the elements of music that must be mastered?

Answer 41

* Melody * Harmony * Rhythm * Tempo * Dynamics * Texture * Timbre * Form

Question 42

Fill in the blank: The texture of the Classical Period is largely _______.

Answer 42

homophonic

Question 43

Fill in the blank: The tempo marking for Chopin's Nocturne in E-flat Major is _______.

Answer 43

Lento

Question 44

True or False: Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture follows a traditional sonata form.

Answer 44

False

Question 45

Fill in the blank: The iconic opening motif of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 is often described as _______.

Answer 45

Fate knocking