The Classical Era (Level 9 History)

Classicism

Both the cultures of Ancient Rome and Greece, as well as art, architecture, and music of the late 18th century, which adheres to principles of symmetry, balance, and proportion, with an emphasis on excellence, enduring value, and timeless quality.

Viennese School

Refers both to the musical style forged by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, and their contemporaries, as well as the fact that in the late 18th century, Vienna (Austria) flourished as a musical centre.

Absolute (“pure”) Music

Instrumental music without extramusical associations (poetry, etc.) with generic titles reflecting tempos, genres, or forms (ex. sonata, allegretto, menuet, rondo). Essentially-music for the sake of music.

Sonata Form (or Sonata-Allegro form)

Formal structure often used in the first movement of a sonata cycle which consists of exposition (statement of 2 or more contrasting themes), development (departure), and recapitulation (return).

Exposition

First main section in sonata form, where 2 contrasting themes are stated, the first in the tonic key and the second (or more) in a contrasting key (generally dominant or relative major).

Development

Second main section in sonata form, where the themes from the exposition are manipulated through fragmentation, sequential treatment, or changes to orchestration. There are usually modulations and increased harmonic tension, and new themes may even be introduced.

Recapitulation

Third main section of sonata form, where first and second themes are restated in the tonic.

Coda

Latin for “tail”. A concluding section of the sonata cycle reaffirming the tonic key.

Sonata Cycle

Multi-movement structure emerging in the Classical era, demonstrated in the symphony, sonata, or concerto.

Chamber Music

Music for a small ensemble (2-10 players) with one player per part, usually performed without a conductor.

String Quartet

The most important chamber music genre of the Classical era. It has a first and second violin, viola, and cello. Usually it is written in four movements (fast-slow-moderately fast-fast), with the first movement in sonata form.

Theme and Variations

A statement of a melody followed by a series of transformations by changes made to melody, harmony, rhythm, or orchestration. This is often employed in the slow (second) movement of a sonata cycle.

“Style Galant” (elegant style)

Musical style originating in the 1720s, featuring periodic melodies, homophonic texture, and delicate ornamentation (in contrast with the dense polyphony of J.S.Bach).

“Sturm und Drang” (“storm and stress“)

Literary movement of 1770s, characterized by heightened emotion and dramatic contrasts (which foreshadowed the Romantic style).

Empfindsamer Stil (“sensitive style”)

Introspective, expressive style achieved through unexpected turns of phrase, abrupt rhythmic gestures, and chromatic harmony (foreshadowing Romanticism; seen in the works even if C.P.E. Bach)

Serenade

A multi-movement orchestral genre for small orchestra or chamber ensemble, popular in the Classical era; often performed in aristocratic social settings and even outdoors.

Rocket Theme

A rapidly ascending melody outlining an arpeggio, often used as a dramatic opening motive in Classical-era works.

Menuet and Trio

A stylized (mannered and non-realistic) dance of French origin (developed in the Baroque era) in triple meter, that is graceful and elegant in character. Contains a middle section which contrasts, and creates ternary form of ABA.

Rondo Form

Classical structure often used in the sonata cycle, where A recurs to alternate with other sections (ABACA, or ABACABA), so that A is heard 3+ times in the tonic key.

Sonata-Rondo Form (or Rondo-Sonata Form)

Combines sonata and rondo forms, so that in ABACABA, ABA is the exposition, C the development, and the second ABA the recapitulation.

Coloratura

Elaborate ornamentation of a vocal melody, especially in operatic singing.

Symphony

A multi-movement orchestral work originating in the 18th century, usually in 4 movements: fast-slow-moderate-fast, with at least one movement in sonata form.

Cyclical Structure

Material heard in one movement recurs in later movements, creating structural unity in a multi-movement work.

Recall: Motive

A short melodic or rhythmic fragment used to build a melody.

Scherzo (jest/joke) and Trio

Beethoven substituted the scherzo in place of the menuet as the third movement in the sonata cycle. It is also in triple metre, but is generally more dramatic than the elegant menuet, and is able to be even humorous or ironic.