UO MUS 268 - Final Exam Flashcards

How is Vivaldi’s concerto influenced by da capo aria form?

The return to the introductory material is similar to the ideas in da capo aria form. Furthermore, the appearance of ritornello in the orchestra stabilizes harmonic exploration, movement, and structure.

How do Vivaldi’s opening ritornelli point to classicist melodic approaches?

The increase in melodic and motivic diversity while only existing within one theme points to classicist melodic approaches in that it contributes to classical sequencing.

What’s an intermezzo?

An intermezzo is a theatrical piece set in the middle of a larger, dramatic piece.

Melodically, what distinguishes classic period opera from baroque opera? How does Pergolesi’s La serva padrona show that?

Melody is more distinguishable and given more melodic/harmonic treatment in classic period opera compared to baroque opera. Pergolesi’s La serva padrona shows that in that it depicts emotions more broadly, and each emotion has its own melodic idea.

What aesthetic changes characterize the enlightenment?

Melody is becoming the main focus of the piece, focusing on developing simplicity, balance, and clarity. Music’s focus also shifts more towards serving the purpose of pleasing and entertaining.

What is the precursor of the solo sonata?

The precursor of the solo sonata is the treble sonata because it places emphasis on the melodic treatment.

What is the galant style? How does Domenico Scarlatti’s sonata exemplify this style?

Galant style is a style of music that features melodic simplicity over light accompaniment. Domenico Scarlatti’s sonata exemplifies this style in that ideas/motives are repeated several times without development.

How is C.P.E. Bach’s approach to ornamentation different from galant and even baroque composers? How is melodic treatment important here?

C.P.E. Bach’s approach to ornamentation is different from galant and even baroque composers because ornaments are more intentionally worked into melodic material rather than improvised and have a more melodic, expressive quality.

What characterizes the early classical symphony in relation to melodic content?

Early classical symphony is characterized by diverse melodic ideas. They help to identify harmonic areas, thus structuring the piece.

Why was the Mannheim School relevant to the development of the symphony orchestra?

The Mannheim School served as innovators in music who spearheaded many new trends for the symphony orchestra under the direction of Johann Stamitz, especially musical dynamics and tone control.

In terms of form (sonata form), what was an important element introduced by Johann Stamitz?

Johann Stamitz introduced the 4th movement and 2nd thematic area to sonata form.

Which baroque trait do we still hear in music from mid-classicism?

We still hear baroque sequencing in music from mid-classicism.

How do harmonic and melodic structures in mid-classic music establish sonata form? How does music by early Haydn and J. C. Bach show that?

Particularly in the exposition, thematic ideas and clear harmonic areas establish sonata form.

How does the mid-classic concerto (e.g. J.C. Bach’s) show the influence of the early symphony?

The mid-classic concerto shows the influence of the early symphony because it displays different thematic ideas, similar to the Mannheim symphonies.

Musically, what characterizes pieces for serenade events?

Serenade pieces are characterized by very clear forms, minimal instrumentation, and minimal developmental ambition to take the background during serenade events.

What were serenade events? What was their performance context?

Serenade events were smaller gatherings of wealthy people (usually at night before dinner), where people could mingle and be social. Very quaint music accompanied the event.

What was the ultimate social aim of serenade music?

The ultimate social aim of serenade music, similar to previous trends from the Enlightenment that were prevalent in the Early and Mid Classicist periods, was to please, charm, and entertain.

What distinguishes large ensemble music from serenade repertoire?

Large ensemble music is distinguishable from serenade repertoire because it prioritizes content with contrasting moods, organically-related melodic ideas, and attention to development to explore the music’s psychological terrain.

How do these elements frame melodic treatment in large ensemble music? How does Mozart’s Piano Concerto K. 488 show that?

Melodic content with contrasting moods frame characters and sections, and complex harmonic explorations and colors take place. Mozart integrates these techniques, especially in his development, to intensify the mood.

What characterizes the late classical symphony?

The late classical symphony is characterized by complex melodic invention/variety, elaborate development sections, and a clear sonata form-plan.

What is the source of melodic invention in the late classical symphony?

The source of melodic invention in the late classical symphony is motivically interrelated themes and melodies.

How many sections does the development of the classical symphony usually have?

Typically, the development of the classical symphony has two sections.

How does Mozart create the psychological/emotional profile of opera characters? Why is melody important?

Mozart gives specific melodic shapes and characters to specific ideas and feelings. Melody is important because it characterizes the character’s thought process and corresponds with their vocal range.

How does Mozart’s melodic treatment in vocal ensembles energize the psychological integration and emotional momentum of a scene?

Mozart’s melodic treatment of bringing melodic lines together to be musically coherent energizes the momentum.

Which romantic elements are visible in Mozart’s “The Magic Flute?”

Romantic elements that can be observed in Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” include fantastic elements like magic, harmonic ambiguity, and bigger-than-life concepts such as dealing with the supernatural.