Key Terms and Topics for Music History Unit 2 Exam Preparation

Meyerbeer, Giacomo - Les Hugenotes

(1836)

Bizet, George - "Seguidilla" from Carmen

(1875)

Rossini, Gioachino - "Una voce poco fa" from Il barbiere di Siviglia

(1816)

Verdi, Giuseppe - Act III Scene and Duet from La traviata

(1853)

Puccini, Giacomo - "Vieni, amor mio!" from Madama Butterfly

(1906)

Weber, Carl Maria von - "The Wolf's Glenn" from Der Freischütz

(1821)

Wagner, Richard - Prelude to Tristan und Isolde

(1859)

Mussorgsky, Modest - "Coronation Scene" from Boris Godunov

(1872)

Bruckner, Anton - Symphony No. 4 "Romantic" in E-flat major

(1874)

Brahms, Johannes - Symphony No. 4 in E minor

(1885)

Tchaikovsky, Piotr Il'yich - Symphony No. 6 "Pathétique" in B minor

(1893)

Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolai - Scheherazade, Op. 35

(1888)

Saint-Saëns, Camille - The Carnival of the Animals

(1886)

Sibelius, Jean - Finlandia

(1899)

Ponchielli, Amilcare - Sinfonia in B-flat Minor

(1872)

Chopin, Frédéric - Mazurka No. 5 in B-flat major, Op. 7 No. 1

(1832)

Smetana, Bedřich - Má vlast

(1879)

Dvořák, Antonín - "Song to the Moon" from Rusalka, Op. 114

(1901)

Grieg, Edvard - Violin Sonata No. 2 in G major, op. 13

(1867)

Franck, Cesar

Symphony in D minor (1888)

Gottschalk, Louis Moreau

Souvenir de Puerto Rico, Op. 31 (1857)

Parker, Horatio

Hova Novissima, Op. 30 (1893)

Beach, Amy

"Gaelic" Symphony in E minor, Op. 32 (1894)

Mahler, Gustav

Das Lied von der Erde (1908)

Strauss, Richard

Don Quixote, Op. 35 (1897)

Grand Romantic Opera

New strains and modifications made to opera in the Romantic period, involving composers like Meyerbeer, Bizet, Rossini, Bellini, Verdi, Puccini, Weber, Wagner, and Mussorgsky.

Program vs. Absolute music

Program music conveys a specific story or idea, using instrumentation and techniques to evoke emotions, while absolute music is focused solely on musical form and structure.

Nationalism

National identity's importance to composers, with examples from various countries including Italy, Czech, Poland, Norway, Finland, Hungary, Russia, and the United States.

The Romantic Symphony

Significant changes to the Symphony orchestra and its repertoire, including evolution in form, instrumentation, and honoring older forms, with examples from composers like Bruckner, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Sibelius, Mahler, and Strauss.

The Late Romantics

Comparison of the works of Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss in terms of style, output, influence, and their classification as Programmatic vs. Absolute music.

Which of the following works is an example of program music, and why?

a) Bruckner's Symphony No. 4 "Romantic"

b) Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade

c) Brahms' Symphony No. 4 in E minor

b) Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade

Scheherazade is a clear example of program music because it is based on the tales from One Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights). The work has a programmatic element, with each movement representing different parts of the story. The music depicts the characters and scenes from the famous tales, using vivid orchestration to evoke a sense of mystery and drama.

Who was the composer of Les Huguenots, and what year was it premiered?

Giacomo Meyerbeer, premiered in 1836.

What is the term used to describe a "total work of art" that combines music, drama, and visual elements, and which composer is most associated with this concept?

The term is Gesamtkunstwerk, and Richard Wagner is the composer most associated with this concept.

Gesamtkunstwerk literally means "total work of art" and refers to the ideal of combining all the arts—music, poetry, drama, and visual elements—into a single cohesive production. Wagner championed this idea in his operas, especially in his monumental cycle Der Ring des Nibelungen. He believed in integrating every part of the production to create a unified artistic experience.

Which Russian composer was part of the "Mighty Handful" (Moguchaya Kuchka) and is known for incorporating nationalistic elements into his music?

Mussorgsky. He was one of the members of the "Mighty Handful," a group of composers who focused on creating a distinctly Russian sound. Mussorgsky’s works, such as Boris Godunov, are great examples of this nationalism.

In Wagner's operas, what musical technique is used to associate specific themes or ideas with characters, places, or concepts?

Leitmotives. These are recurring musical themes associated with characters, places, or ideas. For example, the "Tristan chord" in Tristan und Isolde is a leitmotif representing longing and desire.

What is the name of the chord in Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde that became a symbol of unresolved tension and longing?

Tristan chord. This chord is a dissonant harmony in Tristan und Isolde, and it’s one of Wagner’s most famous innovations.

What is the name of the 19th-century French opera style that features grand, historical or mythological themes, large casts, and elaborate productions?

French Grand Opera. This style is exemplified by composers like Giacomo Meyerbeer, and works like Les Huguenots are representative of this genre.

In Richard Strauss's opera "Elektra," what central theme drives the protagonist's actions throughout the story?

The quest for revenge against her mother's lover, Aegisthus, for her father's murder.

3 multiple choice options

In the context of Romantic music, which aspect is often emphasized to convey deep emotional expression?

The use of rich harmonies and lyrical melodies

3 multiple choice options

Which famous aria, sung by Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia, is known for its virtuosic and expressive vocal writing?

"Una voce poco fa" from Rossini's Il barbiere di Siviglia (1816). It's an example of the bel canto style.

In which opera by Bizet can you find the aria "Seguidilla," and in what year was it first performed?

The aria "Seguidilla" is from Bizet's Carmen (1875). It's one of the famous pieces from this opera.

What is the title of the symphony by Tchaikovsky that is often referred to as his "Pathétique" Symphony, and what year was it composed?

Symphony No. 6 "Pathétique" by Tchaikovsky, composed in 1893. It’s a deeply emotional symphony often associated with Tchaikovsky’s own struggles.

Who composed Scheherazade, and what year was it first performed?

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov composed Scheherazade, and it was first performed in 1888.

Describe how opera evolved in the Romantic period. Which composers were significant in this shift, and what were some specific traits or innovations they introduced? Mention at least three composers and examples of their work.

In the Romantic period, opera underwent significant changes in terms of emotional depth, larger productions, and more complex character development. Composers began to break away from classical traditions, introducing more dramatic and expressive elements to engage audiences on a deeper emotional level.

Giacomo Meyerbeer: Known for his contributions to French Grand Opera, Meyerbeer’s operas such as Les Huguenots (1836) introduced large-scale productions with historical or mythological themes and massive choruses. His operas were marked by grandiose musical numbers, with large orchestras and complex vocal ensembles, aimed at creating a highly dramatic effect. His work influenced the development of Romantic opera by pushing boundaries of scale and spectacle.

Richard Wagner: Wagner revolutionized opera with his concept of the Gesamtkunstwerk (total work of art), where music, drama, and visual elements merged into one unified whole. He is famous for creating Leitmotives, recurring musical themes that represent specific characters, ideas, or places in the opera, such as in Der Ring des Nibelungen (1876). Wagner's operas were often highly symbolic and sought to engage audiences in deep emotional and intellectual experiences. The use of orchestral depth and harmonic innovations, like the Tristan chord, also marked his influence.

Richard Strauss: While Strauss is more closely associated with the late Romantic period, his operatic works, such as Salome (1905) and Der Rosenkavalier (1911), continued the Romantic tradition of intense emotion and exploration of human psychology. Strauss's operas often featured complex orchestration and daring harmonic choices. He also perfected the use of the tone poem in his instrumental music, further advancing the Romantic style of expressive, programmatic music.

What is the primary difference between program music and absolute music? Can you name a work by Tchaikovsky that is considered program music?

Program music is music that tells a story or represents something specific, while absolute music is purely instrumental and doesn’t tell a specific story. Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture is program music because it depicts a narrative. A work that fits both categories: Bruckner's Symphony No. 4 is sometimes considered "programmatic" due to its titles (like "Romantic"), but it’s generally viewed as absolute music because its narrative is vague and open to interpretation.

Which composer is known for incorporating Czech folk themes into his symphonic works, particularly in "Slavonic Dances"?

Antonín Dvořák

3 multiple choice options

Which of the following elements are associated with progressive tonalism in music?

The use of unconventional harmonic progressions that challenge traditional tonal structures and The exploration of modal scales as a means of expanding tonal possibilities.

Who was Eugène Scribe and what is his role in opera history?

Eugène Scribe was a French librettist, known for writing many of the librettos for French Grand Opera, including works by composers like Meyerbeer and Auber.

What is exoticism in music, and how was it used during the Romantic period?

Exoticism refers to the use of musical elements from non-Western cultures or distant places. Composers like Bizet in Carmen (1875) used exoticism to evoke distant lands and cultures.

What is Bel Canto, and which composers are associated with this style?

Bel Canto is a style of singing and composition that emphasizes beautiful, lyrical vocal lines. Rossini, Bellini, and Donizetti are key composers associated with Bel Canto opera.

What is Gesamtkunstwerk, and which composer is associated with it?

Gesamtkunstwerk means "total work of art," where music, drama, and visuals are all integrated into a cohesive whole. Richard Wagner is most famous for this concept, particularly in works like Der Ring des Nibelungen.

What are leitmotives, and who developed this technique?

Leitmotives are recurring musical themes associated with specific characters, objects, or ideas. Richard Wagner is credited with developing this technique, especially in operas like Tristan und Isolde.

What is the Tristan chord, and how did it influence music?

The Tristan chord is a harmonic progression in Wagner's Tristan und Isolde (1859) that defies traditional harmonic expectations. It played a key role in the development of chromaticism and later atonality in Western music.

What is a Mazurka, and which composer is known for using it?

A Mazurka is a traditional Polish folk dance in triple meter, often with strong accents on the second or third beats. Chopin frequently incorporated mazurkas into his piano compositions.

What is Ktož jsú boží bojovníci, and in which work is it featured?

Ktož jsú boží bojovníci is a famous choral hymn featured in Smetana’s Má Vlast, representing the Czech struggle for freedom.

What is Thème libre in music?

Thème libre (free theme) is a concept in which a composer improvises or presents a melody in a free, flexible style without a rigid structure, often used in the context of French Romantic music.

Who composed "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair," and what is it known for?

Stephen Foster composed “Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair” (1854). It is one of his most famous parlor songs, known for its lyrical beauty and emotional expression.

Who were members of the Second New England School, and what characterized their music?

The Second New England School included composers John Knowles Paine, Horatio Parker, George Whitefield Chadwick, Edward MacDowell, and Amy Beach. Their music combined European traditions with American themes and was more orchestral and symphonic than earlier American compositions.

What is Developing Variation, and which composer is associated with it?

Developing Variation is a technique where a single theme is continuously varied and transformed throughout a piece. Johannes Brahms is known for using this method in his compositions.

Who was Nadezhda von Meck, and what was her relationship with Tchaikovsky?

Nadezhda von Meck was a wealthy widow who was enthralled by Tchaikovsky's music. She became his financial supporter and intellectual correspondent during this time. From 1877, she enabled Tchaikovsky to leave his position at the Moscow Conservatory and devote himself entirely to composition.

What is Orientalism in music, and which composers are associated with it?

Technique imitating aspects of the eastern world (use of instruments, scales, or melodies). Composers like Bizet (e.g., Carmen) and Saint-Saëns (e.g., The Carnival of the Animals) used exotic elements from the East in their music.

What is the Kalevala, and how did it influence Finnish music?

The Kalevala is a Finnish epic poem that inspired composers like Jean Sibelius, whose works, like Kullervo Symphony, draw on its themes and national identity.

Who was Joseph Halliday, and what was his contribution to music history?

He was an inventor at the Royal Kent, Keyed Bugle, and led to the invention of the Ophicleide

What prestigious award did César Franck receive early in his career, which recognized his exceptional talent and contributions to music?

Grand Prix d'honneur

The Grand Prix d'honneur is a prestigious award recognizing outstanding achievements in music, awarded to exceptional composers like César Franck.

Franck's receipt of the Grand Prix d'honneur early in his career highlighted his significant contributions to the Romantic music movement and composition.

This award not only elevated Franck's status in the music community but also encouraged his innovative approaches to harmony and structure in compositions.

How does Antonín Dvořák's "New World Symphony" reflect his integration of American musical elements?

It incorporates African American spirituals and Native American themes alongside Czech folk melodies. Dvořák's "New World Symphony" showcases a blend of diverse musical traditions, highlighting the cultural richness of American music during the Romantic era.

What aspect of Czech national style is prominently featured in Bedřich Smetana's works?

The use of folk melodies and rhythms that evoke Czech history and identity. Bedřich Smetana is renowned for incorporating traditional Czech folk melodies, which reflect the cultural heritage and identity of the Czech people.

His compositions often utilize rhythmic patterns and scales derived from Czech folk music, creating a distinct national sound that resonates with listeners.

Smetana's works, such as "Má vlast," celebrate Czech landscapes and history, reinforcing national pride through music during a time of political change.

Who are some opera composers that modified the genre during the Romantic period? What are their compositional traits, and what examples of their works show these traits?

During the Romantic period, opera became much more dramatic, expressive, and emotionally charged. Some composers also experimented with new structures or expanded the orchestra.

Giacomo Meyerbeer – Known for grand operas with large choruses and dramatic effects. Example: Les Huguenots.

Georges Bizet – He brought a sense of realism and exoticism. Example: Carmen, which introduced a more naturalistic and passionate style.

Richard Wagner – Completely redefined opera with his concept of Gesamtkunstwerk (total work of art), combining music, drama, and visuals. Example: The Ring Cycle.

Giuseppe Verdi – Known for his emotionally powerful music and development of character-driven operas. Example: La Traviata.

Giacomo Puccini – His operas are known for their sweeping melodies and emotional depth. Example: La Bohème.

Who is the French librettist who worked with Giacomo Meyerbeer?

Eugène Scribe

What is the name of the motive the Verdi uses in his operas to recall people, places, or situations?

Reminiscence Motives

What is the type of motivic development that is associated with Brahms, but was coined by Arnold Schoenberg?

Developing variation

Which composer is associated with the Cecilian movement, where artists had a renewed interest in Renaissance music?

Anton Bruckner

Which composer was Band Master for the "Banda Civia Musicale de Cremona? Between 1864 and 1874?

Amilcare Ponchielli

Who was the inventor of the keyed bugle, and led to the extension and invention of more brass instruments?

Joseph Halliday

Name the group of Russian composers that stood against professionalism and western musical training.

Moguchaya kuchka

"The Mighty Five"

Give the name of the Polish dance that is in ¾ and became a form used by Chopin in his piano music.

Mazurka

Give the name of the group of American composers that consisted of George Whitefield Chadwick, Edward MacDowell, John Knowles Pain, Horatio Parker, and Amy Beach.

The Second New England School

Who is the composer who quoted the Hussite Chorale "Ktož jsú boží bojovníci" in one of their tone poems?

Bedřich Smetana

What was the title of the book that inspired several of Jean Sibelius' works that were evocative of Finnish Nationalism?

Kalevala

How did composers use music to express national identity?

Finland: Jean Sibelius, Finlandia (An overtly nationalistic work representing Finland’s struggle for independence).

Czech Republic: Bedřich Smetana, Má vlast (The work reflects Czech pride and patriotism).

Poland: Frédéric Chopin, Mazurka No. 5 in B-flat major, (Polish dance)

Russia: Modest Mussorgsky, Pictures at an Exhibition (Often seen as reflecting Russian folk traditions).

United States: Amy Beach, Gaelic Symphony (Beach’s symphony incorporates a national identity through Irish folk music).

Norway: Edvard Grieg, Violin Sonata No. 2 in G major (Grieg used Norwegian folk music in his compositions)

Describe the significant changes to the Symphony orchestra and its repertoire during the Romantic period. How did composers expand the symphony?

During the Romantic period, the symphony saw both expansion in size and a deeper emotional range. Key changes include:

Expansion of the Orchestra: The orchestra grew significantly in size, adding instruments like the tuba, piccolo, and English horn. Brass and strings sections became more powerful, giving composers more tonal color and intensity.

Larger Scale and Emotional Depth: Composers like Brahms and Tchaikovsky focused on developing symphonies with greater emotional range and longer forms. Brahms’s Symphony No. 1 is a good example of how the symphony retained traditional structures while expanding into richer emotional terrain.

Programmatic Elements: While classical symphonies adhered to abstract forms, many Romantic composers (like Tchaikovsky in Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique”) infused their symphonies with deep emotional and sometimes narrative elements.

Mahler's Contributions: Mahler’s symphonies often included vocal forces and larger orchestras, pushing symphonic form into new territories. His Symphony No. 2 ("Resurrection") is an example of this larger scale and emotional depth.