Classical Period Study Guide

Who were two of the more important preclassical composers?

Bach & Handel

During the classical period, what was serious composition flavored by?

folk and popular music

Know characteristics of the music of the classical period. What texture in music was most often used?

homophonic texture is used most

Political and economic power shifted to the middle class from what two powers?

aristocracy and church

In the exposition of a sonata form movement is the second theme in the tonic or a new key?

A new key

What is a coda?

a concluding section that provides closure

Which movement of a sonata-type composition is often patterned after a dance?

the third movement

In varying the theme in a theme and variation form what element is usually not changed?

the melody (theme itself)

Outline of a rondo form:

ABA format: A (the main theme) keeps coming back after B (different episodes)

What is the usual order of movements in a classical symphony?

Fast - slow - dance - fast

Which movement of a symphony is most often lyrical and slow?

the second movement

What is a concerto?

3 movement piece, written for solo instrument with orchestral accompaniment, designed to highlight virtuosity and expressive power of soloist.

What was the favorite solo instrument that Mozart and Beethoven wrote concertos for?

piano

Know the typical sequence of movements for a classical concerto:

fast - slow - fast

How does the classical concerto differ from the symphony? Which movement does it not have?

Concerto - solo instrument + orchestra, showcases virtuosity, double exposition in first movement, omits the third movement (dance form)

Symphony - orchestra alone, no featured soloist, included third movement (dance form)

What is a cadenza?

virtuosic solo passage near the end of a movement, performed without the orchestra, lets the soloist show off brilliance speed and expression, often improvised in Mozart’s time, later written out by composers like Beethoven

What is classical chamber music designed for?

designed for one small room (“chamber”) and a small group of performers - one player per part

Was Haydn considered a skilled servant?

Yes

What Hungarian family did Haydn have a long and financially stable relationship with?

The Esterházy family

What did Mozart do between the ages of sixteen and fifteen?

Toured Europe as a child prodigy, performing for royalty and aristocrats across many countries

Why did Mozart compose his Requiem?

he was commissioned anonymously to write a funeral mass

Important facts of Beethoven’s life include:

• bridged the classical and romantic eras

• studied with Haydn

• virtuoso pianist

• began losing his hearing in his late 20s

• wrote the Heiligenstadt Testament

• became the first major composer to work independently

• late works are visionary

What is a piano sonata?

• multimovement work

• written for solo piano

• usually in three movement (fast-slow-fast)

• built around sonata form in the first movement

What are Beethoven’s late works that he composed after he was totally deaf?

The Late String Quartets, The Ninth Symphony, The Missa Solemnis, Late Piano Sonatas, Diabelli Variations

Classicism, as a stylistic period in western art music, roughly encompassed what years?

1750-1820

The typical orchestra of the classical period consisted of what instruments?

Strings (Violins, Violas, Cellos, Double basses), Woodwinds (Flutes, Oboes, Clarinets (added later in the period), Bassoons)), Brass (French horns, Trumpets), Percussion (Timpani)

The minuet is generally which movement of a classical symphony?

third movement

In many of Beethoven’s works, there is what type of movement instead of the minuet?

the scherzo

What type of musical composition is usually light in mood, and meant for evening entertainment?

a serenade

What is the most important form of classical chamber music?

the string quartet

Along with his symphonies, what is Haydn’s most important works?

his string quartets

Mozart was born where?

Salzburg, Austria

Beethoven’s only opera is entitled what?

Fidelio