Discovering Music Quiz 1

How does Haydn use dynamics, articulation, pitch, etc. to surprise the listener?

Haydn uses a higher pitch, employs more instruments, adds stronger articulation, and a louder dynamic to surprise the listener. He also breaks the repetition that he builds up before the surprise.

Who are the characters and how is each characterized differently? Name at least 3 examples.

-Peter is played by the string instruments and emphasizes his energy and excitement with its pitch variance.
-Grandpa is played by the bassoon, which represents his stern and protective characterization, which is heard through the bassoon having a low pitch but not having a loud dynamic.
-Cat is played by the clarinet, which seems very cunning through the legatos and low pitch.

What is the form of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, Movement 1?

Sonata Form, as it contains an exposition, development, and recapitulation.

What is the form of Pink Pony Club?

Verse and chorus, as it follows the pattern of verse, chorus, verse, chorus, etc…

What is the form of the Amazing Grace hymn?

Strophic form, as the same melody is used in each stanza.

What is the form of Bohemian Rhapsody

Through-composed form, as it does not have a strict form or pattern that is followed.

Music

Sound + Organization + Time

Pitch

How high or low a sound is

Scale

A set of eight pitches in ascending order

Timbre

The unique sound quality of an instrument or voice that characterizes it, such as a bright or dark sound

Motive

A short section of the piece or song that is repeated throughout the entire piece, typically one or two measures in length

Dynamic

How loud or soft a sound is. Pianissimo (quiet), forte (loud), mezzo forte (moderately loud).

Articulation

The expressive way a note is sounded. Staccato (sharp and choppy), legato (long and smooth), marcato (stress, forcefully played)

Tempo

How fast or slow the beat is, measured in beats per minute. Largo (generally slow), Moderato (moderately), Presto (fastest)

What do the numbers in a time signature represent? Name a time signature we looked at in class and explain it.

Top number is how many beats in a measure, bottom number is what kind of note gets the beat. 4/4 is 4 beats in a measure, where the quarter note gets the beat.

What are the instrument families? How is sound produced by the player for each instrument family? Be able to name 3 instruments in each family.

Strings-Strummed, bowed, or plucked: Base, Cello, Violin
Percussion-Beat or shaken: Timpani, Xylophone, Maracas
Wind→
Woodwind-Blown across or into (a reed): Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone
Brass-Buzzed into a metal mouthpiece: Trombone, Tuba, Trumpet

Arrange the 5 voice types from highest to lowest. What are the kinds of characters each is associated with?

Soprano: Leading lady or damsel in distress
Mezzo/Alto: Supporting lady, grandma/mother, comedic friend, pants role
Tenor: Leading man, typically young and handsome
Baritone: Supporting/funny male character, villain, or occasionally the main man
Bass: Mentor/father figure, villain, or magical hero character

Name & describe the three main musical sections in Sonata Form.

Exposition: Sets up the main theme of the piece, is an introduction to what will be played for the other two sections.
Development: Takes the theme set up in the exposition and changes it through modifying the different musical elements (i.e. dynamics, pitch, articulation, tempo).
Recapitulation: Returns to the theme introduced by the exposition, but does smaller modifications to make it like a grand finale.

Name & describe 3 additional song forms (not sonata form).

Strophic: One melody is repeated throughout the entire piece, with small modifications that do not stray away from the initial melody.
Verse-Chorus/Refrain: The song follows the pattern of verse, chorus, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, etc…
Through-Composed: No specific pattern must be followed, the composer can modify the elements of the song as much as they like.