Unit 4 Exam – Review Sheet

What does the term 'The Enlightenment' refer to in the context of music history?

A cultural and intellectual movement in Europe during the 18th century emphasizing reason, individualism, and the promotion of knowledge.

What is Alberti Bass?

A musical chord accompaniment style where the notes of a chord are played in a repeated pattern, typically in the sequence of low-high-middle-high.

What is Opera Buffa?

A type of comic opera that originated in Italy, often characterized by humorous situations and everyday characters.

What defines a Singspiel?

A form of German opera that includes both singing and spoken dialogue.

Who was Pietro Metastasio?

An influential Italian poet and librettist, known for his operatic works during the 18th century.

What does 'Sturm und Drang' mean in music?

A cultural movement that emphasized strong emotion, individualism, and often featured dramatic contrasts in music.

What is Esterháza?

The palace of Prince Nikolaus Esterházy, where Joseph Haydn worked and composed much of his music.

What is a Baryton?

A string instrument resembling a cello, used prominently in compositions by Joseph Haydn.

Who was Baron Gottfried van Swieten?

A patron of the arts who introduced Mozart to the works of Bach and Handel; he played a significant role in the classical music scene.

What is Sonata Allegro form?

A musical structure often used in the first movement of symphonies, consisting of an exposition, development, and recapitulation.

Who was Therese Jansen-Barolozzi?

A notable pianist and composer during the classical period, known for her role in the music of the time.

What is a Scherzo?

A lively and fast-paced musical composition, often used as a movement in classical symphonies or sonatas.

Who was Anton Stadler?

A clarinetist and friend of Mozart, noted for his influence on the development of the clarinet repertoire.

What does Feldharmonie refer to?

An arrangement of instruments used in a specific type of ensemble, often seen during the classical period.

Who was Johann Peter Salomon?

A violinist and conductor who played a major role in bringing Joseph Haydn to London.

What is Missa anguistiis?

A mass composed by Joseph Haydn, known for its dramatic and emotional depth.

What is 'Die Entführung aus dem Serail'?

An opera by Mozart that exemplifies the Singspiel genre, featuring both spoken dialogue and music.

Who was Lorenzo Da Ponte?

An Italian poet and librettist known for his collaborations with Mozart on operas such as 'Le nozze di Figaro'.

What is Freemasonry's relationship with music?

A social and philosophical movement that influenced several composers, including Mozart, promoting ideals of freedom and brotherhood.

Who was Franz Xaver Süssmayr?

A composer known for completing Mozart's 'Requiem' after his death.

How does Haydn manifest humor in his compositions?

Haydn often employed surprising key changes, sudden pauses, and playful contrasts in dynamics, notably in works like 'Symphony No. 94' ('Surprise') and 'The Joke' String Quartet.

What is the significance of social class in Mozart's operas?

Mozart's operas, especially 'Le nozze di Figaro', 'Don Giovanni', and 'Die Zauberflöte', address social hierarchy and class struggles through character interactions and plot conflicts.

What introductions did Haydn and Mozart have to Bach and Handel's music?

Haydn was exposed to Bach through his work at the Esterházy court, while Mozart was introduced by Baron Gottfried van Swieten; both adopted counterpoint and complex structures in their compositions.

How did the classical symphony evolve from its creation to late works?

The classical symphony, starting with Sammartini, typically featured four movements; instrumentation expanded, and its purpose evolved from simple entertainment to a vehicle for grand expression, exemplified by works like Haydn's 'Symphony No. 104' and Mozart's 'Symphony No. 41' ('Jupiter').

What are the essential elements of the French opéra comique?

French opéra comique merges sung and spoken dialogue, often involving everyday characters and light-hearted themes, exemplified by 'Bastien und Bastienne' by Mozart.

How do 'Le nozze di Figaro', 'Don Giovanni', and 'Die Zauberflöte' address social classes?

In 'Le nozze di Figaro', the witty servant Figaro's schemes against his aristocratic employer, Count Almaviva, highlight class tensions and the fight for equality. In 'Don Giovanni', the titular character, a nobleman who exploits women of lower social status, faces consequences that challenge the status quo. 'Die Zauberflöte' features a journey of enlightenment, where characters from various social classes collaborate, illustrating the importance of wisdom and virtue over social rank.

What themes are explored in 'Le nozze di Figaro' (The Marriage of Figaro)?

It highlights the dynamics between the aristocracy and lower class, exemplified by the Count and Countess versus Figaro and Susana, questioning morality and equality as the Count's attempts to seduce Susana are exposed.

How is the class struggle depicted in 'Don Giovanni'?

The opera contrasts the ruling class, represented by characters like Donna Anna and Don Ottavio through serious opera seria, with the lower class represented by Leporello in an opera buffa style, showcasing a narrative of seduction, revenge, and morality.

What is the role of the Queen of the Night in 'Die Zauberflöte' (The Magic Flute)?

She embodies the evil side of the aristocracy, contrasting with Tamino and Pamina, who represent the middle class, and serves to highlight the themes of good versus evil.

What does the character Zarastro represent in 'Die Zauberflöte'?

Zarastro symbolizes goodness and aligns with Freemasonry ideals, contrasting with the manipulative Queen of the Night.

How does Mozart incorporate different musical styles in 'Don Giovanni'?

Mozart uses dramatic operatic melodies for the noble characters and light-hearted, catchy tunes for Leporello, blending styles to represent the societal contrast.

What is the significance of the final scenes in 'Don Giovanni'?

In the climax, Don Giovanni is dragged to hell by the Commendatore's ghost, delivering a stark moral lesson regarding justice and the consequences of one's vices.

What is the relationship between Susana and Figaro in 'Le nozze di Figaro'?

Susana and Figaro represent the lower class, and their relationship forms the core plot as they navigate the Count's attempts to assert his privileges.

How are the weddings framed in the narrative of 'Le nozze di Figaro'?

The story culminates in the weddings, symbolizing reconciliation and the potential for harmony across class divides.

What musical style contrasts with the serious tones in 'Don Giovanni'?

Leporello’s character employs catchy, light-hearted melodies, showcasing the lighter side of the opera as opposed to the serious galant style used by the ruling class characters.