Music Appreciation Test 3

Classical Period

The timeframe in music history from 1750 to 1820 characterized by specific styles and forms.

Melody

Features singable melodies as a characteristic of the Classical period.

Harmony

Utilizes the major/minor system prominently during the Classical period.

Rhythm

Characterized by a strong and steady pulse, with variations in tempo.

Orchestration

Full orchestra is a typical feature in the Classical period.

Text

Composers use whichever language they choose, both secular and sacred.

Texture

Predominantly homophonic, although polyphonic textures are still in use.

Dynamics

Greater degrees in dynamics utilized extensively to create mood variations.

Mood

A characteristic of the Classical period that embraces a variety of mood.

Symphony

An instrumental form consisting of four movements written for orchestra.

String Quartet

An instrumental form made up of four movements for four instruments: 2 violins, viola, and cello.

Sonata

A classical genre typically in three movements for solo instruments.

Concerto

A classical form featuring three movements for solo instrument and orchestra.

Sonata Allegro Form

A musical structure involving exposition, development, and recapitulation.

Exposition

The first section of Sonata Allegro Form featuring Theme 1 (tonic) and Theme 2 (dominant).

Development

The second section in Sonata Allegro Form where multiple modulations occur.

Recapitulation

The third section which returns to the themes from the exposition in Sonata Allegro Form.

Haydn

A composer known for his successful career and contributions to string quartets and symphonies. Content in patronage system.

Mozart

A composer who attempted to break away from the patronage system but faced difficulties. Considered the greatest opera dramatist.

Beethoven

A composer who successfully broke away from the patronage system and was well-paid in Vienna.

Patronage

A system where composers were paid by the Church or Aristocrats and instructed on what to write.

Minuet

A dance form commonly used in the third movement of symphonies and string quartets.

Rondo

A musical form characterized by a theme that returns after various sections, typically used in the last movement.

Cadenza

A solo passage, often improvisational, highlighting a performer's technique, typically found in the first movement of concertos.

Classical Chamber Music

Designed for small, intimate settings with 2-9 musicians, typically featuring four movements (Fast, Slow, Minuet, Scherzo)

Wynton Marsalis

A contemporary trumpeter known for his contributions to music.

Sonata Rondo Form

Five-part or Seven-part musical structure combining elements of sonata and rondo. It features a recurring theme and contrasting episodes under the form ABACA or ABACABA

Scherzo

Also known as the Minuet, typically in Triple Meter (3/4)

Theme + Variations

Found in the second movement of the String Quartet.