Music History and Theory Review

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering music history eras, major composers, their contributions, and key terminology with associated examples from the lecture notes.

When did the Baroque era occur and what were its key characteristics?

The Baroque era occurred between 1600-1750 and was characterized by counterpoint, ornamentation, and basso continuo.

According to the notes, what are the years and key characteristics of the Classical era?

The Classical era (1750-1820) is defined by balance, clarity, and sonata form.

What style markers defined the Romantic era (1820-1900)?

The Romantic era was characterized by emotion, nationalism, and virtuosity.

Which composers represent the 20th Century & Contemporary period in the summary?

Stravinsky, Bernstein, Louie, and Adams.

What are Vivaldi's (1678-1741) safe answers for contributions in an essay?

Solo concerto and ritornello form.

What were J.S. Bach's (1685-1750) primary musical contributions?

Fugue and counterpoint.

What contribution is associated with G.F. Handel (1685-1759)?

English oratorio.

Which two musical forms are attributed to Haydn (1732-1809)?

Symphony and string quartet.

How does the transcript describe Mozart's (1756-1809) contribution?

Perfection of Classical style.

What is Beethoven's (1770-1827) historical significance in music?

He represents the transition to Romanticism.

What specific contribution is listed for Schubert (1797-1828)?

German Lied.

What style did Chopin (1810-1849) contribute to music history?

Modern piano style.

What were Berlioz's (1803-1869) key contributions?

Program music and orchestration.

What is internal realism in opera attributed to Georges Bizet (1838-1875)?

Operatic realism.

What are Debussy's (1862-1918) primary contributions?

Impressionism and new harmonic language.

What revolutionary rhythmic concepts are associated with Stravinsky (1882-1971)?

Revolutionary rhythm and polytonality.

How is Bernstein's (1918-1990) musical style described?

A blend of Classical + jazz + musical theatre.

What is Louie's (born 1949) contribution to music?

East-West fusion.

What is the definition of a Fanfare and what is an example piece?

A short ceremonial brass flourish; example: Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland.

What is Chamber Music based on the student notes?

Music for a small ensemble, such as String Quartet No. 14 'Death and the Maiden' by Franz Schubert.

What is the definition of Atonality?

Music without a tonal center, exemplified by Pierrot lunaire.

What does the term 'Melisma' describe?

Many notes sung on one syllable, as seen in Messiah.

Define 'Col Legno' as used in techniques for strings.

Strings played with the wood of the bow (Example: 'Mars' from The Planets).

What is Ternary Form?

A three-part ABA form.

Define 'Motive' in a musical context.

A short recurring musical idea, like the opening of Symphony No. 5.

What is a Libretto?

The text of an opera or oratorio.

What is Polyrhythm?

Multiple rhythms occurring at once; example provided is 'Clapping Music' by Steve Reich.

What is a Tonal Answer in a fugue?

A modified restatement of a fugue subject.

In Minimalism, what does the term 'Ostinato' refer to?

A repeated pattern, such as in Ravel's Boléro.

What is Basso Continuo?

A continuous bass accompaniment common in the Baroque period.

How is Minimalism defined in the notes?

Repetition with gradual change, exemplified by 'Music for 19 Musicians'.

What is a Sonata Cycle?

A multi-movement Classical structure.

What is an Aria?

A solo vocal piece, such as 'Nessun dorma'.

Define 'Chromatic' harmony.

Harmony using notes outside the key.

What does the term 'Rubato' mean?

Flexible tempo or 'robbed time', as heard in Chopin's Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2.

Which composers are associated with the Second Viennese School?

Schoenberg, Berg, and Webern.

Define 'Pedal Point'.

A sustained note held under changing harmony.

What is a 'Lied' and give an example composer.

A German art song; example composer: Franz Schubert.

What is 'Hemiola'?

A shift between groups of 2 and 3 beats.

What is Primitivism in music?

Music inspired by ancient or folk elements, such as The Rite of Spring.

What occurs during the 'Development' section of a piece?

Themes are explored and transformed.

Define 'Exoticism'.

Musical style reflecting foreign cultural influences.

What is a Whole-Tone Scale?

A scale consisting only of whole steps.

What does 'Through-Composed' mean?

A musical structure with no repeated sections.

What is the 'Dies Irae' and which piece utilizes it?

A medieval chant melody for the dead; used in Symphonie fantastique by Berlioz.

Define 'Polytonality'.

The use of more than one key at once (Example: Petrushka).

What is 'Ripieno' in a concerto grosso?

The full ensemble as opposed to the soloists.

Define 'Habanera' and its source piece.

A Cuban dance rhythm; example: 'Habanera' from Carmen.

What are 'Rocket Themes' and where did they originate?

Rapid ascending figures associated with Mannheim School Symphonies.

What is Absolute Music?

Music without a story or programmatic content.

Define the 'Affections' in Baroque music.

The Baroque doctrine of emotions.

What is a Symphonic Poem?

A one-movement orchestral work.

What is 'Word Painting'?

Music that reflects the literal meaning of the text.