Grade 9 Music – Western Music History (Medieval ➜ Romantic)

These flashcards review major periods, composers, genres, forms, and terminology from the Grade 9 Music Learner’s Material covering Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic music, with emphasis on key works and stylistic traits.

What historical event marks the beginning of the Medieval (Middle Ages) Period in music?

The fall of the Roman Empire.

Which style of chant dominated early Christian worship and is named after a pope?

Gregorian Chant, named after Pope Gregory I.

List three key characteristics of Gregorian Chant.

Monophonic texture, free/unmeasured meter, Latin liturgical text (modal, sung a cappella, neume notation).

What French secular musicians of the late Medieval period sang about chivalry and courtly love?

Troubadours (in the north, trouvères).

Name the Medieval French composer of the play ‘Jeu de Robin et Marion’.

Adam de la Halle.

Define ‘Neumes’.

Early symbols used to notate the contour of Gregorian Chant melodies.

What invention in the 15th century helped spread Renaissance music?

The printing press.

Which texture and device dominate Renaissance choral writing?

Polyphonic texture with pervasive imitation.

Name the five ordinary sections of the Renaissance Mass.

Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus (and Benedictus), Agnus Dei.

What is the Renaissance secular vocal form that is through-composed and often uses word-painting?

The Madrigal.

Who composed ‘Pope Marcellus Mass’ and is called the ‘Prince of Music’?

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina.

Which English composer wrote the madrigal ‘April Is in My Mistress’ Face’?

Thomas Morley.

What Portuguese word describing an irregular pearl gave its name to the Baroque era?

‘Barroco’.

State two hallmark characteristics of Baroque melodies.

Elaborate ornamentation and long, irregular phrases that are difficult to sing.

Define ‘Basso Continuo’.

Continuous bass line with harmonic support, typically performed by keyboard (harpsichord/organ) plus cello or bassoon.

Differentiate ‘Concerto’ and ‘Concerto Grosso’.

Concerto = solo instrument with orchestra; Concerto Grosso = small solo group (concertino) contrasted with full orchestra (tutti).

What form is based on imitative counterpoint around a single ‘subject’?

The Fugue.

Give one well-known example of Baroque program music by Vivaldi.

‘The Four Seasons’ (e.g., ‘Spring’).

Which Baroque genre is a large-scale sacred work for soloists, chorus, and orchestra but performed without staging or costumes?

The Oratorio.

Identify the Baroque keyboard instrument with plucked strings.

Harpsichord.

Who composed the ‘Hallelujah’ Chorus and from which larger work does it come?

George Frideric Handel; it is from ‘Messiah’.

Name two famous compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach that feature the organ.

‘Toccata and Fugue in D minor’ and the ‘Passacaglia in C minor’ (other correct Bach organ works acceptable).

Which Baroque composer was nicknamed ‘Il Prete Rosso’ (‘The Red Priest’)?

Antonio Vivaldi.

Explain ‘Chorale’ in Baroque practice.

A harmonized hymn tune of the German Protestant church, often set by Bach.

What texture predominates Classical period music?

Homophonic texture.

Define ‘Alberti Bass’.

Broken-chord accompaniment pattern (lowest-highest-middle-highest) used in Classical keyboard music.

List the three main sections of Sonata-Allegro Form in order.

Exposition, Development, Recapitulation (often followed by a coda).

In a Classical concerto, which movement typically uses a cadenza for the soloist?

Usually the first movement (sometimes the third).

Which Classical composer is called the ‘Father of the Symphony’?

Franz Joseph Haydn.

Name Mozart’s most famous ‘little serenade’ in G major.

‘Eine Kleine Nachtmusik’ (Serenade No. 13).

Which Beethoven symphony introduces choral forces in the final movement?

Symphony No. 9 in D minor, ‘Choral’.

Translate the term ‘Rondo’ form pattern most commonly found in Classical finales.

ABACA (principal theme alternating with contrasting episodes).

What key innovation allowed pianists to play both loud and soft dynamically in the Classical era?

The development of the fortepiano (early piano) with hammer mechanism and sustain pedal.

Describe one feature that distinguishes Romantic music from Classical music.

Emphasis on emotion and individual expression, expanded orchestra & harmonic language, or incorporation of nationalism.

What is a ‘Lied’ (plural ‘Lieder’)?

German art song for solo voice and piano, often setting Romantic poetry.

Which composer of over 600 Lieder wrote ‘Erlkönig’ and ‘Ave Maria’?

Franz Schubert.

Define ‘Program Music’.

Instrumental music that portrays a story, scene, idea, or poem without spoken words.

Who composed ‘Symphonie Fantastique’ and what recurring theme technique does it use?

Hector Berlioz; it uses an idée fixe (recurring melody representing the beloved).

Name the Polish ‘Poet of the Piano’ known for nocturnes and polonaises.

Frédéric Chopin.

What term describes Liszt’s single-movement orchestral works based on literary ideas?

Symphonic Poems (or Tone Poems).

Identify the 19th-century Russian composer famous for ballets like ‘Swan Lake’ and ‘The Nutcracker’.

Pyotr (Peter) Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Which Italian Romantic composer created ‘La Traviata’ and ‘Aida’?

Giuseppe Verdi.

Explain Wagner’s concept of ‘Gesamtkunstwerk’.

‘Total artwork’—the fusion of music, poetry, drama, and visual spectacle into one coherent opera (music drama).

In vocal classification, what is the highest standard female voice called?

Soprano (coloratura soprano for the highest agile type).

What Romantic opera by Bizet features the aria ‘L’amour est un oiseau rebelle’ (Habanera)?

‘Carmen’.

Differentiate ‘Recitative’ and ‘Aria’ in opera.

Recitative = speech-like, moves plot; Aria = lyrical solo expressing emotion and showcasing the voice.

What does the Italian musical term ‘rubato’ direct a performer to do?

Slightly steal and give back time—flexible tempo for expressive effect.

What Philippine musical theatre form, influenced by Spanish zarzuela, flourished in the early 20th century?

The Sarsuwela (or Zarzuela).