Classical Music Exam

Be able to list the common traits of the Baroque world of music and provide a brief description of each:


Ornamentation: decorative notes added to a melodic line that bring emotional intensity

basso continuo: a continuous bass line that provdies a harmonic foundation

counterpoint: the art of combining multipe indpendent melodic lines simultneously


Instrument families during the Classical music era and list instruments used during the Classical music era


strings: violin, viola, cello, double bass

woodwind: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon

brass: trumpet, French horn, trombone

percussion: timpani, cymbals, other percussion


Classical music forms: know the forms and give a description



sonata form: exposition - development - recapitulation

  • introduces themes, explores them

theme and variations: theme - variation 1 - variation 2 - …..

  • keeps basic idea while changing rhythm, harmony, melody

minuet and trio: minuet - trio - minuet

  • balanced dance-based form often used as a middle movement

rondo: a - b - a - c - a

  • main theme keeps returning between contrasting episodes



Classical Symphony Road Map:


How many movements make up a symphony?

  • 4 movements

Be able to describe what each movement is made up of.

  • First movement almost always is fast and in sonata form, usually the most dramatic

  • Second slow movement: broad, song-like melodies

  • Third generally a minuet and trio, or scherzo, dance-like

  • Fourth often in sonata or sonata-rondo form, usually fast, lively, or triumphant depending on the composer



Composers: be able to give descriptions and their contributions to classical music


Johann Sebastian Bach:

  • master of counterpoint and fugue

  • worked in church, court, and teaching positions

Georg Friedrich Händel:

  • known for opera and English-language oratorio

  • messiah was the best-known choral work in the repertoire

Franz Joseph Haydn:

  • association with the Esterházy court

  • established the symphony and string quartet as major genres

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart:

  • operas include The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and The Magic Flute

  • Music balances memorable melody with sophisticated form

Ludwig van Beethoven:

  • Studied within the classical tradition

  • Expanded forms, dynamics, orchestration, and emotional range