Classical Vocab
More Classical Vocab
Listening
Composers
Classical Misc.
100

A style during the late Baroque period and early Classical period in which the Baroque style's elaborate filigree, exaggeration, and ornamentation are replaced with softer lines and pastel coloring. 

Rococo 

100

The most common form of the classical period, it consists of four main sections and is the standard form for the first movement of a symphony. 

Sonata

100

Name this piece's title and composer.

Haydn's "Surprise Symphony", movement 2

100

Which composer worked entirely through a patronage?

Haydn

100

Describe in your own words how the patronage system changed throughout the classical period.

Throughout the classical period, there was a decline in the patronage system. This is exemplified through the lives of our three composers. Haydn worked entirely in a patronage system, Mozart began with a patron but left, and Beethoven never worked for a patron. 

200

A stylistic rejection of Baroque and Rococo style and an attempt to recapture the simplicity and grandeur of ancient Greek and Roman art. 

Neoclassical

200

The opening section of a piece in sonata form during which the main themes are presented. 

Exposition

200

Name two instruments that you hear in this piece. BONUS: What kind of work is this? Opera, Symphony, Oratorio, etc. 

Strings and voices 

Bonus - An Oratorio!

200

How many symphonies did Haydn compose? 

104

200

Explain the role of music in society in the classical period. 

The middle class had the economic means to participate in entertainment and music lessons! Composers are able to make a living without a patron through writing for all classes, instead of just tailoring music to aristocracy, and through teaching.

300

A form in which a basic musical idea, or theme, is repeated several times with changes added to each repetition. 

Theme and Variation

300

The section within a piece in sonata form in which the themes are explored and presented in new way and modulate to other keys.

Development

300

What is the name of this piece/who composed it? 

BONUS: What larger work is this from?

Dies Irae, Mozart 

From Mozart's Requiem. 

300

Of the three major composers in the Classical period, which one has the persona of the "tortured artist". 

Beethoven

300

Describe the general characteristics of melody in the neoclassical style. 

Melodies are tuneful and easy to remember! They are immediately pleasing to the ear. Symmetry is common and phrases are often in pairs. 

400

A form in which a tuneful main theme (A) returns several times in alternation with other themes (example: ABACA) HINT: Mozart wrote a piece titled "_______ all Turca". 

Rondo

400

The return of the main themes of a piece in sonata form. 

Recapitulation

400

The title of this aria is the "Queen of the Night", by Mozart. What opera is this from? 

The Magic Flute

400

Of the three major composers of the Classical period, which one had the persona of the "child star"?

Mozart

400

Describe the general characteristics of rhythms in the neoclassical style.

Rhythms varied to add interest and contrast. Rhythms often contained unexpected pauses, syncopation, and shifts between the use of longer and shorter notes. (EXAMPLE: Beethoven's 5th - short, short, short, looooonnnggg)

500

Usually a movement within a larger work; this form is written in a triple meter with an ABA form. 

Minuet and Trio

500

The concluding section of a piece in sonata form, usually in the tonic key. 

Coda

500

This excerpt is from Beethoven's Symphony no. 5. What is this motif rumored to symbolize? 

Death knocking at his door.

500

True or False: all three composers knew each other.

True.

500

Name three ways in which Mozart could have died.

Infection, Poison, rheumatic fever, miliary fever, post-streptococal glomerulonephritus (swelling of the kidneys after infection)