This is what we call the form where a solo instrument is accompanied by the orchestra. It usually appears in three movements. Cadenzas are a feature of this form.
What is a Concerto?
100
This four-movement orchestral form is one of the most widely used by Classical composers, and is still employed by composers today. It usually lasts from 20-45 minutes. Beethoven only wrote 9 of these, Mozart about 40, and Haydn over 100.
What is Symphony?
100
Known as a child prodigy, this Austrian Classical composer could play almost any composition at sight by the age of six, wrote his first symphony at eight, and his first opera at twelve. He died rather young.
Who is Mozart?
100
This German musical genius is regarded as one of the most important composers in the world. Master of almost every form except opera (he only composed one), he expanded Classical forms with experimentation and was known for his very emotionally-charged works.
Who is Beethoven?
100
A major characteristic of Classical Period music is __________ of mood, meaning that most works have at least two themes that express different, often contrasting, emotions.
What is "contrast"?
200
This form consists of a single theme presented followed by many variations of the theme.
What is Theme and Variations?
200
This form is basically a miniaturized version of the symphony (4 movements), only consisting of 2 violins, a viola, and a cello.
What is the String Quartet?
200
This Austrian composer spent most of his career working for the most powerful royal family in Hungary. By the time he retired he was one of the most well-known and respected composers in Europe. He composed over 100 symphonies, earning the nickname "the father of the symphony."
Who is Haydn?
200
This is how old Mozart was when he died.
What is 35 years old?
200
This is the most common musical texture of Classical works.
What is homophonic?
300
This single-movement form is almost always used for the first movement of multi-movement forms in Classical works. It consists of three parts: Exposition, Development, and Recapitulation.
What is Sonata-Allegro Form?
300
This three-movement form is for a single instrument (unless the instrument is only melodic in which case a piano is needed for accompaniment.) Beethoven and Mozart wrote many of these for piano.
What is a Sonata?
300
Mozart was known as one of these, someone who excels at something at an unusually young age.
What is a prodigy?
300
Beethoven suffered from this, but it did not keep him from composing.
What is deafness?
300
These two families of the orchestra were to most used by Classical composers. One carried the bulk of the work, and the other was used for contrast.
What are the Strings and Woodwinds?
400
This single-movement form developed from an aristocratic dance in triple meter. The middle section, smooth and flowing, contrasts with the first and third section, which is stately and dignified.
What is a Minuet (and Trio)?
400
Classical sonatas sometimes have an extra section at the end called this (Italian for "tail".)
What is a Coda?
400
This composer had a great friendship with Haydn that developed after he moved to Vienna when he was 25. Haydn said that this composer was the greatest he knew.
Who is Mozart?
400
All of the major Classical composers lived and worked in this city, the capital of Austria, which was the center of much musical activity during the period.
What is Vienna?
400
This instrument is the only commonly-appearing percussion instrument in Classical works.
What is/are the timpani?
500
This single-movement form was usually used as the final movement of Classical works. It consists of an upbeat tempo and a primary theme that reappears after each new theme is introduced.
What is a Rondo?
500
This is a special unaccompanied showpiece for the soloist in a Concerto that may appear in any movement, but usually in the first and last. Although originally improvised, some composers wrote them out.
What is a Cadenza?
500
This type of music was what Haydn focused his attention on during the later years of his life.
What is sacred (religious) music (oratorios, masses)?
500
This was the last piece of music that Mozart was working on before he died. He seemed to think it was killing him.
What is the Requiem?
500
Classical melodies are usually very __________, much more than Baroque ones, making them easier to remember and sing.