Part 1
What artistic and musical characteristics distinguish the Classic era (era of the Enlightenment) from the Baroque era?
Classic era: Clarity, balance, tonal harmonies, and structured melodies.
Baroque era: Dramatic expressions, ornamentation, contrast, unity of mood.
Where did Haydn spend most of his career? Who was his primary employer?
He spent most of his career in Eisenstadt Hungary and was employed by the Esterhazy family for a very long time.
What is noteworthy about the finale of Mozart's "Jupiter" symphony?
It concludes in a grand coda where all five themes of the symphony are combined.
What is the origin and meaning of the term "Romantic"?
From the medieval romance: a poem or story about heroic people and deeds.
What changes took place in the orchestra and its instruments during the 19th century?
Grow in number, professional orchestras are established, rise of the conductor, and a rise of classical repertoire.
What new Classic-era characteristics appear in La serva Padrona?
Opera buffa with dialogue driven structure, unity of melody and text, and relatable characters.
How is a string quartet different from a symphony?
A string quartet is a chamber group made up of only string players while a symphony is a large group of performers.
What are the most notable plot elements of Don Giovanni?
The opening scene merges both opera seria and opera buffa. This is done through the characters Leporello (opera buffa) and Donna Anna (opera seria) who present the juxtaposition of murder and comic banter.
What are the primary characteristics of Romanticism in music, and in the arts more generally?
Individuality, subjectivity, and expression of the self.
Describe the role(s) and development of the piano in the 19th century.
Has a more complex action mechanism and a sturdier construction, allowing for greater volume and sustain.
What were Gluck's goals in reforming opera? How are these goals reflected in his music?
He wanted music of a "beautiful simplicity" and felt as though the composer should not be constricted by the music or performers. He shows this by prioritizing drama over virtuosity while also pacing his music simplifying his structures.
What type of performers would typically play a string quartet, and for what purpose?
Usually a group of two violins, a viola, and a cellist. These groups play small chamber works for string quartets that provide intimate and balanced performances.
Is Don Giovanni a comic or serious opera?
Both
How are Classicism and Romanticism distinguished from each other?
Classicism: Elegance, simplicity, universal beauty. Romanticism: Originality, individuality, and extremes.
What was Berlioz’s inspiration for composing the Symphonie fantastique?
His wife Harriet Smithson, who also played Ophelia in Shakespeare's Hamlet.
What are the differences between simple, balanced, and rounded binary form?
Simple: Distinct A and B section
Balanced: 2 contrasting A section, 1 repeated B section
Rounded: 2 A sections with a reappearing of the same theme.
What are characteristics of the style of Haydn's mature string quartets?
Equal instrumental roles, mastery of formal structure, and his genre defining influence. Haydn is known as the "Father of the String Quartet".
How are the characters in Don Giovanni portrayed musically in the opening scene?
Leporello is presented as comedic using a simple, rhythmic, and repetitive melody. Donna Anna is presented as serious using short, sharp notes and large melodic leaps.
How did people of the early 19th century understand the difference between "Classic" and "Romantic"?
Composers such as Beethoven and Schubert acted as transitional composers between the eras. This kind told the public that a shift in music was happening.
What scene is depicted in the fifth movement of Symphonie fantastique? Who is represented by the "idée fixe"?
His wife Harriet Smithson, who also played Ophelia in Shakespeare's Hamlet.
What was the Mannheim orchestra famous for throughout Europe?
Shaped the classical symphony with their high level of virtuosity. Famous for the Mannheim crescendo for it's great dramatic and musical contrast.
What is Haydn's birth and death date?
March 31st, 1732 - May 31st, 1809.
Into how many periods are Beethoven's life and works customarily divided?
Three periods. Early, middle (Heroic), and late.
How did composers earn a living during the 19th century? How was this different from previous eras?
Teaching, public performances, and composing. They used to get employment from aristocratic households
What is "bel canto" singing?
Beautiful singing, style of melody.
What are characteristics of the Empfindsam style, and which composer is most closely identified with it?
Known for its elements of expressive and personal emotion, most closely identified with C. P. E. Bach.
What is Mozart's birth and death date?
January 27, 1756 - December 5, 1791.
What styles and qualities define each period of Beethoven's life and works?
Early: Adheres to Viennese classicism and has clear and defined sonata and symphonic forms.
In what ways is Beethoven a transitional figure between Classicism and Romanticism?
Expanded on classical forms and wrote large works unified by reoccurring themes. Many of his works can be interpreted as a narrative in instrumental music.
Which composer helped to create bel canto style?
Gioachino Rossini.
What capabilities made the pianoforte (or fortepiano) different from earlier keyboard instruments?
It had a hammer action mechanism that allowed for more dynamic contrast and touch control. Also had more expressive articulation.
How did Mozart receive his early musical training? How did he become familiar with a wide range of musical styles?
His early musical training was shaped by his father, Leopold Mozart, who taught him music very young. His father then took him on tours playing which were vital to exposing him to a wide range of musical styles.
What characteristics of form and style are unusual in the "Pathétique" sonata?
Dramatic and unconventional opening, repeated rhythms and unexpected harmonies, extended and complex development, extreme expressiveness.
What characteristics define Beethoven's late style?
Re-establishment of early classical forms, syntactic fragmentation and discontinuity (like language, the way we speak, syntax, etc.), and a naturalization of musical contour and gesture.
Describe the melodic style of the solo sections of "Casta Diva."
Long, lyrical melodic lines and intricate ornamentations.
How is sonata form related to binary form?
Both forms use a two-reprise pattern — A-B-A'-B' — but sonata form adds complexity through thematic development and harmonic exploration.
What city was Mozart's hometown?
Salzburg, Austria.
What is the Heiligenstadt Testament and why is it significant?
The Heiligenstadt Testament is a deeply personal letter written by Ludwig van Beethoven, expressing his despair over deafness and his determination to continue creating music despite his struggles.
How did Beethoven influence 19th-century composers?
Was a transitional composer between the classic and romantic era whose new techniques and emotional expression help set the stage for the romantic era.
Which opera composer became identified with Italian nationalism and the Risorgimento?
Guiseppe Verdi
Why was sonata form useful for composers of the Classic era?
Provided a structured framework that allowed composers to have dramatic and emotional expression.
In what city did Mozart spend the last period of his life?
Vienna, Austria.
What is the meaning of the title "Eroica" for Beethoven's Third Symphony?
Heroic
What is the difference between absolute music and program music?
Program music refers to something; absolute music refers to nothing.
What characteristics were particular to German Romanticism and how did these influence Wagner's operas?
Focuses heavily on individualism, emotion, and our relationship with nature. Wagner made what are leitmotivs which can help give drama and emotion to a piece. Wagner also wrote a lot of his pieces based on old German and Nordic folklore involving nature and dramatic supernatural storylines.
Identify the typical form(s) for each of the four movements of a standard Classic-era symphony.
1st movement: Allegro/Fast
2nd movement: Adagio/Slow
3rd movement: Allegretto/ Fast or Moderate
4th movement: Presto or Allegro/ Very fast or Fast
How many symphonies did Haydn write?
104
What is innovative about Beethoven's Third Symphony? To whom did Beethoven originally intend to dedicate this symphony?
This symphony had an unprecedented length and scale, extended sonata form, and cultural and political symbolism. It was originally intended for Napolean Bonaparte.
What was the primary instrument for both Clara and Robert Schumann?
Piano
What was Wagner's perspective on Beethoven, and which of Beethoven's works did Wagner believe was most significant?
He liked Beethoven and admired him as a composer. He particularly loved Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, believing that he had exhausted the abilities of instrumental music and that it pointed the way to music's future.
What styles and qualities are present in Haydn's music?
Clarity and structure, playfulness and humor, and thematic development.
How many symphonies did Mozart write?
41
What is unique about Beethoven's Sixth ("Pastoral") Symphony?
Has explicitly programmatic content, each movement has a title describing country life.
How did Robert earn a living after his hand injury? How did Clara promote her husband's music?
Turned to composing and music criticism. Clara would edit his music and continued to perform it in concerts after his death.
What were Wagner’s primary influences in creating the libretto for Tristan und Isolde?
Influenced by the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, music is the only art capable of expressing universal, deep realities of human experience
How is Haydn's style different from that of Mozart or Beethoven?
Haydn had a mastery of the form accompanied by structural clarity, wit, and surprise. Mozart and Beethoven are more known for their harmonic clarity and expressive balance.
How many symphonies did Beethoven write?
9
What is innovative about Beethoven's Ninth Symphony?
First major symphony to use voices and is written on a massive scope with the first three movements lasting more than an hour.
What is the theme of Robert Schumann’s Carnaval? What do the titles of movements represent?
Depicts characters at a Carnaval ball. The names of the characters he is depicting dancing at the Carnaval ball.
How does the harmonic language of the prelude to Tristan und Isolde create a feeling of yearning? How does this relate to the opera’s plot?
Uses a special Tristan chord created by Wagner. The Tristan chord is almost like a resolution; it partially resolves but not fully. Creating a sense of yearning for the chord to resolve.