The Classical Symphony

Question 1

Where are multi-movement instrumental origins?

Answer 1

• Tendency and desire to build larger wholes. Self-contained units, but somehow related.
• Paired dances go bac kto 1500’s.
• Composers wrote “suites” of dance movements in the 1600s.

Question 2

Multi-movements works eventually incorporated an introductory, ___ ___ movement.

Answer 2

Non-dance. Also, sometimes an “air.”

Question 3

Air

Answer 3

Song-like interlude.

Question 4

___ ___ provide another model, which had opening instrumental pieces also called “sinfonias.”

Answer 4

Opera overtures.

Question 5

In the classical era, there was a ___ ___ established for multi-movement instrumental works.

Answer 5

Standard form.

Question 6

Symphony

Answer 6

• Showpiece for instruments.
• Crowning achievement of the Classical era.
• Form has evolved over time.

Question 7

Rise of the ___ ___ is crucial to its development and success.

Answer 7

Public concert.

Question 8

What are the four movements of the classical symphony?

Answer 8

• Sonata form.
• Variable form.
• Minuet and trio.
• Finale.

Question 9

Sonata Form (first movement of the classical symphony)

Answer 9

Allegro or moderate, sometimes with a slow intro.

Question 10

Variable Form (second movement of the classical symphony)

Answer 10

Variations, rondo, other. Slow.

Question 11

Minuet and Trio (third movement of the classical symphony).

Answer 11

Ternary form, moderate.

Question 12

Finale (fourth movement of the classical symphony)

Answer 12

Most often rondo or sonata form, or a combination. Allegro or vivace.

Question 13

What are genres influenced by the four movement model in the classical symphony?

Answer 13

• String quartets.
• Sonatas.
• Concertos.

Question 14

String Quartet

Answer 14

• 2 violins, viola, cello.
• Follows the four-movement form.
• Variations.

Question 15

Sonatas

Answer 15

• Piano (or piano plus another instrument.
• Often in three movements (omits minuet; the dance movement).
• More variable in general.

Question 16

Concertos

Answer 16

• Usually in three movements (no minuet).

- Double exposition.

Question 17

Public, Concert Music

Answer 17

• Concertos, symphonies.
• Big gestures and contrasts.
• Obvious gestures. Subtlety can be lost in a big space or with a less attentive audience.

Question 18

Chamber Music

Answer 18

• String quartets, sonatas.
• Expects a smaller space and more focused audience.
• Hints and small gestures can work.

Question 19

Piano Music

Answer 19

Most private of all, often for home use.

Question 20

Do the movements relate to each other thematically?

Answer 20

No.

Question 21

A classical symphony is a ___ ___ ___, not a united whole.

Answer 21

Sequence of pleasures.

Question 22

Symphony movements fit together in a general way, and are unconcerned about…

Answer 22

Connections between movements.

Question 23

During concerts in the 1800’, people were expected to be quiet.

Answer 23

False, this was the 1700’s (and today).