The Classic Era

1.What is a symphony?
Symphonies were associated with vocal music, such as operas. 2.What is a sonata? How is it related to the sonata form?
A sonata is a large-scale composition that is played.
3.What is a coda?
The coda will use music from the movement, but it typically does not add anything to the “argument” of the piece 4.What are the three different parts of the sonata form? Describe each part. Exposition: The exposition is the first part of the sonata form, and it is where the composer will bring in, or “expose,” all of the musical ideas that will be used in the piece. Development: Development is the second part of the sonata form, and it is where the composer builds on the two themes from the exposition. Recapitulation: Recapitulation is the third part of the sonata form, and it is where the exposition is repeated (although it may be changed slightly). 5.What are the three different periods of Beethoven’s work? Describe each part.

Critical Thinking Questions
1.What are the characteristics of the music of the Classical period? Contract of mood, rhythm, texture, melody, dynamics and the piano, and the end of basso continuo 2.How does the music of the Classical period differ from the music of the Baroque period? Baroque music tends to be for small chamber orchestras and is usually very intricate, with many layers. Classical music tends to be for larger orchestras and for showing off virtuoso talents or entertainment rather than for praising God or presenting solemn tunes to kings, as much Baroque music was. 3.Choose one of the composers discussed in the lesson and listen to some of his work. Which pieces did you listen to? How would you describe these pieces of music? What makes the music characteristic of the Classical era?

4.What social and cultural influences impacted the music of the Classical period? Do you think today’s music is influenced by social and cultural factors? Why or why not? Both art and politics were influenced by new thinking and philosophies which became known as the Enlightenment, where emphasis was placed on the right and ability of mankind to influence its own environment. 5.What was important about Vienna during the Classical period? Artists from all over came to Vienna and the surrounding areas to study, work, and perform.