Music History And Theory Quiz January 2012
Hey everyone! I just made this little quiz to prep for the coming exam. Take it if you want. . . Making it helped me study so meh. Anyway, good luck on your exam and happy quizzing! :)
- 1.
Melody in the Classical Era was
- A.
Very simple and singable
- B.
Complex and chromatic
- C.
Always major
- D.
Very ornate
Correct Answer
A. Very simple and singableExplanation
In the Classical Era, melody was characterized by its simplicity and singability. This means that melodies were easy to follow and had a memorable quality that made them enjoyable to sing or hum along to. Unlike the complex and chromatic melodies found in other musical eras, Classical melodies tended to be straightforward and easy to grasp. Additionally, melodies in the Classical Era were not always in the major key; they could also be in the minor key. However, regardless of the key, the focus was on creating melodies that were accessible and pleasing to the ear.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Harmony in the Classical Era was
- A.
Only chromatic
- B.
Only diatonic
- C.
A mix of chromatic and diatonic
- D.
Neither chromatic nor diatonic
- E.
Mostly diatonic
Correct Answer
E. Mostly diatonicExplanation
During the Classical Era, harmony was mostly diatonic. Diatonic harmony is based on the seven notes of the major and minor scales, and it forms the foundation of tonal music. While some chromaticism was present in the Classical Era, such as secondary dominants and modulations, the overall harmony was primarily diatonic. This means that composers primarily used chords and progressions derived from the major and minor scales, creating a sense of stability and balance in their compositions.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Dynamics in the Classical Era were
- A.
Exactly the same as they are now, with a full dynamic range
- B.
Determined by how many people were playing
- C.
Always built gradually throughout the piece
- D.
Much the same as they are now, but only fortes and pianos
Correct Answer
D. Much the same as they are now, but only fortes and pianosExplanation
In the Classical Era, dynamics were much the same as they are now, but only fortes and pianos were used. This means that the music during this period primarily consisted of loud (forte) and soft (piano) sections, without the wide range of dynamics that we have today. The dynamics were still used to convey expression and emotion in the music, but they were limited to these two extremes.Rate this question:
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- 4.
A popular style in the Classical Era was
- A.
Opera
- B.
Concerto
- C.
Symphony
- D.
All of the Above
Correct Answer
D. All of the AboveExplanation
During the Classical Era, all three options - opera, concerto, and symphony - were popular styles of music. Opera was a form of musical theater that combined singing, acting, and orchestral accompaniment. Concerto was a composition that featured a solo instrument accompanied by an orchestra. Symphony was an orchestral composition typically consisting of four movements. All three styles were widely embraced and celebrated during this period, making "All of the Above" the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The three main composers of the Viennese School were
- A.
Handel
- B.
Beethoven
- C.
Bach
- D.
Tchaikovsky
- E.
Schubert
- F.
Haydn
- G.
Mozart
Correct Answer(s)
B. Beethoven
F. Haydn
G. MozartExplanation
The three main composers of the Viennese School were Beethoven, Haydn, and Mozart. These composers were all active during the Classical period in music and were based in Vienna, Austria. They played a significant role in shaping the development of classical music and their works are considered some of the most important and influential in the genre. Beethoven, Haydn, and Mozart were known for their mastery of composition and their contributions to symphonies, concertos, operas, and chamber music.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The Classical Era was
- A.
During the 1600s
- B.
Known as The Age of Enlightenment
- C.
After the death of Bach
- D.
A part of the Romantic Era
- E.
Inspired by the simplicity of Ancient Greek and Roman architecture
- F.
When the invention of the piano occurred.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Known as The Age of Enlightenment
C. After the death of Bach
E. Inspired by the simplicity of Ancient Greek and Roman architectureExplanation
During the 1600s, the Classical Era emerged as a period known as The Age of Enlightenment. This era was influenced by the simplicity of Ancient Greek and Roman architecture, which can be seen in the art and music of the time. The death of Bach marked a significant transition in the Classical Era, as his style of music gave way to new forms and compositions. The invention of the piano during this era also had a profound impact on the development of music, allowing for greater expression and versatility in composition.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The Aristocracy grew to be dominant in the Classical Era.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The middle class grew to be dominant.Rate this question:
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- 8.
List 3 historical events of the classical era that impacted the arts. Breifly explain each.
- 9.
Explain the Age of Enlightenment. :)
- 10.
How did each of the composers do in the patronage system?
- 11.
Mozart was a virtuoso on organ, clavier and violin.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Mozart was indeed a virtuoso on the organ, clavier, and violin. He was a child prodigy who demonstrated exceptional skills in playing these instruments from a very young age. Throughout his life, Mozart composed numerous works for these instruments and showcased his technical mastery and musical brilliance. His proficiency on the organ, clavier, and violin is widely recognized and celebrated in the history of classical music.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Beethoven's third period was very intense and depressive.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
No, his second period was.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Opera Seria was called Singspiel in German.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Opera Buffa was.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Catherine the Great was Empress of Russia
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Catherine the Great was indeed Empress of Russia. She ruled from 1762 until her death in 1796 and is known for her significant contributions to the development of Russia. During her reign, she implemented various reforms, expanded the Russian Empire's territory, and promoted arts and education. Catherine the Great is often regarded as one of the most powerful and successful rulers in Russian history.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The Death of Bach ended the Classical Era.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
No, it began the Classical Era.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Libretto is the Music for an opera.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Libretto is the written words for an opera.Rate this question:
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jan 25, 2012Quiz Created by
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