Introduction to Music in the Classicism

'classical' music is refered to music from the Classicism

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

‘Classical music’ and ‘classical music’ are not the same terms. Whereas ‘classical music’ (in small letters) is generally referred to the cultured music in all periods of the History, ‘Classical music’ (with capital letters) refers to the specific period of the Classicism period.

It is considered that the Classicism in music is the period from

• 1750 to 1800

• 1750-1820

Answer explanation

The Classical era is considered to be the period of time from 1750 to 1820. The years of the Classical period saw many changes in the world. The French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars changed the face of Europe

In the Classicism appeared the first public Concerts where people paid to attend

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

In the music world, the patronage system of the Baroque began to die out and was replaced by the first public concerts where people paid to attend. 

In the Classicism, the melodies are simpler and more symmetric than before

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

Music imitated the architectural style in that it used balanced and symmetric structures, with simple, clear, and regular melodic phrases. 

Apart from Mozart and Beethoven, Chopin was one of the best composer of Classicism

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

The three brilliant composers from the Viennese school were: Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven who developed some of the greatest musical works of all time.

It was normal to compose melodies of 8 measures, divided into 2 parts of 4 measures each (like a question-answer)

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

Melody becomes simple and clear, easy to memorise. Melodies have a question/answer structure with an equal number of bars

The accompanied melody texture disappeared in the Classicism

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

The predominant texture in the Classicism is the accompanied melody texture (Opera, concerts, etc.)

Harmony in the Classicism is more complex than in the Baroque

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

Harmony is simpler than in the Baroque period

In the Classicism appeared for the first time the crescendo and diminuendo indications

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

In the Classicism appeared a great range of dynamics and articulations (crescendos, diminuendos, etc.)

In the Classicism appeared new instruments like the violin or the trumpet

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

New instruments appeared, such as the piano and the clarinet and other were developed and included in the orchestra, like the bassoon, the oboe or the double bass.