Classical Music Era

Which historical events took place during the Classical era?

• The invention of the steam engine

• Ben Franklin proves that lightening is electricity

• The Boston Tea Party

• George Washington is elected as the first president

How was "Natural Philosophy" seen in the music of the Classical era?

• Clear division of parts, balanced melody

• Use of improvisation

• Use of chromaticism

• Use of tonal harmony

Why did composers start notating dynamics in their music during this era?

• To make the music easier to read and understand

• To make the music sound more interesting

• To make the music more accessible to a wider audience

• They saw their music as an extension of themselves and wanted more control over how the music would be interpreted

Why did the piano replace the harpsichord?

• The piano had a wider range of notes

• The piano could play both loud and soft

• The piano was easier to transport

• The piano had a more resonant sound

Instrumental music thrived during this era

• True

• False

What were the two types of Opera?

• Opera Seria and Opera Buffa

• Musical Theatre and Operetta

• Ballet and Singspiel

• Oratorio and Cantata

The number of amateur musicians during this era declined

• True

• False

During this era, the church was no longer seen as the absolute authority. What king of effect did this have on music of the time?

• There was much less secular music being written

• Music was no longer seen as a form of worship

• There was much less sacred music being written

• It had no effect

What was the Landmesse?

• This was a mass written to be performed by amateurs

• This was a large gathering of people to celebrate a special occasion

• This was a popular form of entertainment in the Middle Ages

• This was a type of religious ceremony held in churches

Which composer did a good job of satifying the classical era audience and meeting the demands of the church?

• Haydn

• Mozart

• Beethoven

• Bach