Lesson 1: Impressionism

A French composer whose music is characterized by its delicate textures, shimmering harmonies, and programmatic titles inspired by nature and art.

• Bela Bartok

• Jean Sibelius

• Maurice Ravel

• Claude Debussy

Which composer wrote the piano suite 'Gaspard de la nuit', known for its extreme technical difficulty and evocative imagery?

• Alfredo Casella

• Erik Satie

• Claude Debussy

• Maurice Ravel

Though influenced by Impressionism, his works often have clearer forms and a more defined melodic structure, as seen in 'Boléro'.

• Gabriel Faure

• Claude Debussy

• Camille Saint-Seans

• Maurice Ravel

Which term is often associated with the Impressionistic technique of obscuring traditional harmonic progression and creating a 'wash' of sound?

• Counterpoint

• Serialism

• Fugue

• Whole-tone scale

Known for his innovative use of whole-tone and pentatonic scales, creating a dream-like, atmospheric quality in pieces like 'Clair de Lune'.

• Igor Stravinsky

• Claude Debussy

• Arnold Schoenberg

• Maurice Ravel

Whose piano preludes, such as 'Voiles' and 'Des pas sur la neige,' evoke specific moods and images rather than narrative development?

• Claude Debussy

• Maurice Ravel

• Alexander Scriabin

• Gustav Holst

This composer's 'La Mer' vividly depicts the sea through its fluid orchestration and atmospheric effects.

• Claude Monet

• Claude Debussy

• Paul Dukas

• Maurice Ravel

Which of these is a characteristic often found in Impressionist music?

• Emphasis on formal structures

• Use of exotic scales and dissonances

• Clear, strong rhythmic pulse

• Major/minor tonality is strict adhered to

Which composer's 'Pavane pour une infante défunte' showcases a refined and elegant Impressionistic style?

• Maurice Ravel

• Gabriel Faure

• Claude Debussy

• Cesar Franck

Though influenced by Impressionism, his works often have clearer forms and a more defined melodic structure, as seen in 'Boléro'.

• Maurice Ravel

• Claude Debussy

• Gabriel Faure

• Camille Saint-Seans