Classical

• What is the time period of the Classical Solo Concerto?

  1750-1820
• What are the primary chords used in simple harmony?

  I, IV, and V
• What type of harmony is primarily used in Classical Solo Concertos?

  Diatonic harmony in clear major or minor tonalities
• What does modulation to related keys involve?

  Modulation to relative major/minor, subdominant major and minor, and dominant major/minor
• How are the three movements of a Classical Solo Concerto contrasted?

  By tempo and style/mood
• What was the trend regarding the Baroque Concerto Grosso during the Classical period?

  It went "out of fashion"
• What characterizes the solo parts in Classical Solo Concertos?

  They are more difficult and technically demanding (virtuosic)
• What type of performance spaces became popular during the Classical period?

  Recital and Concert Halls and Opera Houses
• How did the texture of music change from the Baroque to the Classical period?

  From busy Baroque polyphonic textures to clearer homophonic textures
• What is the typical structure of a Classical Solo Concerto?

  Three movements
• What is the popular form used in the first movement of a Classical Solo Concerto?

  Sonata Form
• What is the structure of the Rondo form?

  A is the recurring theme between contrasting episodes (B, C, D...)
• What are the sections of Sonata Form?


  Exposition, Development, Recapitulation, Coda
• How do Classical Solo Concertos differ in movement length compared to Baroque Concertos?

  Movements are longer than in Baroque Concertos
• What is the significance of dynamics in Classical Solo Concertos?

  There is a wider range of dynamics with crescendos and decrescendos
• What is a cadenza in a Classical Solo Concerto?

  An integral unaccompanied section allowing the soloist to show off their technical skill
• How did composers like Beethoven contribute to cadenzas?

  They wrote cadenzas out on the score
• What characterizes the melodies in Classical Solo Concertos?

  They are light, simple, and elegant
• What is the structure of musical phrases in Classical Solo Concertos?

  Musical phrases are balanced and even, often 4 or 8 bars
• How do soloists and orchestral accompaniment interact in Classical Solo Concertos?

  They perform sections in dialogue with each other
• Who are some notable composers of Classical Solo Concertos?

  Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven
• What instruments did Classical composers write Concertos for?

  Piano, Violin, Cello, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, and French Horn
• How did the role of the conductor change during the Classical period?

  A conductor was established to lead the orchestra
• What was the typical size of the Classical orchestra?

  Typically numbered between 30-60 players
• What was the role of strings in the Classical orchestra?


  Strings continued to be the main section playing most of the main melody
• What woodwind instruments were typically featured in the Classical orchestra?

  2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Bassoons, and 2 Clarinets
• What brass instruments were typically included in the Classical orchestra?

  2 Horns and 2 valved Trumpets
• What percussion instrument was commonly used in the Classical orchestra?

  Timpani
• How did the popularity of the Harpsichord change during the Classical period?

  It declined in popularity and was replaced by the Piano
• What is the significance of the continuo part in Classical compositions?

  Continuo parts were no longer added to the orchestral accompaniment
• What is the role of the conductor in relation to the soloist?

  The conductor follows the soloist, and the orchestra follows the conductor
• What is the typical instrumentation for a Classical Solo Concerto?

  Solo instrument accompanied by a larger orchestra