Question 1: Name three common instruments that were prominent during the Baroque period and explain how they contributed to the sound of the music.

Answer: Common instruments include the harpsichord, violin, and flute. The harpsichord provided the main keyboard accompaniment, the violin was used for melody and expressive playing, and the flute added lyrical lines. These instruments helped define the texture and character of Baroque music.

Question 2: Describe the typical structure of a Classical era symphony movement. What are the main sections usually found?

Answer: A typical Classical symphony movement often follows a sonata form, which includes an exposition (introduces main themes), a development (explores and varies themes), and a recapitulation (restates the main themes). Sometimes, there is a coda at the end.

Question 3: Identify and describe the main features of a piece of music that might be from the Romantic period.

Answer: Features include expressive melodies, dynamic contrasts, richer harmonies, use of chromaticism, and often a more emotional, dramatic character. The music aims to evoke strong feelings and tell a story.

Question 4: Listening analysis: Imagine a piece where the melody is lyrical and expressive, played mostly by strings, with a slow tempo and rich harmonies. Which period is this likely from and why?

Answer: This is likely from the Romantic period because of the lyrical melody, expressive qualities, slow tempo, and rich harmonies, which are characteristic of Romantic music.

Question 5: Explain what is meant by 'counterpoint' in Baroque music and give an example of how it might sound.

Answer: Counterpoint is the combination of two or more independent melodies played or sung at the same time, creating a complex texture. An example would be two melodies moving independently but harmonizing well when played together.

Question 6: Draw a simple musical staff with four notes: C, D, E, and F. Label each note clearly.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a standard five-line staff with four notes placed on the appropriate lines or spaces for C, D, E, and F, with each note head clearly marked and correctly positioned.

Question 7: Identify a famous composer from the Classical period and mention one of their well-known works.

Answer: One famous composer is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, known for works such as 'The Magic Flute' and symphonies like Symphony No. 40.

Question 8: Compare the use of dynamics in Baroque music versus Romantic music.

Answer: Baroque music generally has less contrast in dynamics, often using terraced dynamics where volume suddenly changes. Romantic music features greater dynamic range with gradual crescendos and decrescendos to create expression.

Question 9: Describe the role of the orchestra in a Classical symphony. How is it typically arranged?

Answer: The orchestra provides the full sound of the symphony, with string, woodwind, brass, and percussion sections. It is arranged with strings at the front, woodwinds behind them, brass further back, and percussion at the rear. It plays different parts that work together to build the overall texture.

Question 10: Listening analysis: Imagine a piece where the melody is played by a solo instrument with a simple accompaniment, and the music has a calm, gentle character. Which composer or period might this be from, and why?

Answer: This could be from the Classical period, possibly by Mozart, because of the clear, balanced melody with simple accompaniment and a calm, elegant character typical of that era.