Question 1: Identify the era of classical music most associated with the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Explain your choice briefly.

Answer: The Classical era; Mozart was a prominent composer during this period, characterized by clarity, balance, and form.

Question 2: Describe the typical structure of a classical symphony movement. Include key features in your answer.

Answer: A typical classical symphony movement often follows a three or four-part structure, usually in sonata form, with an exposition, development, and recapitulation. It features contrasting themes, clear melodies, and balanced phrases.

Question 3: Listen to a piece with a prominent melody in the violins, accompanied by a steady bass line. Without hearing, describe what instruments and musical elements you expect to hear in a classical string quartet.

Answer: A classical string quartet typically consists of two violins, a viola, and a cello. The first violin often carries the main melody, the second violin and viola provide harmony and inner voices, and the cello offers bass support.

Question 4: Explain the concept of 'homophonic texture' in classical music, and give an example of how it might sound in a piece you have studied.

Answer: Homophonic texture involves a clear melody accompanied by supporting harmony. In a classical piece, this might sound like a prominent melody played by the violin with chords and accompaniment provided by the orchestra or piano.

Question 5: Sketch a simple musical staff with the following notes in order: C, D, E, F, G. Indicate the key signature of C major.

Answer: A staff with five lines, with the notes C, D, E, F, G placed on the appropriate lines/spaces. No sharps or flats are needed for C major key signature.

Question 6: Identify two features that distinguish Beethoven’s music from that of earlier classical composers.

Answer: Beethoven’s music often features increased emotional expression, larger dynamic ranges, and more complex harmonies. He also expanded the structure and length of musical forms.

Question 7: Describe the role of the basso continuo in Baroque classical music and how it differs from later classical styles.

Answer: The basso continuo provides a continuous bass line and harmonic support, typically played by keyboard and a bass instrument. In later classical styles, the bass line became more integrated into the overall texture, often with more independent bass parts.

Question 8: Draw a simple outline of a sonata form structure, labeling the three main sections and their typical functions.

Answer: A large blank space for the student to sketch a diagram with three sections: Exposition (introduces themes), Development (develops themes), Recapitulation (returns to original themes).

Question 9: Identify the key features of a minuet and trio movement in classical symphonies or sonatas.

Answer: A minuet and trio is a ternary (ABA) form, with a stately, dance-like character. The minuet (A) is followed by a contrasting trio (B), and then the minuet returns.

Question 10: Using your knowledge of classical music history, explain why the piano became a popular instrument during the Classical period.

Answer: The piano became popular because it allowed for dynamic expression, was more versatile than the harpsichord, and could produce a wide range of volumes and tones, making it suitable for both solo and ensemble music.

Question 11: Discuss how the use of dynamics in classical music contributes to emotional expression, providing an example of a dynamic marking and its effect.

Answer: Dynamics like 'p' (piano) create a soft, gentle sound, conveying calmness or intimacy, while 'f' (forte) produces a loud, powerful effect. Changes in dynamics help shape the emotional narrative of a piece.