Unit 4: Classical Ch. 1-2

The time period of the Classical Era in music was

• 1600 - 1750

• 1750 - 1820

• 1450 - 1600

• 1750 - 1900

The music of the Classical period was light and graceful with contrasting moods and themes.

• True

• False

Classical composers preferred polyphonic texture over homophonic texture.

• True

• False

Classical music has flexible rhythms as well as unexpected pauses and syncopation.

• True

• False

Classical melodies are

• Tuneful, and easy to sing

• often popular tunes

• balanced and symmetrical

• all of the above

Classical dynamics

• changed abruptly (terraced)

• changed gradually (crescendo/decrescendo)

The desire for gradual dynamic change led to the replacement of the harpsichord by the piano

• True

• False

Why did the Basso Continuo disappear in the Classical period?

• Because the piano replaced the harpsichord

• Composers didn't trust amateurs to improvise the figured bass

• Because the bassoon was too difficult to play

• All of the above

How was the Classical orchestra different from the Baroque orchestra?

• It was larger

• It was a standard group consisting of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion

• Woodwinds and brass were paired and clarinets were added

• All of the above

Classical music often consists of several movements that contrast in tempo and character. Their arrangement is

• Fast, Slow, Dance related, Fast

• Slow, Fast, Slow Fast

• Fast, Slow, Fast, Slow

• Slow, Dance related, Fast, Fast