Classical Period Overview

This is the time frame of the Classical Period

• 1600-1750

• 1750-1820

• 1820-1900

Answer explanation

A is the time frame of the Baroque period, while C is the time frame of the Romantic Period.

TRUE OR FALSE: The rise of the middle class had an immense impact on the music that was composed during the Classical period.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

Because music was now more accessible beyond the noble class, composers started catering their compositions according to what was considered popular at the time.

The style of light, graceful music that was favored at that time is called Style ______.

TRUE OR FALSE: Classical music is mostly polyphonic in texture.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

Classical music became more HOMOPHONIC in texture to make way for simpler melodies.

The following describes what melodies were like in Classical music compositions:

• atonal, complex

• many melodies playing at the same time

• simple, balanced, catchy

Answer explanation

Composers now put more emphasis on clarity and simplicity in their pieces so that they are more favored by the general public.

Which of the following is NOT an instrument family in the Classical Orchestra?

• Strings

• Woodwinds

• Keyboards

• Perscussion

• Brass

Answer explanation

Keyboards is NOT an instrument family.

This is the instrument that replaced the Harpsichord during the Classical Period

Answer explanation

The piano (or pianoforte) replaced the harpsichord because of its bigger range in dynamics, and because notes can now be sustained through the pedal.

The Sonata and the Symphony are both compositions during the Classical Period that consisted of several movements. Between the both of them, which one is composed mainly for a full orchestra?

• Symphony

• Sonata

What is the format of the Sonata Allegro Form?

• AAA

• ABB

• ABC

• ABA

In the Sonata Allegro Form, what does the ABA format consist of?

• A -Beginning Section

  B - Middle Section

  A - Recapitulation Section

• A- Main Theme

  B - Alternate Theme

  A - Revised Main Theme

• A - Exposition

  B - Development

  A- Recapitulation

• A - Exposition

  B - Main Theme

  A - Revised Exposition