Expert: Katherine Thompson - 12/8/2006

Question
I do not want you to do my homework for me but
I have answered this 20 hard questions on classical music,
Could you check them and see if they are right,let me know the wrong ones but do not answer it I would just tell me which ones I did wrong.

1c 2d 3c 4c 5d 6c 7b 8d 9c 10c 11d 12d 13a 14a 15c 16d 17d 188 c 19 c 20b

1.   The second section of a sonata is commonly called the
     A. development.

     B. codetta.


     C. coda.

     D. recapitulation.

2.   Which one of the following terms best describes the music of the Classical period?                           
     A. Polyphony
                       
     B. Irregular metrical patterns
                       
     C. Orderly quality
                       
     D. Sudden loud and soft notes
                       
3.   Which one of the following patterns represents the rondo form?                           
     A. A B A C A
                       
     B. A A B B C
                       
     C. A B C D
                       
     D. D C B A
                 
4.   Which of the following is a long work for orchestra, usually made up of four movements?                           
     A. Concerto
                       
     B. Sonata
                       
     C. Symphony
                       
     D. Opera
                 
5.   Music to be performed by a small group is commonly known as _______ music.                           
     A. orchestral
                       
     B. chamber
                       
     C. concerto
                       
     D. sequent
                 
6.   Classical concertos typically contrasted _______ with instrumental groups.                           
     A. ensembles
                       
     B. soloists
                       
     C. singers
                       
     D. choral groups
                       
7.   Opera _______ is a light, frequently comic style of opera.                           
     A. buffa
                       
     B. seria
                       
     C. hysteria
                       
     D. canonica
                       
8.   The _______ is an essential characteristic of sonata form.                           
     A. sudden crescendo
                       
     B. absence of harmony
                       
     C. fluctuation of rhythm
                       
     D. development of themes
                       
9.   The second movement of a Classical concerto usually has                           
     A. a slow tempo.
                       
     B. a syncopated rhythm.
                       
     C. abrupt changes.
                       
     D. loud dynamics.
                       
10.   A _______ is a gradual shift from one theme and the next.                           
     A. codetta
                       
     B. tonic
                       
     C. transition
                       
     D. libretto
                       
11.   Repeating a theme in a different key is an example of                           
     A. a movement.
                       
     B. variation.
                       
     C. development.
                       
     D. a recitative.
                       
12.   The first section of a sonata in which the theme is presented is commonly called the                           
     A. recap.
                       
     B. allegro.
                       
     C. exposition.
                       
     D. prodigy.
                       
13.   Beethoven's preferred solo instrument was the                           
     A. cello.
                       
     B. trumpet.
                       
     C. oboe.
                       
     D. piano.
                       
14.   In a group that plays chamber music, how many instruments will play each part?                           
     A. One
                       
     B. Two
                       
     C. Three
                       
     D. Four
                       
15.   What dates are commonly assigned to the Classical period?                           
     A. 1650–1720
                       
     B. 1700–1750
                       
     C. 1700–1800
                       
     D. 1750–1820
                       
16.   What is one of the chief characteristics of Beethoven's music?                           
     A. Gentle transition
                       
     B. Dramatic contrast
                       
     C. Regular rhythm
                       
     D. Slow tempo
                 
17.   Which one of the following pieces of music would you most expect to be played by a full orchestra?                           
     A. Chamber music
                       
     B. Divertimento
                       
     C. Symphony
                       
     D. Concerto
                       
18.   A short, entertaining musical piece known as a _______ was very popular at the beginning of the Classical period.                           
     A. countermelody
                       
     B. molto
                       
     C. grosso
                       
     D. divertimento
                       
19.   The leading male role in a Classical opera is often sung by a(n)                           
     A. tenor.
                       
     B. mezzo.
                       
     C. alto.
                       
     D. bass.
                       
20.   A group of players that perform chamber music is often known as a(n)                           
     A. orchestra.
                       
     B. liturgy.
                       
     C. chorus.
                       
     D. ensemble.  

Answer
Dear Brandon,
Some of these ARE hard questions! I think if I define some terms, that may help clear this up once and for all, rather than leave you with a vague list of corrections.

Rondo form is ABACAD....etc.... It's in a 'round' form which means it always returns to A after being gone for a bit.  Therefore, the answer to 3 is letter A.
3A

Chamber music is played by as few people as possible. In the classical era (1750-1820) they'd usually play music in the chambers of the nobility. So
5B and 15D

By the way, the reason the classical age is set as 1750-1820 is becuase Bach died in 1750 and Beethoven began writing in a new style in 1820. I forget which peice it is that defines the new, romantic style...haven't taken that class yet!

A concerto is, by the classical era, a time for a soloist to show off against the backdrop of an orchestra.
6C

Opera buffa is lighthearted. Buffa means rediculous, just like our word buffoon. Seria means serious...
7A

Concertos in this time are always fast-slow-fast.
9a

In classical sonata form, you can be pretty sure you've reached the DEVELOPMENT when you hear the theme played again in a differant key. The answer could also, I guess, be variation, but I doubt it.
11c

Sonatas are arranged: exposition, development, recapitulation.
12C

Beethoven mostly wrote concerti for the piano, since that was his own main instrument.
13D

His music (beethovens) is always varying in tempo, dynamic and texture.
16B

Full orchestras play symphonies more than anything else, since it uses all their players.
17C

A divertimento is a piano peice, lighthearted and simple to listen to. It was very very popular in the classical era.
18d

Because the lead male singer was likely a castrato, the answer to 19 could be either A or C. I don't really know which is more common, but check your answer. google grove online and look it up there. Its the best encyclopedia of music available.

Remember, chamber music is small. It's not an orchestra, those are huge. it's not a liturgy, that's a church worship service order. It's not a chorus, that's singers. It's an ensemble. yup
20D.

I hope you do well with whatever you are trying to do. Seek knowledge!

Katherine