classicism
Possessing enduring value or timeless quality; based on Ancient Greek and Roman cultures.
Viennese School
Musical style of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and contemporaries.
The Classical Period
1750-1825
absolute music
Music without extra-musical asssociations.
sonata cycle
Multi-movement structure which emerged in the Classical era.
menuet and trio
ternary form (ABA) where the A section is a menuet and the B section is contrasting.
rondo form
A classical form with recurring A section. ABACA or ABACABA.
sonata form
Classical form which consists of Exposition, Development and Recapitulation.
chamber music
Music for a small group of players, with one player per part.
style galant
Pre-Classical musical style emphasizing homophonic texture, delicate ornamentation, light approach.
Sturm und Drang
German literary movement stressing emotion and drama.
Empfindsamer Stil
melancholy, introspective style, foreshadowing Romanticism.
exposition
the first section in sonata form
development
the second section in sonata form
recapitulation
the third section in sonata form
coda
Latin for “tail”. Reaffirms the tonic key.
rocket theme
rapidly ascending melody outline an arpeggio
serenade
Multi-movement orchestral genre for small orchestra. Often performed outside.
Franz Joseph Haydn
1732-1809
string quartet
2 violins, viola and cello
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
1756-1791
Ludwig van Beethovven
1770-1827
cyclical structure
Material from one movement recurs in later movements.
scherzo
“joke” – substituted by Beethoven for the menuet.