Music Paper

Music Notes

1. Describe three forms of the Classical Music period, one of which must be Sonata-Allegro form.

One form of the Classical Music period was the Sonata Allegro form. The form got its name, "Sonata Allegro," because the creation of the final Allegro movement of a Sonata was usually created in this form. The Sonata Allegro form can be described as an "ABA" form having three different parts; the exposition, the development, and the recapitulation. The exposition is the first A section. The development is the B section coming after the exposition. The recapitulation is in the A section, the A material returns together. The Sonata Allegro form centers on the thematic and harmonic tone that are give in the exposition, structured and differentiated in the development, and declared harmonically and thematically in the recapitulation. Another form of the Classical Period is concerto, which is a composition commonly in three parts or movements, usually one solo instrument that is accompanied by an orchestra. The cycle of the three movements was fast-slow-fast. The Classical Periods most notable concerti were Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Another form of the Classical Period was the string quartet. The string quartet is a music ensemble consisting of four string musicians. The group of strings that were normally used in string quartets were two violins, a viola, and a cello. The movements used in a string quartet were a fast movement followed by a slow movement, a dance movement, and another fast movement.

2. How are harpsichords, organs, and pianos the same? How are they different?

Some similarities between these instruments include they all have a keyboard, harpsichords are operated on the same basic musical principles as pianos, they all are capable of producing at least 5 chromatic western scales which are twelve notes, all of them can be used with a pedal keyboard, and they all can repeat similar notes quickly. Some difference between these instruments include the sounds produced by each of the instruments are different, the mechanics behind the keys are different for each; a piano is attached to a hammer that produces a sound when a key is stroked, an organ creates sound electronically when a key is pressed, and a harpsichord produces sounds from strings that are plucked. Another difference between the three is the number of octaves they come with. The harpsichord comes with five octaves, the piano has seven octaves, and the organ has three or four keyboards with five octaves and a two and a half octave pedal board.

3. What person or event had the biggest impact on Mozart's life?

I believe Mozart's father, Leopold, produced the biggest impact on Mozart's life. His father had the biggest impact on his life because he took the duty of being Mozart's teacher, secretary, impresario, advisor, collaborator, and many more responsibilities. Leopold realized the potential Mozart had in the musical area and showed Mozart's talents to Europe. He also, promoted Mozart's abilities by originating tours outside of their hometown, Salzburg.

4. How are Mozart and Bach different? How are they the same?

There are many differences between Mozart and Bach. I will point out the most important.