Classical Period
Homework Assignments

All homework assignments are to be submitted through Blackboard by the day indicated.
Send all assignments due on the same day in the same e-mail. 

Please type all assignments in Microsoft Word, unless directed otherwise.

I. Definitions of Terms: Please define the following terms and identify the following people. E-mail this as a unit.

melodic motive

theme

absolute music

binary form

ternary form

sonata

sonata cycle

sonata allegro form

exposition

development

recapitulation

coda

theme and variations

minuet and trio

scherzo

rondo

Mozart

Haydn

Beethoven

Classicism

patronage

chamber music

string quartet

The Marriage of Figaro

Don Giovanni

The Magic Flute

opera seria

comic opera

buffo

overture

cherubino

Susanna

The Count

Basilio

symphony

movement

Symphony #4

Surprise Symphony

Choral Symphony

"Ode to Joy"

Fidelio

Classical Concerto

cadenza

Pathétique Sonata

II. Development of Themes: A small musical idea is a motive. A motive grows and develops into a theme.  A theme can be one small "brick" in the construction of a symphony.  Listen to the Irish folk group The Chieftains as they play "The Wind that Shakes the Barley." The first tiny melody, or "motive," can be heard as it evolves into quite an elaborate setting. Write and e-mail a list of three ways the original theme changes and develops.Consult the listening guide on pages 610 and 611 of the test to formulate your answer.

III. Dance Description: This assignment requires more sophisticated listening skills. It involves a minuet and trio by Mozart from his Ein Kleine Nachtmusick. Follow the listening activity as outlined in your text on page 234. First, listen for the distinct sections: Minuet, Trio, Minuet. Then, see if you can hear the two sections of the minuet as outlined in the guide. Write a paragraph describing a dance of Mozart's day in which this dance was performed. What would you wear? What would a ballroom look like?

IV. Amadeus Paper: View the film Amadeus and watch it in its entirety. It is on reserve in the library. This film won 5 Academy Awards, including "Best Picture." Write a 2-page paper on one of the following topics: "Mediocrity vs. Genius," "Salieri's Relationship to God," or "Mozart's Music as a Film Score."

OR

Immortal Beloved: Rent and watch the feature film Immortal Beloved and write a 2-page description of how Beethoven's life was the impetus for his creativity. How was his music used to enhance the screenplay of this film?

V. A-B-A Folk Song: Look at the picture of Thomas Jefferson's rotunda at the University of Virginia here, which is designed in the classic A-B-A style. Listen to the following example which demonstrates A-B-A form in music. One melodic theme (A) begins. A contrasting theme (B) is heard, and then there is a return to the A theme. Name a simple folk song or nursery rhyme song in A-B-A form which is familiar to you.

The next  learning task allows the student to explore A-B-A style. There are two opportunities to do this. First, try the task given on the shape-building page. After you work on that page, complete the tasks outlined on the architecture page.

VI. Beethoven's Variations on a Theme: Listen to the second movement of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and make a list of the ways that Beethoven varies the two themes that are present. The listening guide on page 278 is helpful.

VII. Schubert's Instruments in Die Forelle Quintet: List the instruments which play this quintet and the tempo and structure of each movement as outlined in the text. Pay close attention to the "Theme and Variations" in the Fourth Movement.

Play the "Trout Game" on the CD entitled Multimedia Schubert which is on reserve in the library. Save yourself a trip to the library by completing this task at the same time as Multimedia Mozart in Task XI! Match the stones which have the same melodies. E-mail me a list of 5 things that happen in the water when you get a match! Fun!

VIII. Growth of the Orchestra: Compare the representation of Bach's orchestra with the Classical Orchestra (see textbook page 259) and the Romantic orchestra (see textbook page 402). Write a 1-page discussion of the growth of the orchestra from the Baroque through the Romantic. Discussion should include the introduction of new instruments and the advent of the "Concert Hall" concept in Europe. On reserve in the Learning Lab at VHCC is Microsoft's CD-Rom Multimedia Mozart. In the Contents click on "The Instruments." Read "From Home to Concert Hall."