History of Western Music (Music 330B)

Midterm No. 1: Sample Questions and Answers (2009)

Please read the instructions carefully and allow sufficient time to complete each section.

I. Multiple Choice Questions. Please place the letter that best completes the question in the left hand column (two points each):

1. While in Vienna, Mozart's most successful period for piano concertos was: (a) 1777–79 (b) 1784–86 (c) 1788 (d) 1791

2. In the pre-classical style, the rate of harmonic change: (a) slows down (b) speeds up (c) stays the same (d) varies widely

3. The "Haydn" Quartets were written by: (a) Haydn (b) Mozart (c) Beethoven (d) T. S. Eliot

4. The form of the first movement of Sammartini's Symphony in F Major can best be described as: (a) binary (b) rounded binary (c) ternary (d) sonata

Answers: 1 (b), 2 (a), 3 (b), 4 (d)

II. Identifications. In two or three sentences, please characterize the following, including historical figures, musical works, and dates where relevant (5 points each):

1. Eszterh·za [answer should mention the following: estate of the Esterh·zy family in Hungary, completed around 1765; also that Haydn worked there as well as his relationship with the family]

2. Querelle des bouffons [answer should mention: "Quarrel of the Comic Actors," pamphlet war in Paris in 1752-54, begun when "La serva padrona" was performed; should also mention that it was between the partisans of French and Italian opera]

[Points to mention: give general meaning and definition of foreign language terms, mention important composers and important works, include relevant dates; if an individual, clarify the relationship with composers and works; if a musical form or genre, note prinicipal characteristics as well as a representative composer and work. Always include a relevant date.]

III. Short Answers. In a brief paragraph, please answer the following (15 points each):

1. (a) Describe briefly at least two style characteristics of Beethoven's first style period. (b) Select a work of Beethoven's from this period and apply these characteristics to it. Be as detailed as you can, and be sure to provide title and date of the work.

2. Using the Sonata in D Major, K. 119, by Domenico Scarlatti: (a) describe one way in which the work is similar to sonata form and (b) one way in which it differs (be as specific as you can in discussing your examples).

[Note that these questions may be used to apply to (1) any of Beethoven's style periods and (2) any of the pre-classical works. For (2), (a) could include clearly defined key areas, or the return of material in the tonic key area that was originally stated in another key; (b) would include lack of a complete recapitulation.]

IV. Listening. Three musical excerpts will be heard twice. For each excerpt please provide the following information (5 points each):

(a) composer

(b) title of composition

(c) date of composition (as precisely as possible)

(d) genre (symphony, string quartet, etc.)

In addition, please answer the following question relating to one of the above excerpts:

(e) Choose one of the vocal works and summarize the text of what is being sung. If from an opera, be sure to note the character(s) singing and the dramatic situation.