History of Opera (Music 523A)

Sample Exam (2009)

This exam is designed to be completed in one hour and fifteen minutes. Please read the instructions carefully and be sure to allow sufficient time to complete each section.

I. Identifications. In one or two sentences, please identify or characterize the following, including historical figures, important compositions, and dates, where relevant (5 points each):

1. Le nuove musiche

2. Giulio Rospigliosi

II. Short Answers. In a few sentences or a paragraph, please respond to the following (15 points each):

(a) Discuss briefly two of the musical techniques or styles that Monteverdi brings together in his Orfeo. (b) Provide examples of each of these from the work (be as specific as possible when describing them). (c) Discuss briefly how Orfeo fits into Monteverdi's career (be sure to provide people, places, and dates as appropriate).

III. Listening. Three musical excerpts will be heard twice. For each, please provide the following information (10 points for each excerpt):

(a) the composer

(b) the title of the work, with date of first performance

(c) the character who is singing and the dramatic action that takes place