Survey of music
#1: Regarding the Section I, You should be able to find answers in the textbook or class notes. Most questions could be answered in one word or a single phrase. When you need to craft sentences, please use your own wording. In other words, no simple copy & pasting from other sources.
#2: Regarding the Section II, find the examples in the "Midterm Exam" folder. Please contact the instructor immediately in case there is an issue with the videos.
MIDTERM
Section I: Answer the following questions.
i: Romantic Era (20 pts.)
1. In music history, what time period is generally considered as the Romantic era?
2. What are the drastic changes in the society that fostered the spirit of this era?
3. What kind of new instruments were added to the orchestra in this period?
4. What is the new style of vocal music that became popular in Germany in this era?
5. Explain the characteristics of this genre and name notable composers.
6. Who is the composer most strongly associated with solo piano music in this era?
7. What is the difference between "program music" and "absolute music"?
8. Name three composers most strongly associated with the program symphony.
9. Who is the German composer most strongly associated with the genre of opera in this era? Explain what is unique about his style.
10. Besides opera, what kind of theater music is most strongly associated with the late Romantic era? Name one notable composer with a representative work in the genre.
11. Who is the Italian verismo opera composer who wrote Madame Butterfly?
ii: Post Romantic Era (20 pts.)
1. In music history, what time period is generally considered as the post Romantic era?
2. Which composers are most strongly associated with the Impressionism?
3. What are the musical traits of the Impressionistic music?
4. Which non--Western music is generally considered as the influence of the Impressionists?
5. Explain the musical characteristics of the Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky.
6. Who are the "Second Viennese School" composers?
7. What are the characteristics of the vocal work, Pierrot Lunaire by Arnold Schoenberg?
8. Why Wozzeck takes a special place in the history of opera?
9. Explain what is musically unique about Carmina Burana by Carl Orff.
10. Who is the Hungarian composer who collected and utilized traditional folk songs and dances in composition?
iii: Classical Music in America
1. Who is the American songwriter whose songs became popular in the 19th century?
2. Who is the American composer known as March king?
3. Name three European composers who immigrated to the United States.
4. Explain what is musically unique about "Suite for violin and piano" by William Grant Still.
5. Explain what is musically unique about "Unanswered Question" by Charles Ives.
Section II: Piano Concerto Mini--Essay (double--spaced.)
If you compare three music examples in the midterm folder, you can see how the genre of piano concerto is evolving accordingly to the passage of time, and how vividly they exhibit the characteristics of the time period each piece belongs to. Write a one--page essay (can be two) that explains the following aspects:
a. What era each piece belongs.
b. What elements suggest so (you may find at least 3 for each piece).
c. Your personal impression on each piece.