Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Music

Characteristics of Neoclassicism (18th Century)

The Neoclassical period comprises the second half of the 18th century. Key characteristics include:

• Objective composition.
• Focus on the ideal of Beauty.
• Bright melodic lines and phrases that are cheerful, square, and regular.
• Prevalence of instrumental music, particularly the sonata form.
• The birth of the democratization of music.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart is considered a child prodigy of music. The last stage of his life was difficult due to financial problems and illness. He was largely self-taught and served the Bishop of Salzburg and the Emperor of Austria.

Key Characteristics and Works

His works highlight spontaneity and tenderness. Major compositions include:

• Instrumental Music: Over 50 symphonies,

Cantar de Mio Cid: Language and Style

The Cantar de Mio Cid features:

• Frequent calls and invocations to the audience.
• Frequent exclamations (evaluative).
• Suppression of introductory verbs.
• Use of formulas specific to orality.
• Presence of characteristic epic formulas.
• Abundance of epic epithets to characterize the characters.
• Alternating narrative and dialogue.
• Freedom in the use of verbal forms.

It is divided into three main sections:

1. Song of the Exile
2. Song of the Weddings
3. Song of the Reproach of Corpes

One of its main characteristics is its historical accuracy. The work is also the oldest representation of the Magi, comprising one hundred forty-seven multimeter verses.

Cantigas Types

Types of Cantigas include:

• From friend
• Love
• Of ridicule and cursing

Jarchas

Music of the Middle Ages

Middle Ages: Music of the Middle Ages was primarily religious. The music was performed at monasteries, churches, and castles. The exchange between these three musical worlds led to the birth of various forms of classical music of the era: the motet, the polyphonic Mass, the song, the madrigal, and the reform of the sixteenth century, the chorale.

From Gregorian Chant to Polyphony

From Gregorian chant to polyphony: After the fall of the Roman Empire, the only power in Europe was the Church. The Pope laid down the rules of the liturgy: this was expressed through songs in Latin, in which all the performers sang in unison, unaccompanied by any instrument. Pope Gregory I gave it the name: Gregorian chant. This song was the... Continue reading "Evolution of Western Classical Music: Middle Ages to Baroque" »

Famous Opera Arias

La Traviata, G. Verdi

Aria: Features tenor, soprano, and choir. This romantic opera tells the tragic story of Violetta Valery, who sacrifices her love to save a family's reputation. The opera begins with a celebration where Violetta meets Alfredo, a fan who admires her beauty and love.

The Barber of Seville, G. Rossini

Aria: Largo al factotum. Features baritone Figaro. The barber dedicates his time not only to haircuts but also acts as a messenger and matchmaker, helping with love intrigues.

L'amico Fritz, Mascagni

Aria: Duo cerises. Features tenor and soprano. A wealthy landowner, after declaring himself a bachelor, accepts a bet that he will marry within a year. He realizes he has feelings for Suzel when she brings him flowers,... Continue reading "Famous Opera Arias: Verdi, Rossini, Mozart & More" »

Baroque Instrumental Forms and Structures

A) Comparing the Suite and the Sonata Concerto

Both the Suite and the Sonata Concerto are Baroque instrumental forms and usually feature a basso continuo.

B) Instrumental Combinations for Baroque Sonatas

Sonatas were composed for various instrumental combinations, including:

• Solo Sonatas: For a single instrument (e.g., keyboard, harpsichord, violin, cello).
• Duet Sonatas: For one soloist with basso continuo.
• Trio Sonatas: For two soloists with basso continuo.

C) Types of Baroque Sonatas

Based on structure, two main types of sonata were developed in the Baroque era:

Sonata da camera (Chamber Sonata)

Composed of dance-rate movements. This form derived into the Suite.

Sonata da chiesa (Church Sonata)

Typically featured

Audiovisual Elements

Elements of audiovisual media combine sound and image, playing a very important role with their particular ideology.

Features of Audiovisual Media

• Convey information, opinions, etc.
• Users (viewers, listeners, and readers) have possibilities to interact.

Main Audiovisual Media

• Press
• Radio
• Television
• Film
• Thematic Xanxo (Note: 'Xanxo' is unclear in context)

Characteristics of Media Types

• Radio: Uses sound, very accessible.
• TV: Majority medium, image combined with sound.
• Film: Art and entertainment, disseminated in projection rooms and DVD.
• Internet: A global medium, offers everything.

Spelling Notes

Specific rules for open vowels and diphthongs (likely related to a specific language, e.g., Catalan):

Open Vowel 'e' Rules

Majority of esdrúixoles... Continue reading "Key Concepts in Media, Language, and Literature" »

Baroque Architecture: Bernini and Borromini in Rome

Historical Context of Baroque Art

The term Baroque initially appeared to describe 18th-century artistic phenomena as confusing, excessive, and extravagant. A true revaluation of the Baroque style did not arrive until the 19th century.

Baroque art represents a significant change from Renaissance art. Classical values and equilibrium are replaced by the free expression of feelings. This style reflects a change of mentality within the Church; the Baroque became the ideal vehicle to spread and reaffirm Catholic dogma, serving as an instrument of propaganda. It also served the luxury of citizens and forwarded the sense of power of their kings. Baroque is fundamentally an art of propaganda.

Rome, in... Continue reading "17th Century Roman Baroque: Bernini, Borromini, and Propaganda" »

Medieval Sacred Drama

Medieval sacred drama in Europe originated within a religious context, specifically in the rites of Christian worship, especially around the celebration of festivals like the birth and resurrection of Christ.

Christian Iconography

Christ Pantocrator

Christ Pantocrator is the representation of Christ as Lord of the Universe, typically depicted blessing with his right hand (symbolizing divine justice) and holding the Gospels or the Bible in his left. These representations were displayed both outside and inside the church.

The Tetramorph

The Tetramorph refers to the symbolic animals that represent the Gospels.

Gregorian Chant

Key Characteristics of Gregorian Chant

• It is monophonic singing, i.e., one voice or melody.
• It is without strict

Baroque and Arcadianism: Artistic and Literary Movements

The Baroque Style: Drama, Exuberance, and Realism

The Baroque was an influential artistic style that flourished across Europe, the Americas, and parts of the East from the early 17th century to the mid-18th century. It can be seen as a natural continuation of the Renaissance, as both movements shared a deep interest in classical art. However, they interpreted and expressed this interest in distinct ways.

While the Renaissance emphasized moderation, formal economy, austerity, balance, and harmony, the Baroque approached similar themes with greater dynamism, higher contrast, more drama, exuberance, and a tendency toward realism and decorative embellishment. It also expressed a tension between... Continue reading "Baroque and Arcadianism: Literary Styles and Influential Figures" »

Organum

Organum, a foundational form of early Western polyphony, reached its height in the Notre Dame School of Paris, the heart of the Ars Antiqua (primarily between the 11th and 12th centuries). It involves parallel repetition of a melody, typically at a perfect fifth interval. This sacred vocal music genre enhanced musical passages by adding a second voice.

Organum Types

• Parallel Organum: An added voice (vox organalis) doubles the plainchant at a parallel fifth below. Fifths were considered perfect and beautiful, and each voice could be inflected to an octave.
• Free Organum: Showcased greater melodic independence, giving rise to the term contrapunctum.
• Discantus (11th Century): The vox organalis and main voice move in contrary motion.
• Florid/Melismatic