Study Guides

Unit Summary

This unit introduces pupils to the Western Classical Tradition. It explores chamber, orchestral and vocal ensembles, musical features and key composers from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods, and takes a broad look at tonality and harmony across these periods.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to identify key small ensembles and describe key features of chamber and solo music from across the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.

Key Notes

• Chamber music is music in the Western Classical Tradition written for a small ensemble.
• In the Baroque period the trio sonata was the most common form, featuring two melodic instruments with basso continuo.
• In the Classical period the string quartet was very popular, but many other combinations of instruments were also used.
• These included trios, duets, quintets and others.
• Compositions for solo instrument (with or without accompaniment) have also been popular throughout the periods.

Vocabulary To Learn

• chamber music: music composed for a small ensemble, such as a string quartet
• string quartet: a key ensemble in the Western Classical Tradition, consisting of two violins, a viola and a cello
• piano trio: another common small ensemble, typically consisting of a piano, violin and cello
• trio sonata: a common Baroque style of chamber music, with two melodic instruments and continuo
• solo: a performance by one instrument; sometimes compositions for an instrument with a piano accompaniment are also called a solo

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Most music in the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods was written for an orchestra.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• An introduction to the Western Classical tradition Study Guide
• Harmony and tonality in Western classical music Study Guide
• The orchestra Study Guide
• The voice in Western classical music Study Guide