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Western Classical Traditions

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What defines the Baroque style, and how is a fugue constructed from a single subject?

Account for the features of the Baroque style, including basso continuo, terraced dynamics and idiomatic counterpoint, and explain the construction of a fugue
A focused answer to the H2 Music outcome on the Baroque. The hallmarks of the style - basso continuo, terraced dynamics, ornamentation, motoric rhythm - and the construction of a fugue from subject, answer, countersubject, episodes and stretto.
10 min answer →

How did the Romantic symphony grow, and how does programme music make instrumental music tell a story?

Explain the expansion of the Romantic symphony and the nature of programme music, including the idee fixe, the symphonic poem, and the cyclic principle
A focused answer to the H2 Music outcome on the Romantic symphony and programme music. The expanded orchestra and forms, absolute versus programme music, the idee fixe and leitmotif, the symphonic poem, and the cyclic principle, with Berlioz and Liszt.
10 min answer →

How did Romantic composers stretch tonal harmony for expressive intensity without abandoning a key?

Account for Romantic harmonic language, including chromaticism, extended and altered chords, enharmonic modulation and expressive expansion of form
A focused answer to the H2 Music outcome on Romantic harmony. Chromaticism, seventh and ninth chords, the Neapolitan and augmented sixth, enharmonic and chromatic modulation, delayed resolution, and the expressive expansion of the Romantic style.
10 min answer →

How does the Romantic art song fuse poetry and music, and how does the piano become an equal partner to the voice?

Explain the Romantic art song (Lied), including strophic and through-composed settings, word-painting, and the role of the piano accompaniment
A focused answer to the H2 Music outcome on the Lied. Strophic, modified-strophic and through-composed settings, word-painting and text expression, the piano as equal partner, and the song cycle, with reference to Schubert and Schumann.
9 min answer →

How does the Classical concerto dramatise the contrast between soloist and orchestra, and how is its first movement built?

Explain the structure and style of the Classical concerto, including double-exposition first-movement form, the cadenza, and the dialogue of soloist and orchestra
A focused answer to the H2 Music outcome on the concerto. The Classical concerto's three-movement plan, the double-exposition first-movement form, ritornello inheritance, the cadenza, and the dramatic dialogue between soloist and orchestra.
9 min answer →

What changed between the Baroque and Classical styles, and how does sonata form embody Classical thinking?

Account for the features of the Classical style, including periodic phrasing, the Alberti bass and clear tonal structure, and explain sonata form as its central design
A focused answer to the H2 Music outcome on the Classical era. Periodic phrasing, balance and clarity, the Alberti bass, the move from continuo to homophony, and sonata form as the central Classical structure with its tonal drama.
10 min answer →