Question 3
-
(a) Write notes on any two of the following Western musicians:
G. F. Handel;
W.A. Mozart;
L. V. Beethoven;
J. F. Haydn.Focusing on:
(i) Date of birth;
(ii) Nationality;
(iii) The musical period he lived in;
(iv) Any two instruments he wrote for;
(v) Date of death.
(b) List any three characteristics of the classical music.
Observation
This question was popular among the candidates and most of these candidates performed above average. They responded to the question thus:
G. F Handel
- February 23, 1685
- German/British
- Baroque
- Keyboards, strings, winds, voice
- April 14, 1759
W. A Mozart
- January 27, 1756
- German/Austrian
- Classical
- Keyboards, strings, winds
- December 5, 1791
L. V Beethoven
- December 17, 1770
- German
- Classical/Romantic
- Piano, strings, winds, voice
- March 26, 1827
J. F Haydn
- March 31, 1732
- Austrian
- Classical
- Piano, strings, winds, voice
- May 31, 1809
(b) (i) Contrast of mood
(ii) Contrast of rhythm
- Contrast of melody
(iv) Lighter, clearer (Homophonic) texture
(v) Tuneful and simple melody
(vi) Chordal accompaniment
(vii) End of basso continuo
(viii) Contrast of dynamics
(ix) The harpsichord was replaced by the piano (piano forte)
(x) Development of instrumental forms