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German word for song and a short usually descriptive piece for solo singer and piano accompaniment.

This classical form involves one theme in alternation with contrasting themes or sections.  It was a favorite form for the last movement of large works such as symphonies and sonatas.

This term comes from the Italian “sonare” meaning “to sound.”  It refers to an instrumental composition in multiple movements.

Drama presented in music combining theater, music and story.

A famous ballet score composed by Peter Tchaikovsky based on a children’s fantasy of toys coming to life to save them from the evil rats.

A late 19th-century artistic movement that attempted to depic subjects in accurate details. It is “inspired” by the invention of the camera.

The first section of a sonata allegro form where the listener is exposed to the themes for first time. 

A short vocal composition for a male soloist with piano accompaniment based on a dramatic tale of crisis and superstition by Schubert.

This philosophy gave rise to democracy and led to the notion of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

These performances provided a rising middle class the opportunity to hear great performances and they  gave composers access to a larger audience.