CLEP Humanities : Music

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for CLEP Humanities

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Example Questions

Example Question #81 : Performing Arts

Which composer wrote the suite of compositions known as the Brandenburg Concertos?

Possible Answers:

Franz Haydn

Georg Friederich Hande

Ludwig van Beethoven

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Johann Sebastian Bach

Correct answer:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Explanation:

The Brandenburg Concertos are widely considered the pinnacle of Johann Sebastian Bach's musical compositions. Presented to the Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt in 1721, the six concertos are the perfect exemplar of Baroque composition, featuring layered harmonies of various instruments in an ornate contrapuntal orchestration. The Concertos most likely took years to compose, and were only fully completed in 1721.

Example Question #82 : Performing Arts

Johann Sebastian Bach is representative of which of the following musical styles?

Possible Answers:

Medieval

Renaissance

Baroque

Romantic

Classical

Correct answer:

Baroque

Explanation:

Johann Sebastian Bach is the composer most closely associated with the Baroque period. Bach's music, with its complex counterpoint melodies and harmonies, multilayered instrumentation, and formal structure, stands as representative of the entire era. Bach's music was seen as a high point of the Baroque era, and my of his works inspired developments away from Baroque music.

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