AOS 1: Classical Music and Mozart - Symphony No. 40 In G Minor Flashcards
Tonality and Harmony Of Symphony in G
Subject 1 is in the key of G minor.
Subject 2 is in the key of Bb major.
The piece starts and ends in G minor.
Harmony - is diatonic and functional
Chromatic chords – chromaticism at points
Subject 2 has a circle of 5ths progression
Pedal notes
Rhythm, Metre and Tempo Of Symphony in G
4/4 throughout
Molto allegro (very fast).
Short rhythmic ideas are repeated.
Fairly simple rhythms.
Melody Of Symphony in G
Subject 1 – played by violins 1 & 2 at the octave.
– develops throughout the piece and is a descending sequence.
Subject 2 – played by the strings and woodwind - alternating Q&A roles.
– Chromatic / scalic, descending melody.
Balanced 4 or 8 bar phrases like Q&A.
Dynamics Of Symphony in G
Exposition: subject 1 begins piano (quiet)
The link section / transition is forte (loud).
Subject 2 begins piano (quiet) then crescendos – towards the end.
Development starts and ends piano but forte in the middle.
Recapitulation similar to exposition.
Most contrasts occur suddenly with few
Instrumentation Of Symphony in G
Strings – violin, viola, cello, double bass
Play quick run scales, sus’ notes & forceful chords.
Woodwind – flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon
Don’t play so much, more sus’ notes and less quick runs than strings.
Brass – French horn
2 in different keys: G and Bb to max the no’ of notes played between them. Sus’ harmonies.
Structure Of Symphony in G
Sonata form (3 parts)
Exposition – 1st subject and 2nd subject
Development
Recapitulation – 1st and 2nd subject and coda.
Texture Of Symphony in G
Homophonic (mostly - and at the beginning)
Imitation in the development
Polyphonic during recapitulation
Context Of Symphony in G
Composed by Mozart in 1788
It is considered unusual as it starts quiet.
Intended to be performed in a large room or small concert hall.
The symphony has 4 movements.
It was one of his last compositions and part of the classical period.
