AoS2 Classical Concerto

Question 1

Classical Concerto

Answer 1

A composition in three movements for soloist and orchestra.

Here is a clip from Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto

Question 2

Cadenza

Answer 2

Improvised section (solo) played by a soloist using elaborate scales and arpeggios. Typically at the end of the 1st movement.

This is the cadenza from Mozart’s Piano Concerto no. 20 in D minor.

Question 3

Classical Concerto structure

Answer 3

The Classical Concerto has three movements.

The first and last are usually fast. The middle movement is slower.

There is usually a solo section called a CADENZA at the end of the first movement.

Question 4

Classical Concerto instruments

Answer 4

The solo instruments that are typically used in a Classical Concerto piece are Piano, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, French horn, Trumpet, Violin, Viola and Cello.

Question 5

Mozart & Haydn

Answer 5

Famous Classical composers.

Question 6

Melody & Accompaniment

Answer 6

Melody and Accompaniment is a musical texture where there is a clear tune supported by other instruments.

Question 7

Classical Orchestra

Answer 7

Larger than Baroque Orchestra, Smaller than the Romantic Orchestra. Violins, Violas, Cellos, Two each of Flutes, Oboes, Clarinets, Bassoons, French Horns, Trumpets &Timpani.

Question 8

Call and Response & Imitation

Answer 8

Musical devices common in the concerto between Soloist and Orchestra.

Here is an example of the orchestra Imitating the French horn melody in Mozart’s Horn Concerto no.4 in Eb

Question 9

1 / This musical extract is taken from a Classical Concerto. From your knowledge of this style of music, identify six features which are typical of this style.

2/ What is the name of the solo instrument?

3/ Name a possible composer for this piece of music?

Answer 9

Features typical of a Classical Concerto include:

1/ i/ Melody and Accompaniment Texture.

ii/ Clear four and eight bar phrases.

iii/ Crescendos and diminuendos (gradually louder and quiter).

iv/ Expressive trill from the soloist.

v/ Major tonality without many chromatic notes.

vi/ A cadenza at the end of the extract.

2/ Oboe

3/ Mozar (or Haydn)