Horn Concerto Flashcards
1
Q
Describe theme A the rondo theme (8)
A
- Theme A is introduced by solo horn accompanied by detached string chords
- The rondo theme begins with an upbeat (anacrusis)
- contains repeated pitches
- triadic movement
- a lower auxiliary note
- Modulates to the dominant (Bb) and the next four bars return to the tonic.
- tutti : repeats the previous eight bars at a louder dynamic level
- The solo horn phrase is imitated by the first violins.
2
Q
Describe theme B (4)
A
- theme (b) – is presented by the solo horn in the dominant key over sustained string chords.
- Three repeated pitches in long note values at the start in the violins 1 and 2, viola and double basses at piano dynamics
- The violins then imitate the five-bar melody while the horn adds a countermelody
- Four detached chords played forte by the full orchestra are answered by the solo horn’s rising arpeggio and falling scale
3
Q
What happens after the horn introduces the rondo theme ?
A
Full orchestra – tutti – repeats the previous eight bars at a louder dynamic level i.e. forte rather than piano.
4
Q
How does Mozart create a sense of anticipation (4)
A
- an eight-bar dominant pedal in cellos, double basses and eventually violas
- an ascending sequence in the first violins imitated by the seconds
- a descending chromatic scale and ascending sequence in the solo horn
- Perfect cadences treated as a descending sequence to bring the music back to Eb major for the return of the rondo theme: C-F, Bb-Eb.
5
Q
Describe theme C (2)
A
- Three repeated notes in solo horn announce theme (c) which begins in C minor
- The first phrase ends with an imperfect cadence in C minor while the second modulates to the subdominant (Ab major
6
Q
Period
A
Classical
6
Q
Features of classical period (4)
A
- lyrical balanced phrases
- Prominent use of clarinet
- valve trumpet
- wide range of perfect and imperfect cadences
7
Q
Name of piece
A
Horn Concerto No. 4 in Eb major K495, third movement
8
Q
Composer
A
Mozart
9
Q
Time signature
A
6/8 (2 beats in a bar)
10
Q
Three features of this work that make it characteristic of the classical era (3)
A
- Use of balanced phrasing in the opening 8 bars (one phrase answered by another of equal length)
- Harmonisation based on three primary triads (tonic, subdominant and dominant)
- Use of chamber orchestra-like scoring
11
Q
Discuss how Mozart uses the following musical elements in the Rondo from his horn Concerto no. 4. Make three valid points for each musical element
- instrumentation
- Melody
- Harmony
- Structure
A
- Orchestra is typical of the classical era. Includes a full string section (two sections of violins, violas, cellos and double basses) as well as oboes and orchestral French Horns.
- when the horn doesn’t have the melody, it is most often the violin section which has it
- towards the end there is a section called a cadenza which is an opportunity for the soloist to display his/her talents
- Main melodies are constructed using scales and arpeggios, also typical of the classical era.
- Opening (ritornello) melody features repeated notes and triadic movement with Q and A phrases
- Melody from first episode features rising arpeggios and descending scalic movement and melody from second episode in rel. minor starts with three repeated notes and uses descending scalic movement
- Overall key of this movement is Eb major. Majority of chords are made up of primary chords (1,4 and 5) and there are some modulations to related keys
- First episode modulates to dominant Bb major and the second episode modulates to relative minor, C minor
- Widespread use of perfect and imperfect cadences
- Movement uses sonata rondo form ABACABA
- ‘A’ sections are known as ritornellos and are always in the tonic key Eb major and the same each time
- Mozart uses balanced phrases throughout, usually of four bars. Typical of the classical era to feature coda and cadenza
