Mendelssohn - Overview

Question 1

Form of Movement I

Answer 1

Sonata Form

Question 2

Form of Movement II

Answer 2

A B A1 B1 (Coda)

It is believed this was conceived after watching a religious procession

Question 3

Form of Movement III

Answer 3

A B A (coda) B1 - Closely associated with the Minuet and Trio

Question 4

Form of Movement IV

Answer 4

Very loose Sonata Form

Question 5

Influences of Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4

Answer 5

As the nickname suggests (“Italian”), there is a clear impact of Mendelssohn’s trip to Italy in 1830. This is when he began writing the symphony. The material generated is described as ‘a quartet of scenes around the topic of Italian life – seen …through German eyes’

Question 6

Important Premiere Information

Answer 6

It was premiered in London in 1833

Mendelssohn did not like the practice of the London Philharmonic at the time of allowing different orchestral musicians to conduct depending on circumstance. Therefore, he conducted the symphony himself with a baton.

The second movement was so successful, the audience asked for the movement to be repeated.

Question 7

Instrumentation

Answer 7

Double Woodwinds (2 flute, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets (in A), 2 Bassoons)
2 Horns in A
2 Trumpets in D
Strings

Relatively small for the Romantic Period, but similar to Beethoven of which Mendelssohn was a fan.

Question 8

Movement I - Sonata Form Order

Answer 8

Exposition
First Subject (S1) - Bars 1 - 66
Transition - Bars 66 - 92
Second Subject (S2) - Bars 93 - 187
Codetta - Bars 187 - 209
Development 
First Section - Bars 210 - 284
Fause Reprise - Bars 285 - 296
Second Section - Bars 297 - 368
Recapitulation
First Subject (S1) - Bars 369-390
Transition - Bars 391-404
Second Subject (S2) - Bars 405 - 455
Third Development Section - Bars 456 - 510
Coda - Bars 510 - 586

Question 9

First Movement Subject 1 Material

Answer 9

Fast 6/8 time signature, in A Major.

Material has a somewhat “Mediterranean” flavour.

Homophonic texture

Use of a Fanfare Motif (Fig. X) in Bar 23.

Question 10

Transitional Material (Bars 66 - 90)

Answer 10

Antiphonal texture

Primary material is the use of an oscillating quaver pattern (in thirds)

Moves through B minor, D Major to B Major (Dominant Preparation)