Mozart's Rondo - Section A

Question 1

Melody key terms and features

Answer 1

Conjunct
Starts on anacrusis
Mainly diatonic (brief moments of chromaticism)
Balanced 4 bar phrases to make 8 bars
The melody is repeated with orchestra (tutti)
Introduction of new liquid melody in second part
Virtuosic - use of semiquavers and quavers
Lively, springy melody in rondo which features staccato and legato
Melody is often repeated octave lower (episode 2)
Explores full range of clarinet - disjunct using the chalumeau register
Triadic

Question 2

Rhythm & Metre

Answer 2

6/8 time signature, stays the same (typical of classical period)
Quavers and semiquavers in virtuosic melody
Use of dotted crotchets
Repeated rythms
Longer note values in woodwind compound
Syncopation in first rondo

Question 3

Texture and Dynamics

Answer 3

Melody and accompaniment in opening
Moments of reduced texture
In final rondo, clarinet has dialogue with violins (antiphonal)
Suddenly loud, then quiet when whole orchestra comes back (altered dynamics)

Question 4

Timbre/Sonority

Answer 4

Clarinet - new instrument
3 ranges of clarinet - Chalumeau (dark), Clarion (bright), Altissimo Shrill)
Medium sized orchestra - typical of classical
Horns and woodwinds add warmth and colour often via sustained chords
Strings

Question 5

Tonality

Answer 5

A major (brief E major in theme)
E major in episode 1 (dominant)
A major in return of rondo but pedal note to prepare for modulation to
F# minor
D major (sub dominant)
A minor

Question 6

Harmony

Answer 6

Tonic and dominant chords
Imperfect cadence after first 4 bars
Perfect cadence after second 4 bars
Harmonic flux due to falling semiquavers in first episode
Chromatic cord - augmented 6th - to create moment of drama
Pedal note in F# minor to introduce relative minor
Use of circle of fifths
Dominant 7th with flattened 9th to reintroduce rondo
Diminished 7 in final rondo
Ends with perfect cadence followed by two tonic chords
Mainly primary triads
Consonant harmony

Question 7

Structure

Answer 7

ABACA structure
Rondo - means theme keeps returning
Multiple different modulations (all related to A major which is typical of classical music)
Audience recognise melody
Allows for contrast