Mozart: Symphony No. 40

Question 1

What is structure of this piece?

Answer 1

Sonata Form

Question 2

What is sonata form

Answer 2

Exposition
Development
Recapitulation

Question 3

What are the different sections within the Exposition

Answer 3

First subject, bridge, second subject, codetta

Question 4

What are the different sections within the Recapitulation?

Answer 4

1st subject, 2nd subject, coda

Question 5

What is the name of the two main melodies in this piece?

Answer 5

1st subject and 2nd subject

Question 6

What is the tonality of this piece?

Answer 6

G minor

Question 7

What key is the 1st subject in?

Answer 7

G minor

Question 8

What key is the 2nd subject in?

Answer 8

Bb Major

Question 9

Which section of the piece starts in F# major and moves through various keys?

Answer 9

Development

Question 10

What key is the recapitulation in?

Answer 10

G Minor

Question 11

What are you describing when you say “diatonic and functional”

Answer 11

Harmony

Question 12

How else can the harmony of this movement be described?

Answer 12

Use of chromatic chords
Tonic pedal in the first 6 bars
Use of perfect and imperfect cadences

Question 13

Describe the texture

Answer 13

Mainly homophonic

Question 14

What is 4/4

Answer 14

The time signature or metre

Question 15

What is the metre of this piece

Answer 15

4

4

Question 16

What is the tempo?

Answer 16

Molto Allegro

Question 17

What does Molto Allegro mean?

Answer 17

It is Italian for Very Fast

Question 18

Describe the rhythm

Answer 18

Some dotted rhythms and syncopation

Question 19

How long are the phrases in this movement

Answer 19

Four and Eight bars

Question 20

Describe the melody

Answer 20

Scalic
First subject based on 3 note falling pattern
Second subject based on descending chromatic patterns shared between strings and woodwind

Question 21

What instruments are being played?

Answer 21

Chamber orchestra made up of strings, woodwind and horns

Question 22

How are the strings being played?

Answer 22

Multiple functions including playing the melody, playing quick scalic runs, playing long sustained notes and forceful chords

Question 23

How are the woodwind instruments being used?

Answer 23

Featured less than the strings and provide more sustained notes

Question 24

There are two french horns-how are they played?

Answer 24

They mostly play held or repeated notes providing harmonic backing

Question 25

When did Mozart write this symphony?

Answer 25

1788

Question 26

What are the classical characteristics of this symphony?

Answer 26

Balanced phrases
Contrasts in texture and dynamics
Use of crescendos and diminuendos
Homophonic textures