Mozart: Symphony No.40 in G minor Flashcards
Key features from the Classical period
- balanced and clear-cut phrases that form Q&A
- more contrast in movement i.e texture or instrumentation
- wider range of dynamics e.g. cresc. & dim.
- textures are often simpler and often homophonic
- the harpsichord is replaced with a piano
- orchestra include a range of wind instruments
Important composers in the Classical period
Mozart, Haydn & Beethoven
When was Symphony N.40 written?
1788
How many movements does the symphony have? And which movement are we studying?
It has 4 movements; we are studying the 1st one
Div. (viola part)
The players divide into two groups
1
A single person plays this part
a 2
Both players play this part
sf
Accent
tr
Trill
Exposition (First subject)
A melody that is characterised by a falling motif to the repeated rhythm ♫♩played by strings at first - G minor
Exposition (Second subject)
A melody with descending chromatic patterns, shared between strings and woodwind - B♭ major (relative major)
Development
Based on the first subject, which is developed and fragmented - moves through various keys (starts in F♯ minor)
Recapitulation (First subject)
The first subject is repeated with some variations - G minor
Recapitulation (Second subject)
The first subject is repeated with some variations - G minor
Recapitulation (Coda)
Repeated perfect cadences in G minor finish the piece - G minor
Melody
Most of the melodies are made up of balanced, four or eight-bar phrases that sound like questions and answers.
Many phrases are scalic (based on scales)
Harmony
The harmony is diatonic and functional, based around standard major and minor triads.
We can also find examples of:
Chromatic chords, such as diminished 7th and augmented 6th.
A circle of 5ths progression (in the 2nd subject).
Pedal notes, which the cellos have just before the 2nd subject starts.
Rhythm, Metre and Tempo
The metre is 4/4 throughout
The tempo is ‘Molto Allegro’ - very fast
Short rhythmic ideas are repeated to create unity. Eg the 1st subject begins with an anacrusis of two quavers, which is followed by a crotchet. This rhythm (♫♩) occurs throughout the 1st subject.
Rhythms are fairly simple, although there are some dotted rhythms and syncopation added to create momentum and add interest.
Texture
The texture is mostly homophonic.
We can also find examples of:
Counterpoint and imitation in the development.
Octave doublings, which are frequently used.
Dialogue between the woodwind and strings at the start of the 2nd subject.
Dynamics (Exposition)
1st subject is quiet
The transition is loud
The 2nd subject begins quietly and gets louder towards
the end
Dynamics (Development)
Has a loud section in the middle, but starts and ends quietly
Dynamics (Recapitulation)
Had similar dynamics to the exposition
Use of instruments
Mozart uses a chamber orchestra made up of strings, woodwind and horns.
Strings: play the melody, quick running scales, sustained chords and forceful chords.
Woodwind: play more sustained notes, fewer quick runs. They share the start of the 2nd subject with the strings
Horns: both in different keys (G & B♭), which maximises the notes they can play between them. Mostly play held or repeated notes to sustain harmonies.
What form is this movement in?
Sonata form
