Mozart: Symphony No.40 in G minor

Question 1

Key features from the Classical period

Answer 1

1. balanced and clear-cut phrases that form Q&A
2. more contrast in movement i.e texture or instrumentation
3. wider range of dynamics e.g. cresc. & dim.
4. textures are often simpler and often homophonic
5. the harpsichord is replaced with a piano
6. orchestra include a range of wind instruments

Question 2

Important composers in the Classical period

Answer 2

Mozart, Haydn & Beethoven

Question 3

When was Symphony N.40 written?

Answer 3

1788

Question 4

How many movements does the symphony have? And which movement are we studying?

Answer 4

It has 4 movements; we are studying the 1st one

Question 5

Div. (viola part)

Answer 5

The players divide into two groups

Question 6

1

Answer 6

A single person plays this part

Question 7

a 2

Answer 7

Both players play this part

Question 8

sf

Answer 8

Accent

Question 9

tr

Answer 9

Trill

Question 10

Exposition (First subject)

Answer 10

A melody that is characterised by a falling motif to the repeated rhythm ♫♩played by strings at first - G minor

Question 11

Exposition (Second subject)

Answer 11

A melody with descending chromatic patterns, shared between strings and woodwind - B♭ major (relative major)

Question 12

Development

Answer 12

Based on the first subject, which is developed and fragmented - moves through various keys (starts in F♯ minor)

Question 13

Recapitulation (First subject)

Answer 13

The first subject is repeated with some variations - G minor

Question 14

Recapitulation (Second subject)

Answer 14

The first subject is repeated with some variations - G minor

Question 15

Recapitulation (Coda)

Answer 15

Repeated perfect cadences in G minor finish the piece - G minor

Question 16

Melody

Answer 16

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)

Question 17

Harmony

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

Rhythm, Metre and Tempo

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Texture

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Dynamics (Exposition)

Answer 20

1st subject is quiet

The transition is loud

The 2nd subject begins quietly and gets louder towards
the end

Question 21

Dynamics (Development)

Answer 21

Has a loud section in the middle, but starts and ends quietly

Question 22

Dynamics (Recapitulation)

Answer 22

Had similar dynamics to the exposition

Question 23

Use of instruments

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

What form is this movement in?

Answer 24

Sonata form