Mozarts 40th Symphony

Question 0

Where would this piece generally be played?

Answer 0

Large room in a stately home or small concert hall

Question 1

When was this piece composed?

Answer 1

1789

Question 2

What does ‘ div. (viola part)’ mean?

Answer 2

The players divide into two different groups

Question 3

What does the marking ‘ 1 ‘ stand for?

Answer 3

A single person plays this part

Question 4

What does the marking ‘ a 2 ‘ stand for?

Answer 4

Both players play this part

Question 5

What is ‘sf’?

Answer 5

An accent

Question 6

Describe the structure and tonality of this piece

Answer 6

The movement is in sonata form in the key g minor.

Question 7

Describe the exposition of this piece

Answer 7

The exposition consists of the first subject which has a melody that is characterised by a falling motif which is played by strings at first. It also consists of the second subject which has a melody with descending, chromatic patterns shares between strings and woodwind in Bb major.

Question 8

Describe the development of this piece

Answer 8

It is based on the first subject which is developed and fragmented. It moves through various keys but starts in F# minor.

Question 9

Describe the recapitulation of this piece

Answer 9

It is in g minor. It begins with the first subject which is repeated with some variation. Then the second subject is repeated with some variation. The coda is made of repeated perfect cadences in g minor.

Question 10

Describe the melody of this piece

Answer 10

Most of the melodies are made up of balance 4/8 bar phrases that sound like questions and answers. Many phrases are scalic.

Question 11

Describe the harmony in this piece

Answer 11

The harmony is diatonic and functional,based around standard major and minor triads. There is use of chromatic chords eg. Diminished 7th or augmented 6th. There is a circle of 5ths progression in the 2nd subject. There are pedal notes which the cellos have before the second subject starts.

Question 12

Describe the rhythm, metre and tempo in this piece

Answer 12

4/4 throughout. Molto Allegro. Short rhythmic ideas represented to create unity. Rhythms are fairly simple . Some dotted rhythms and syncopation is used to help create moments and add interest.

Question 13

Describe the texture of this piece

Answer 13

Mostly homophonic with use of counterpoint and imitation in development. Octane doublings are frequently used. Dialogue between woodwind and strings.

Question 14

Describe the dynamics in the exposition

Answer 14

The first subject is quiet except a short passage in the middle. The transition is loud. The second subject begins quietly and gets louder towards the end.

Question 15

Describe the dynamics in the development

Answer 15

The development has a loud section in the middle but starts and ends quietly

Question 16

Describe the dynamics in the recapitulation

Answer 16

The recap has similar dynamics to the exposition. Overall, most dynamic contrasts occur suddenly - there are only a few crescendos and no diminuendos

Question 17

Describe the use of instruments in this piece

Answer 17

A chamber orchestra is used made if strings, woodwind and horns. The strings play a variety of material including the melody, quick running scales, sustained notes and forceful chords. The woodwind have more sustained notes and fewer quick runs. The start of the second subject is shared. The two horns play in different keys ( one in G, one in Bb) which maximises the number if notes. The horns mostly okay held or repeated notes to sustain harmonies.