Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor

Question 1

What is the tonic key of this piece?

Answer 1

C minor

Question 2

Briefly describe the classical model of sonata form?

Answer 2

• 1st Exposition
• 2nd Exposition
• Development
• Recapitulation
• Coda

Question 3

What happens in the 1st exposition?

Answer 3

• Orchestra only
• 1st subject in tonic
• bridge
• 2nd subject in tonic
• Codetta (opening ritornello with cadential tutti)

Question 4

What happens in the 2nd exposition?

Answer 4

• The soloist is added
• 1st subject in tonic
• Bridge - Modulates
• 2nd subject in dominant or rel maj/min
• Codetta for orchestra only (Central ritornello)

Question 5

What happens in the development?

Answer 5

• Composer plays around with 1st and 2nd subjects - modifies them in some way
• Lots of modulation to related and less related keys
• Frequent dialogue between soloist and orchestra

Question 6

What happens in the recapitulation?

Answer 6

• 1st subject in tonic
• Bridge - NOMOD
• 2nd subject in tonic

Question 7

What happens in the coda?

Answer 7

• Penultimate ritornello, finishing on a dominant chord for cadenza
• CADENZA
• Final ritornello

Question 8

Classical Characteristics - Melody

Answer 8

• More emphasis on melody
• More balanced phrases
• Tuneful and easy to remember

Question 9

Classical Characteristics - Dynamics

Answer 9

• Crescendo and decrescendo for dramatic effect

Question 10

Classical Characteristics - Tone/Timbre

Answer 10

• Clarinet
• Bigger orchestra
• 4 sections

Question 11

Classical Characteristics - Rhythm

Answer 11

• Large variety of rhythmic devices
• Less predictability
• Unexpected pauses
• Metrical

Question 12

Classical Characteristics - Form

Answer 12

• More common = Sonata form
• New small forms - minuet + trio and theme + variations

Question 13

Classical Characteristics - Texture

Answer 13

• More homophonic
• More variation throughout
• Sudden or gradual changes