Symphony Flashcards
What is a symphony?
An instrumental composition of extended length written for orchestra
Where and when were the first symphonies?
Milan, 1730s
How many movements did the first symphonies have?
3 and they followed the fast, slow, fast order
Origins of the first symphonies
-Originated from operas, operas had ovetures known as sinfonias
-These overtures had 3 movements and followed the fast, slow, fast order
-Giovanni Sammartini was one of the original symphony composers amd he used sonata for, and f,s,f order
What was Sinfonia a 8?
This was a name for some of the earlier works. They had strings, 4 wind instruments and keyboards
Which instruments would play the baseline in early symphonies?
Basoon, cello, bass, Viola
What format would the final movement of early symphonies take?
A dance popular at the time eg Minuet
Some symphonies had slow introduction to the first movements. What influenced this?
French opera overtures (often used double dotted rythms)
Which composer is associated with manneheim?
Johann Stamitz
How many mvts did stamitz use?
He used 4 as a pose to 3. He introduced the extra mvt as a minuet and trio which he placed 3rd before ending on a Presto Finale
What did Stamitz do to the size of the orchestra?
Increased it, adding instruments such as oboes and horns
What is the manneheim rocket?
A swiftly rising melodic line with a crescendo (often arpeggio)
What is the mannheim sigh?
Descending pairs of pitches with weight on the first note of the pair
What is the mannheim hammer stroke?
Repeated tonic chords in rythmic unison
What is the mannheim roller?
Ascending melody over pedal note
