Symphony No.40 In G Minor Flashcards
What is the structure?
Sonata form
What key is it in?
G minor
What is the exposition split into?
First and second subject
What key is the first subject in?
G minor
What is the melody characterised by in the first subject?
A falling motif
Who first plays the first subject?
Strings
What is the second subject characterised by?
Descending chromatic patterns
Who plays the second subject
It’s shared between strings and woodwind
What key is the second subject in?
B flat major (relative major)
What is the development based on?
The first subject which is developed and fragmented
What key is the development in?
It moves through various keys starting in f sharp minor
What is the recapitulation split into?
First subject, second subject, coda
What key is the recapitulation in?
G minor
What finishes the piece in the coda?
Repeated perfect cadences in G minor
What are the melodies made up of?
Balanced, four or eight bar phrases that sound like questions and answers
What is the word used to describe ‘based on scales’?
Scalic
What is the harmony like?
It’s diatonic and functional
What other features are there in the harmony?
Chromatic chords
A circle of fifths progression
Pedal notes
What is the metre?
4/4
What is the tempo?
Motto allegro- very fast
Which rhythms help to create momentum and add interest?
Dotted rhythms and syncopation
Texture?
Mostly homophonic
What other textures are there?
Counterpoint and imitation
Octave doublings
Dialogue between woodwind and strings
What are the dynamics like in the exposition?
First subject is quiet
Transition is loud
Second subject begins quietly and gets louder
What are the dynamics like in the development?
Has a loud section in the middle but starts and ends quietly
What are the dynamics like in the recapitulation?
Similar to the exposition
What does Mozart use for the instruments?
A chamber orchestra - strings, woodwind and horns
Why are the two horns in different keys?
To maximise the number of notes they can play
Why style of music is it?
Classical
When was it written?
1788
Where was it intended to be performed?
Large room of a stately home or small concert hall
How many movements does the symphony have and which one is this?
It has four movements - this is the first
Who wrote this piece?
Mozart
