Mozart- Symphony No. 40 in G minor 1st Movement
Background and StyleSymphony is a large work for Orchestra, we are studying the 1st movement (section) ONLY. A classical symphony has four
movements, each with a different speed – 1st: very fast, 2nd: slow, 3rd moderate and 4th very fast indeed. |
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Style - Classical Features
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Instruments
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Structure
This movement is in Sonata Form, which is in three main sections:
Exposition – has two contrasting themes, 1st in G minor and 2nd in B flat major with a bridge or transition section linking them . Development – themes go through lots of variations and by exploring different keys, instrumentation and dynamics. Mozart also develops the short rhythmic motifs from the 1st subject. Recapitulation – pulls it all together again and repeats themes of the exposition but both in the tonic (G minor) this time, ends with Coda. |
Melody and Pitch
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Texture
- Small classical orchestra (no percussion, only brass is French Horn, no trumpets/trombones).
- Mainly homophonic used throughout.
- First and second violins play in octaves at first, also plays in unison.
- Other parts uses pedals
Dynamics
- Marked soft – p - at the beginning which is unusual for a Classical symphony -the opening is normally loud.
- Second subject has crescendos. The bridge is loud – f and has lots of sforzandos.
Tempo & Rhythm
- Fast molto allegro in a 4/4 time signature
- Clear pulse which is easy to follow
- Opening has a quaver accompaniment in the violas and on-beat crotchet bass notes from the basses
- First subject (opening melody) is based on a driving pattern using quavers and semiquavers (pattern= 2 semiquavers + 1 quaver)
Tonality and Harmony
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