Chapter 15: Classical Forms: Theme and Variations, Rondo
Theme and Variations Melody is altered, decorated, or adorned in some way by changing pitch, rhythm, harmony, or mode (major or minor) Context around the theme can be changed Theme should be well-known for easy to remember Variations on “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” by Mozart (c.1781) Set of twelve variations for piano Common for composer-pianists to improvise a set of variations on a well-known turn during a concert
Haydn: Symphony No. 94 (“Surprise,” 1792) Movement II: Theme and Variations (p. 180) Haydn was the first composer to use Theme and Variations as a movement in a symphony At the first performance, the audience cheered after this movement, and demanded that it be played again Simple, binary form theme (AB) Figure 15.2 The Hanover Square Rooms in London, the hall in which Haydn’s “Surprise” Symphony was first performed in 1792. Designed for an audience of 800 to 900, nearly 1,500 crowded in for the performances of these London Symphonies.
Rondo Form Statements of the refrain alternate with contrasting sections One of the oldest forms, existed since the Middle Ages Classical rondo must have at least three statements of the refrain (A) and at least two contrasting sections (B, C) Often creates symmetrical patterns ABACABA or ABACA Often was the last movement of symphonies, sonatas, and string quartets
Haydn: Trumpet Concerto in Eb major (1796) Third Movement (Finale) p Prior to 1800, trumpets and horns were natural instruments – without valves Difficulty of Haydn’s Concerto anticipates the continued technical development of the trumpet Figure 15.4 A natural trumpet fabricated in Germany around 1800. Such an instrument could play a full scale only in the higher part of the register—and even then only with difficulty.
Form, Mood, and Listener’s Expectations Four Movement Form Movement 1 2 3 4 Form Sonata-allegro ABA, Theme and Variations, or Rondo Minuet in Trio (ABA) Sonata-allegro, Theme and Variations, or Rondo Mood Serious and substantive despite fast tempo Lyrical and tender Usually light and elegant, sometimes spirited Bright, lighthearted, sometimes humorous Tempo Fast Slow Lively