Music in the Classical Period And Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Symphony No. 40 in G Minor

General Characteristics of Classical Music It is meant to be easy on the ear. Direct reaction to the complexity of Baroque music. Balance, clarity, accessibility. Melody with accompaniment (homophony). Melodies are tuneful and catchy (2-4 measure phrases). Harmony is simple, logical and clear (few dissonances). No basso continuo (walking or Alberti Bass).

Main Qualities Melody dominated texture (Melody is most important part). Simple, functional harmony, based on chords I, IV, V, II, VI. Light accompaniment. Balanced, regular and graceful melodies Clear structure with regular cadences. Contrast, in terms of key, melodies and varied dynamics.

The Classical Orchestra Orchestra has grown from the small Baroque orchestra Now includes a standard brass and woodwind section Harpsichord eventually is made redundant as woodwind have taken over it’s role. The clarinet is invented and joins the orchestra by the end of the 18th century.

The Classical Orchestra

Symphony Most important and popular large-scale instrumental genre invented during this period. Word is derived for the Italian for ‘sounding together’ (4 families of musical Early examples can be traced back to the Italian, 3-section Sinfonias for strings and continuo (fast-slow-fast)

The Symphony Eventually expanded sinfonia to four movements Mvt 1 – Fast and serious (sonata form) Mvt 2 – Slow and lyrical (binary form) Mvt 3 – Graceful and moderate (dance form) Mvt 4 – Fast and lively (Rondo form)

The First Movement- Sonata Form Exposition – state the two themes (first in tonic, second in dominant). Development – develop the themes by changing keys, etc. Recapitulation – replay the two themes, both in the tonic key. Coda – optional ending Used for the most serious musical ideas.

Sonata Form Sonata comes from the Latin ‘Sonare’, meaning ‘to sound. Refers to instrumental music, rather than vocal music Is used to structure a single movement of a work, rather than a complete work i.e. symphony/quartet/concerto/solo sonata. Fundamental ideas = repartition and contrast Provides pleasing symmetry, an arch shape.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1756-1791

Leopold Mozart Mozart’s father was a performer, court composer, author and music theorist. Wrote one of the most important contributions to music theory. Sacrificed his own career to further his son’s. Domineering personality who took Mozart on tour at a young age.

The Child Prodigy Born in Salzburg, Austria Age 4 – Learned to play harpsichord and violin. Age 6 – wrote his first compositions and started touring (10yrs). Age 10 – First Symphony Age 14 – First Opera Age 17 – Hired by Archbishop of Salzburg Eventually moved to Vienna where he remained until his death at 35.

Mozart’s Family Mother died while he was very young. Sister, Nanerl, also was musically gifted. 1782 Married Constanze Weber

Mozart’s Music 21 Piano Concertos, 5 Violin Concertos, 4 Horn Concertos, Concertos for various woodwind, including clarinet. 41 Symphonies Many Quartets and quintets. Many operas 17 Masses Died with his last mass, a Requiem, was incomplete. (Completed after his death by his pupil, Franz Sussmayr).

Mozart’s Characteristics Accessible and highly refined. Instilled a sense of drama in all of his music. Master of melody, tuneful and catchy. Mastered all Classical genres. Wrote more than 800 compositions in 35 years.

Background to Symphony No. 40 in G Minor Melancholy mood to first movement, though others have a lighter mood. Mozart originally scored the piece without the recently invented clarinets, but later wrote a newer version with 2 clarinets (which we will study). Uses modest instrumentation for the time (only 7 woodwind) and only 2 horns. No trumpets of timpani – very unusual!