Symphony no.40 in G Minor- Mozart

1725- 1800

-Wider instrumental range in orchestra

-CADENCES!

-Textures are simpler (homophonic mostly)

-Harpsichord replaced with the piano

-Balanced phrasing.

-Crescendos and diminuendos now used.

In SONATA FORM:

1) Exposition

  -First Subject -> made up of a falling motif in G MINOR. played by strings

  -Second Subject -> descending chromatic patterns in B FLAT MAJOR. woodwind now added

2) Development

  - Based on first subject, but developed and fragmented. MOVES THROUGH LOTS OF KEYS

3) Recapitulation

 -First Subject -> Repeat but with variation. G MINOR

 -Second Subject -> Repeat but with variation. G MINOR

 -Coda -> Repeated perfect cadences which end the piece. G MINOR  

Harmony

DIATONIC harmony.

Use of pedal notes, played by the cellos. 

Melody

The melody is made up of balanced FOUR AND EIGHT BAR phrases. (question and answer) 

SCALIC PHRASING.

RHYTHM

Fairly simple, short rhythmic ideas are repeated to create unity.

ANACRUSIS is used in the 1st subject.

TEMPO

Molto Allegro throughout. V FAST

METRE

4/4 THROUGHOUT.

Homophonic. 

Examples of:

-Counterpoint and imitation (development)

-Octave doubling (frequently used)

-Dialogue between woodwind and strings (2nd subj)

Mozart uses a chamber orchestra. (strings/woodwind/horns)

1. Strings

Play a variety of material, eg. the melody, quick running scales, chords and sustained notes. 

2. Woodwind

Don't play as much, have more sustained notes. 

Have a dialogue with the strings at the start of the second subject.

3. Horns

2 horns in different keys (G and Bflat) which maximises the number of notes they can play. 

Play held/repeated notes.

1) Exposition

1ST subject is quiet 

TRANSITION is loud

2ND subject begins quiet and ends loud

2) Development

Starts and ends quietly with a loud section in the middle.

3) Recapitulation

Similar to the exposition.