Melody dominated homophony
Mainly homophonic
Some polyphonic passages with different
melodies at the same time (counter melodies)
imitation – parts copying each other
Home key = G minor (tonic) – starts/finishes
Some modulations (changes key to E/B)
Mainly diatonic (uses notes from the key)
uses mainly primary chords, I, IV, V – functional harmony
Clear cadences, perfect cadences throughout
Some chromatic harmony
Repetition and contrast
Exposition: 1st subject (tonic key)
Exposition: 2nd subject (modulates to relative major – Bb major)
Well balanced phrases: Periodic phrasing (four bar phrasing) question and answer phrases
Melodic sequences
Scalic melodies
Some chromatic melodies
Classical orchestra – no harpsichord, but use of standard woodwind and brass sections
Strings: violins, violas, cellos and double basses
Woodwind: flutes, oboes, clarinets (recently invented) and bassoons
Brass: French Horns
Molto Allegro – Very fast
In 4/4 time
1st subject uses shorter, crotchet and quaver figures
2nd subject – longer notes and a more relaxed feel
Sonata form: 3 sections –exposition, development and recapitulation
Exposition: First subject, bridge passage, and second subject introduced. (it then repeats)
Development: Develops ideas from the exposition. Modulates through various keys – avoiding the tonic and dominant.
Recapitulation: Balances the opening exposition. Recaps subject 1 in the tonic key. Followed by a bridge section and the second subject in the tonic. CODA
Mainly - p (quiet) and f (loud)
Sf – sfortsando
Some crescendos
Classical period, 1750 – 1830 , (1788)
1st movement from Symphony No. 40.
A symphony is a large scale work for orchestra in 3 or 4 movements
Structures that use symmetry and balance