Classical+period+and+Mozart



__**Click to download PDF file **__ __**"The chractorastics of Classical period" **__

Before we start to explore the classical period, let's have a look at Mozart's symphony No 40 movement 1.
media type="file" key="mozart synphony 40 m1.wma" width="300" height="45"


 * First**, you hear a short phrase repeated in the entire movement, in different ranges and alters between Major and minor.

This is the **Principal Subject** of the movement. We know this because of two important characteristics:


 * It is a bold, declamatory theme
 * It firmly establishes the key (in this case, G minor)



Listen to what happens next:

Click here to hear the example (MIDI File)

Mozart repeats the **Principal Subject**, except in a slightly modified form. This leads into the **Bridge Passage** (sometimes known as the **Transitional Passage**).

Notice how this passage seems incomplete. It seems to lead into a different key (modulate), and anticipates a completely new theme.

Listen to the next bit:

Click here to hear the example (MIDI File)

This melody is very different to what has come before. It is the **Second Subject**. Notice how this theme is much more lyrical and sweeter than the principal subject. It is also in a different key - in this case B flat major. It gradually builds up for the next section:

Click here to hear the example (MIDI File)

This is known as the **Closing Section**, because it 'closes' the exposition in the new key, which is B flat major. In many symphonies, the composer introduces completely new material in this section, but in this case, Mozart uses material derived from the **Principal Subject** and the **Bridge Passage**. Notice how this section has a conclusive quality about it.

(Note that the **Closing Section** is not an essential part of a sonata-form movement. Many composers choose to omit the Closing Section altogether.)

Now let's put all of this together and see how it sounds - click below to hear the **Complete Exposition**.

Click here to hear the example (MIDI File)

//NOTE: There is an **Exposition Repeat** at this point. This basically means that the entire **Exposition** is repeated. Composers in the Classical and Early Romantic periods often put in these **Exposition Repeats** to help the audience familiarise itself with the music. Nowadays, they are treated as optional - some conductors take the repeats, some don't. For the purposes of our guide, we'll ignore it and move:// //On to the Development...//

The Development section of the movement is essentially a 'free fantasia' on themes established in the Exposition. This is where the composer is allowed to let his imagination run wild - it is where the drama and conflict occurs.

Listen to the development section of the first movement of Mozart's 40th Symphony:

Click here to hear the example (MIDI File)

Notice how the **Principal Subject** and the **Bridge Passage** are thrown around in a whirlwind of activity. Eventually the section appears to lead back into G minor, for the **Recapitulation**.

The Development section eventually leads back to the Recapitulation

, which is where all the previous themes return. Listen to the return of the **Principal Subject** and the **Bridge Passage**:

Click here to hear the example (MIDI File)

Notice how the **Bridge Passage** is very different to the way it was in the Exposition. It's longer, more elaborate, and seems to lead into G minor rather that B flat major.

Listen to the next section:

Click here to hear the example (MIDI File)

Notice how the **Second Subject** returns in the home key of G minor. This is followed by the return of the **Closing Section**, again in G minor. The movement rounds offwith a short **Coda** constructed with material from the **Principal Subject**.

Now see how all of this fits together by listening to the entire movement WITH EXPOSITION REPEAT.



A piano arrangement score

A more detailed introduction of Sonata Form