Chapter 16 Classical Genres Instrumental Music The Symphony

Chapter 16: Classical Genres: Instrumental Music

The Symphony and the Symphony Orchestra • Symphony: • Origins in the sinfonia – Baroque opera overture in three sections (fast – slow – fast) – Sections expanded into movements – By mid 1700’s, a fourth movement was added (Minuet) – Fast – Slow – Minuet – Fast

The Classical Symphony Orchestra • Increased in size as the symphony orchestra moved from private court to public auditorium • More wind instruments were added to increase variety and color Classical Orchestra Strings: 1 st violins, 2 nd violins, cellos, double basses (about 27 players total Woodwinds: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons Brasses: 2 French horns, 2 trumpets (for festive pieces) Percussion: 2 timpani (for festive pieces)

Mozart: Symphony No. 40 in G Minor (1788), K. 550 First Movement (Molto Allegro) p. 189 • Exposition: • Development: • Recapitulation: – Transition theme is extended – Brief coda

Mozart: Symphony No. 40 • Second Movement: Andante • Third Movement: Minuetto: Allegretto • Fourth Movement: Allegro Assai

The String Quartet • String Quartet: genre of chamber music – Created by Joseph Haydn – The German writer Goethe compared it to a conversation among four intelligent people • Two violins, viola, and cello • One player part • Follows four movement form: fast – slow – minuet – fast

Haydn: Opus 76, No. 3, The “Emperor” Quartet (1797) Second movement, Poco adagio cantabile p. 192 • Known as the “Emperor” because of its famous theme • Theme and Variations form

The Sonata • Genre of chamber music for solo piano or solo instrument accompanied by piano • Three movement: fast – slow – fast

The Concerto • Large scale, multimovement work for instrumental soloist and orchestra intended for public audience • Three movements (no minuet)

Mozart: Piano Concerto in A major (1786), First movement Allegro p. 196 • Sonata-allegro form • Double exposition: • Cadenza

Mozart: Piano Concerto in A major • Second Movement (Andante): • Third Movement (Presto)