The Development of the Symphony

Eduqas A-level Music

What is a symphony?

Extensive work for a large ensemble.

Why is it so hard to define a symphony?

There isn’t a rigid model- there are always exceptions.

What abstract ideas does the symphony frequently represent?

• Unity

• Seriousness

• Transcendence

• Universality

What makes the symphony different from an opera or concerto?

Symphony- tended to focus on abstract concepts.

Opera- Focuses on text.

Concerto- Focuses on virtuosity of soloist.

How do we typically remember composers?

Based on who has made the most impact/contributions to symphonic development.

Was the symphony a fixed genre (ready from the beginning)?

• It has never been a fixed genre

• Constantly been in a state of flux

• Started as a combination of Italian Orchestral Concerto and Opera Overture

Was the symphony always popular? Taken seriously as the ‘highest’ art?

• The symphony wasn’t always well loved

• Up until 19th century, there was more popularity with the piano concerto or opera

• The concert hall was a recent innovation at that time so symphonies weren’t very profitable for composers

What are peripheries?

Locations outside Vienna that developed their own symphonic style.

How does musical history differ from traditional historical teaching?

Time periods in musical history are focused on compositional features in the music.

Why can’t time periods in musical history be exact?

Music tends to naturally evolve over time. Features aren’t added at the same time, some techniques take longer to develop fully.

How should you view symphonic history/ time periods?

• Time periods should be identified by specific compositional techniques found in the compositions

• When the largest portion of composers were using these techniques, we can consider ourselves ‘in’ this period

• We should view compositions on an individual basis - certain pieces can be seen as being part of a transition into another period

When is the Early Classical Period?

1750 ~ 1770

When was the Mature Classical Period?

1770 ~ 1800

When was the Early Romantic Period?

1800 ~ 1830

When was the Later Romantic Period?

1830 ~ 1900

Why is it important to connect styles/ techniques to time periods?

• It will allow you to use your ears to determine when a symphony was likely composed

• It helps you understand the development of the symphony

• It helps your analysis of music from different periods

Has the role of ‘composer’ always existed as we know it?

No

What is a Kapellmeister?

Master of the chapel choir

What were the responsibilities of a Kapellmeister?

• Similar to the job of a civil servant

• Rehearsing, conducting, administrative tasks, teaching members of the household

• Produce new works at speed in line with fast-changing musical fashions for immediate use

What were the benefits of being a Kapellmeister?

• Some households allowed the Kapellmeister great creative freedom

• They had access to some of the best musicians in Europe

• Kapellmeisters often heavily shaped the development of the symphony during this period

• The music that resulted from these employments spread across Europe

In the 17th century, what was the instrumental music mostly for?

Interludes at the theatre or in vocal works

In music, what is a ‘school’

A collective group of composers in the same area that innovate/ contribute towards a style. Within the name, there is usually a reference towards the location that they were composing from

What school does Sammartini belong?

Milanese School (Milan, Italy)

What innovations to the symphony did Samaritans help develop?

• There was a shift from the dramatic nature of the operatic overtures

• These works demonstrate more substantial thematic development than the Italian overture

• More lyrical, melody-led texture (move towards homophony)

• Tended to favour 3 movement works

• Music wrote with elegance and grace (galant style)

• Important in developing sonata form

How many movements were generally in his symphonies?

3

What school did Johann Stamitz belong to?

Mannheim School of Composers

What was the reputation of the Mannheim palace?

• It was a very wealthy part of Southwest Germany.

• Access to the best players in the area

• The orchestra was as famous as the composers

• Many people would travel large distances to watch them perform

What innovations did Stamitz help bring to the symphony?

• Arguably one of the most influential composers of the early symphony

• Increased the size of the orchestra

• Expanded Binary structures (AB) into larger structures

• Used as slower harmonic rate of change

• Explored rhythmic and textural devices (techniques)

• He regularly added a fourth movement - the minuet and trio

• He further expanded sonata form

What is a Mannheim Waltze (Steamroller/roller)?

A crescendo passage having a rising melodic line over an ostinato/ pedal bass line. It often contains a tremolo pattern in strings

What is a Mannheim Crescendo?

A general rise from piano dynamic to loud dynamics

What is a Mannheim Hammerstroke?

Accented orchestral ‘stabs’ that usually begin the piece

In the mid-eighteenth century, composing was a freelance job

True/false

False

Who were 2 main employers of composers during this time period?

The Church and the Aristocracy

Define the term ‘patronage’

The funding of composers by (generally) wealthy donors

What was the main difference between Mozart and Haydn’s career choices?

They were both part of the First Viennese School (with Beethoven).

Haydn was employed by a wealthy family at a court.

Mozart spent most of his life as a freelance composer, moving from engagement to engagement.

What family did Haydn work for?

The Esterházy family

What 4 advantages did Haydn gain from his employment?

1. He was paid a consistent income

2. He had musical freedom to experiment with new instrumental combinations

3. He had access to the some of the greatest musicians/ facilities

4. Access to money to explore his ideas

What happened to Haydn which led to composing of the ‘London’ Symphonies?

• As part of his more ‘freelance’ lifestyle, he drew the attention of the impresario Joseph Salomon

• Salomon invited Haydn to London to contribute 12 symphonies for his 1790-1 and 1794-5 concert series

• These 12 symphonies would later become know as the ‘London’ symphony