Clarinet Concerto : 2 MARK QUESTION sample answers

1. Identify 2 reasons why the movement is called Rondo : Allegro

1. Because it is mostly Allegro (Fast)

2. Its written in Rondo form (One main theme which alternates with contrasting themes)

2. Identify 2 ways in which string instruments are used in this movement

1. To accompany the solo clarinet

2. Violins sometimes play the melody and often play in 3rds

3. Identify 2 ways in which woodwind and brass instruments are used in this movement

1. Flute briefly plays the melody

2. Woodwind and brass instruments play when the clarinet rests

4. Identify 2 ways in which the orchestra in this concerto differs from a standard classical orchestra

1. No oboe, trumpet or timpani because they would overpower the clarinet

2. Fewer strings

5. Identify 2 reasons why a smaller orchestra is used to accompany the soloist

6. Identify 2 ways in which the clarinets music is virtuosic

VIRTUOSIC = Showing off

1. Lots of fast scales, arpeggios and trills which are hard to play

2. Makes large leaps and has long phrases which requires breath control and skill

7. Identify 2 ways in which Mozart explores the full potential of the Clarinet

1. Includes sections to show off the full range of the Clarinet

2. Gives the Clarinet the melody most the time and has a small orchestra so we can hear its tone

8. Identify 2 reasons why Aiden Stadler was important in bringing this piece about

1. Stadler was a friend of Mozart’s who played the Clarinet so this piece was written for him to play and to show of his ability

2. He helped to invent the Basset Clarinet which the concerto was written for

9. Identify 2 ways in which the Basset Clarinet is different to the Clarinet in A

1. The Basset Clarinet is lower in pitch

2. The Clarinet in A has a wider range

10. Identify 2 types of ornaments used to decorate the music

1. Trills

2. Acciaccaturas (Grace notes

11. Identify 2 reasons why there are different key signatures used at the same time in this movement

1. There are transporting instruments (The horn and the clarinet)

2. They have different key signatures in the score

12. Identify 2 reasons why the music for the Clarinet and the Horns appears differently on a score

1. They are transposing instruments so have to be written in a different key

2. They sound a minor 3rd lower than written (so written in C major but sounds like A major)

13. Identify 2 ways in which a light playful mood is created in the opening section

1. Staccato articulation create a playful mood

2. Lack of Cello and Bass

14. Identify 2 ways in which balance is created in this movement

1. The main theme has a balanced structure of two 4-bar phrases

2. The main theme also contains a question phrase ending in an imperfect cadence and an answer phrase ending in a perfect cadence

15. Identify 2 ways in which contrast is created in this movement

1. Because is written in Rondo form there is the repeating main theme with contrasting sections in between creating a sense of contrast

2. Contrast between the leaps of the clarinet and the chromatic movement of the strings

16. Identify 2 ways in which the refrains are different from each other in this movement

REFRAIN = AbAcAd

1. Refrain 1 sounds similar to refrain 2 but it differs because it changes key and condenses it

2. Refrain 3 in the second episode has a new descending theme in a minor key which is different to refrains 1 and 2

17. Identify 2 ways in which the second episode created a contrasting mood

1. It has a new descending theme

2. It begins in F sharp minor to contrast to episode 1 (which is major)

18. Identify 2 ways in which the coda brings the music to a successful close

1. The final orchestral tutti has several perfect cadences

2. It ends with 3 tonic chords

19. Identify 2 ways in which dynamics are used in this movement

1. The orchestra often plays p (piano / quiet) whilst the Clarinet plays f (fortissimo / loud)

2. They play f (fortissimo / loud) in the tutti sections

20. Identify 2 ways in which articulation is used in this movement

1. Staccato articulation is used to create a playful mood

2. Lyrical legato is used at the beginning of each episode for contrast

21. Identify 2 ways in which Mozart’s choice of tempo and metre contribute to a playful mood

1. Allegro tempo is happy and playful

2. 6/8 metre is light and playful

22. Identify 2 ways in which rhythm is explored in this extract

1. 2 semiquaver anacrusis at the beginning of each line leads into the melody

2. Hemiola used in the coda to build up excitement at the end

23. Identify 2 ways in which the structure of this movement differs from a standard rondo

1. Rondo form is normally ABACA but this is ABACDA- coda which is Rondo Sonata form

2. It includes a Coda which rondo doesn’t normally

24. Identify 2 ways in which the Rondo theme is developed in this movement

1. Refrain 2 is a condensed version of Refrain 1

2. Minor rhythmic differences and the music gradually changes key

25. Identify 2 ways in which texture is used in this movement

1. The overall texture is melody and accompniment

2. Orchestral acompniment often has a chordal, homoph

26. Identify 2 ways in which cadences are used in this movement

1. In refrain 1 the movement begins with a question phrase ending in an imperfect cadence followed by an answer phrase ending with a perfect cadence

2. The movement ends with several perfect cadences to bring a felling of conclusion

27. Identify 2 different keys that the music modulates to in this movement

1. Dominant key of E major (Bar 84)

2. Sub-Dominant D major (Bar 161)

28. Identify 2 ways in which chromatic harmony is used in this movement

1. Chromaticism in bassline and melody adds a sense of playfulness

2. Chromatic harmony used in the first episode with the diminished chord and the augmented 6th chord

29. Identify 2 reasons why this movement is typical of a classical concerto

1. It showcases a soloist

2. Because its the final fast movement of the 3 movement concerto (The pattern is normally Fast, Slow, Fast)

30. Identify 2 reasons why this movement is unusual for a classical concerto

1. The first concerto written for a clarinet

2. The orchestra is much smaller than the typical concerto orchestra