Key Concepts of Classical Symphony and Opera

Symphony

  • Importance: The Symphony is considered the most important genre developed by Classical composers.

Movements of the Symphony

  • Introduction: Typically, a symphony consists of four distinct movements.

    • Opening Movement:

    • Tempo: Fast/moderate

    • Form: Sonata form (sometimes preceded by a slow introduction).

    • Slow Movement:

    • Tempo: Slow/very slow

    • Form: Sonata form, Minuet form, or variations.

    • Minuet:

    • Tempo: Moderate

    • Form: Minuet form

    • Closing Movement:

    • Tempo: Fast/very fast

    • Form: Sonata form or variations, rondo form.

Surprise Symphony, III

  • Movement: Allegro molto, in Minuet form.

  • Performance Data: Duration of 3:45 minutes.

    • MINUET (A)

    • 0:00 - 0:17: Full orchestra, forte

      • Theme a

    • 0:17 - 0:32: Repetition of theme a

    • 0:32 - 0:51: Theme b

    • 0:51 - 0:59: Variation a'

    • 0:59 - 1:14: Pause for full orchestra

    • 1:14 - 1:56: Repetition of theme a

    • TRIO (B)

    • 1:56 - 2:04: Instruments - Bassoon and strings, piano

    • 2:04 - 2:11: Theme c

    • 2:11 - 2:21: Theme d

    • 2:21 - 2:29: Theme c'

    • 2:29 - 2:46: Theme d followed by c' Repetition

    • MINUET (A)

    • 2:46 onwards: Repetition of aba'

Rondo

  • Definition: A Classical era form characterized by the repeated use of a theme interspersed with contrasting material.

  • Typical Format: A B A C A D A Coda

    • Coda Definition: A brief closing section to a movement.

  • Example: Joseph Haydn, Symphony #88, Finale in G Major (Rondo form).

Variation

  • Definition: A form in which a single melodic unit is repeated with slight modifications each time; typically, this melody is found in the treble during the Classical Era.

  • Example Structure: A A1 A2 A3 A4 A5, etc.

  • Example: Mozart's Variations in C Major on “Ah! Vous dirai-je, maman.”

Modulation in Sonata Form

  • Significance: Modulation from one key to another contributes significantly to the dramatic narrative of sonata form.

  • Note: All sonatas must conclude in the same key in which they began.

Sonata Form Examples

  • Mozart's Works:

    • Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550

  • Chevalier de St. Georges:

    • Symphony Op. 11, No. 1

    • Notation: “K.” refers to the catalogue numbers assigned to Mozart’s works by Ludvig von Köchel. “Opus” means work and highlights a collection of pieces presented to a publisher.

Concerto Form

  • Comparison with Sonata Form: Concerto form resembles sonata form with key distinctions:

    • Consists of 3 movements, rather than 4 (lacking a minuet).

    • The first movement includes a “double exposition” and a cadenza for the solo artist.

The Sonata (as Genre)

  • Characteristics: Typically involves piano or piano with one other instrument.

  • Example: Mozart's Sonata for Violin and Piano.

  • Popular Combinations:

    • Piano Trio (containing piano, violin, cello)

    • String Quartet (comprising two violins, viola, and cello).

Franz Joseph Haydn

  • Lifespan: 1732-1809

  • Career Highlight: Held a primary court appointment with Prince Esterhazy, located outside of Vienna.

Classical Opera

  • Differences from Baroque Opera:

    • Inclusion of ensembles in addition to existing arias, which are structured similarly but involve multiple singers.

    • Introduction of Opera Buffa: A new comic opera genre amidst the existing serious, tragic Opera Seria of the Baroque Era.

    • Standardization of the Opera overture: This involves an orchestral movement preceding the main drama before the curtain rises.