Mozart 40

Mozart 40

Harmony:

• Relatively conventional, however, some elements of chromaticism.
• Contrasting second theme in the relative major (Bb)
• Tonic in G minor - sturm und drang influence
• Use of Eø chord followed by Ebaug6 chord resolving to the dominant chord D (chromatic descending movement.
• Begins development section in obscure key of F# minor (obscure for the time).
• 2nd movement has influence from baroque period with a subdominant Eb major Siciliana

Mannheim influences/Commissioned Works:

• Similar to sinfonia A 8 (4 strings & 4 wind parts) however also includes: Oboe, clarinet, flute, and bassoon, portrays a higher emphasis on wind instruments (Clarinet was introduced in the early classical period)
• The main theme makes use of falling semitones in the style of a Mannheim sigh
• The second theme of the 4th movement, Mozart uses a Mannheim rocket
• Despite using Mannheim techniques, this piece was not written in the Mannheim school and so uses less of them than Stamitz
• Uses cues from Sturm und Drang (in minor key)

Extra-musical influences:

• The second movement is in the style of a Siciliana which is a dance with lilting rhythms originating from Sicily– Italy.
• Musical elements include a slow 6/8.
• Sturm und Drang influence - minor tonality, driving moto perpetuo rhythms in accompaniment