MOZART 7GF 7 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was bom 24 years after Haydn and died 18 years earlier than Haydn, Mozart is viewed as one of the greatest composers of Western Art Music, Of the more than 800 compositions Mozart composed, there are more than 41 symphonies. Avart from the 41 that have been numbered, there ere quite @ numtier of other compositions that can be viewed as symphonies. Some sources mention up to as many 2s 71 Before 1782, Mozart used only three. movements, as was the practise of the time, abiding by the commen structure: fast ~ slow — fast. This music was mesnt for the opening Item of a music concert or theatre performance, a so-called ‘curtain reise’, and most definitely not the most important item on the programme. Later Mozert paid much more attention to this genre end composed four movements because of the inclusion of a Minust and Trio third movement Mozart wrote only six symphonies during the last 10 years of his life, which is indicetive of the reverence with which he aporoached his work. 7.4 Mozart's symphonies: some interesting facts on the last six ‘+ Mozart wrote his Haffner Symphony (K.385) when a childhood friend from the royalty, Sigmund Hetiner, wes endowed with nobility «The Linz Symphony (K.425) was composed for a spacial performance in the city of Linz. * The Prague Symphony (K.504) was written for 2 concert in Prague. * Mozart composed the last three symphonies, K,543, K.850 and K.S51, over a period of only six weeks. 51 was titled the Jupiter Symphony by @ British pul These six symphonies portray the pinnacle of Mozart's compositional ability. The rich harmeniss, use of polyphony, large structures, complex rhythms, and unique final movements, ere exceptional characteristics, The final movernents are in perfect balance with the first movements regarding their length, are often humerous, and end with a climax. Listen to at least one of the last symphonies of Mozart, such as number 41 The first movement of the Jupiter Symphony (nr 41) is in Sonateform and in C major. The second ‘theme-group is much longer than the first theme, The second movement is in F major and also in sonata form. The third movement is Minuet and Trio in C major. The fast movement'is one of the best pisces of music that Mozart wrote. Some writers reconed thet it is the best music that was written to that point in history, Mozart combines sonata form with elements of a fuge - something that is repeated in the overture to The Magic Fivie. Gorden Jacob wrote the following about the lest movement: it ell sounds as clear as crystal and though it all looks quite inevitable anyone who has tried to fit contrapuntal music on to the orchestra will realize the problems of balance of tone which have been so neaily solved here, and, among many other things, the skill with which the limited notes of the natural homs and trumpets have been placed for maximum effect. (Panguin Scores 10.216 page 15)_ p ies7. MOZART’S CONTRIBUTION 4 4 He wrote his first symphony at the age of 8 and wrote a total of. ‘41 symphonies He wrote masterpieces in all the musical forms of his time His works convey & feeling of spontaneity, ease and grace as well as balance, restraint and perfect proportion. He fuses power and elegance in a unique way ”. He completed his last three symphonies in His works were created with ease and rari only six weeks Mozart's over 600 compositions were catalogued during the 19 century by Ludwig von Kochel and therefore all his works have a chronological “K” number for ex Symphony nr 40 R550ee 70 423 Symphony PG Genre known as the symphony was established in the Classical period, It is @ work writen for full Orchestra and consists, like in the sonata, of three or four movernents, Every movemento separate Unit within the complete work. The tempo indications are normally as follows Fast (sonata form) Slow Minuet and trio Fast faydn wrote more than 104 symphonies; Mozart, 41; and Beethoven only 9 (later in die Romantic Period even fewer were writen). ‘As example ofthis genre Mozart's Symphony no. 40 and Beethoven's Symphony no. 6 are discussed. ‘Symphony no. 40 in G minor, K. 550. qe gimptiony is the most dramatic and heartrending of all41 symphonies. Though in Classical form, itis almost Romantic in its emotionat intensity, FAG Most Classica! symphonies, the work consists of four movements: fast, slow, minuet and tro, fast (The tempo indication of the first movement is motto allegro. This movement is Sonata form, Sonata form in the Classical period had three sections: Exposition, in which the melodies, used in the rest of the movement, are heard. Development, in which the melodies are arranged with ingenuity Recapitulation, in which the expdsition is repeated. he opening melody is played by the violins and is fll of restlessness. A pulsing acsompeniment Puts contributes towards this feeling. A repettive rhythmical pattem of two short and one long nove forms the essence ofthis melody. This three-note motive gives the music a feeling of urgency. Motte allegra Vine o & ae te, Trenmelody Is balanced: twice four bars. The large ascending interval creates a feeling of an ‘unanswered question. Further proof of balance is the stepped descending phrase after the large leap, The Second melody contrasts with the first Because it makes use of various rhythms and containe (onger notes, portraying a more peaceful feel, Here the tone colour changes as the stings and woodwinds altemate, > = ‘The development is hectic and agitated. Mozart used various keys and divided the motives of the two ne Seige inte even smaller components. He created dense textures through the use of polvohony me the end of the development the opening motive cisintegrated and he added more fests ie botrecr:— 105 ~” { Zhe Gxpectancy created Ts resolved when the recapitulation starts by quoting the complete first ‘melody. The end of the frst movement has a sad quality, Listen tothe fist movement of Symphony no. 40 and ty to hear the characteristics mentioned (Mi) The second movement is an Andante movement, ‘The mood altemates between gentleness and longing. itis also in sonata formn end inthe sub-medlant raler Key, namely E flat major. Observe the repeated notes in the frst melody. "A contrasting motive is heard quite often and the feeling alternates between boldness, gracefulness snd urgency. Andenta a 2 Listen to the second movement. (il) The third movement is in Minuet and Trio form and in G minor. ‘The melody of the Minuet has strong syncopations, Allegretto The Trio is suddenly in G major and creates a relaxed atmosphere and in contrast with the strong energetic Minuet. After the Trio the strong Minuet retums. ? Ye te fourth movernent is an Allegro Assai and the tension can cbviously be felt itis also in Sonate form. The first two phrases of the theme forms a strong contrast with respect to dynamics and rhythm. Allegro assai apo ent The contagious excitement s interrupted by a quieter and tender second theme with long note values, ~~ aete Ne In the development of the fourth movernent virtually only the first phrase of the first theme — with the upward leaps — is used. Much anxiety is apparent, which is strengthened by the rapid alternations of keys. Listen fo the fourth movement and absorb the intense feeling of anxtety which Mozart handled so masterfully. IV. Summary of Mozart's Symphony no.'40, K. 550 ES ‘Tempo indication Structure First movement a minor Molto allegro, ‘Sonata form ‘Second movement _| & flat major_| Andante Sonata form ‘Third movement gminor Allegretto Minuet and Trio Fourth movement __| g minor Allegro assai ‘Sonata form | Below is a page from the score of this symphony. Answer the following. For which instruments did Mozart compose this work? Ws as WOZARBS See ac. 0850. Violino L ‘Violino I. | Viola. Virloncello ¢ Basso.