Important Classical Forms

1
Important Classical Forms

• Theme and Variations, Minuet and Trio, Rondo,
  Symphony, Concerto, and Chamber Music

2
Theme and Variations

• One basic musical idea, the theme, is repeated
  over and over and changed each time
• Could change the melody, rhythm, harmony,
  accompaniment, dynamics, meter, mode, or timbre
• Variations could be connected or seperated

3
Symphony No. 94 in G Major- Franz Joseph Haydn

• Second Movement is a theme and variation
• Folk-like theme accentuated by a sudden loud
  chord
• Four variations on the theme
• Addition of countermelody
• Theme in minor
• Theme speeded up
• Change in rhythm

4
Minuet and Trio

• Also called the minuet
• Often the third movement
• Originated as a dance
• Usually in triple meter
• ABA or Ternary form
• Minuet (A), trio (B), minuet (A)
• Each section subdivided

5
Eine Kliene Nachtmusik, Third Movement

• Minuet is mostly forte, staccato, has a stately
  mood, and is more rhythmic
• Trio is piano, legato, more intimate, and is
  smoother

6
Rondo

• Has one main theme that alternates with other
  themes
• Usually pleasing and easy to remember
• Theme is usually in the tonic key
• Typical patterns are
• ABACA
• ABACABA

7
Rondo

• Can combine with sonata form to create
  Sonata-Rondo form
• ABA- development-ABA
• Rondo form continued to be used in the Romantic
  and Twentieth Century

8
String Quarter in C Minor, Op. 18, No. 4

• Outlined ABACABA
• A section is the lively main theme in the style
  of a Gypsy dance
• B section is lyrical and more legato
• C section is playful with quick, upward rushes
• A section returns with a faster tempo

9
The Classical Symphony

• Extended, multi-movement composition lasting 20
  to 45 minutes
• Four movements
• Evoke a wide range of emotions
• Exploits the full range of colors and dynamics
  within the classical orchestra

10
The Classical Symphony

• First Movement
• Most dramatic
• Usually in Sonata Form
• Second Movement
• Slower, and more lyrical
• Can be sonata form, ternary form, or theme and
  variations
• Usually not in the tonic key

11
The Classical Symphony

• Third Movement
• Generally a Minuet and Trio or a scherzo
• Can be a moderate or quick tempo
• Dance like
• Fourth Movement
• Fast, Lively, and brilliant
• Lighter movement
• Often sonata or sonata-rondo form

12
The Classical Concerto

• Three movement work for a solo instrument and
  orchestra
• Soloist and Orchestra are equally important
• Typically outline Fast, Slow, Fast
• First movement, and sometimes last, contain a
  cadenza for the soloist
• First movement contains two expositions

13
Classical Chamber Music

• Designed for an intimate setting rather than a
  concert hall
• Performed by a small group
• Each part may have an important thematic role
• Most important was a string quartet
• Usually the same outline as a symphony
• Other forms include sonata for violin and piano,
  piano trio, and string quintet