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Chapter 13: Other Classical Genres. The Classical Concerto. Classical concerto Classical concerto movement plan Double-exposition form Orchestra exposition Solo exposition Cadenza. Key Terms. The Classical Concerto. Not identical to the Baroque concerto, but some features were retained
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Chapter 13:Other Classical Genres The Classical Concerto
Classical concerto Classical concerto movement plan Double-exposition form Orchestra exposition Solo exposition Cadenza Key Terms
The Classical Concerto • Not identical to the Baroque concerto, but some features were retained • 3 movements – fast, slow, fast • Solo virtuosity • Contest between soloist & orchestra • Contest heightened in Classical concerto • Soloist’s agility, brilliance, & expressiveness • Large orchestra’s power & variety of color • Soloist & orchestra held in perfect balance
Symphony Movement Plan • I – Moderate to fast tempo; Sonata form • Sometimes with slow Introduction • II – Slow tempo; Various forms used • Sonata form, variations, rondo, or other • III – Moderate tempo; Minuet form • A triple meter dance • IV – Fast tempo; Sonata or rondo form
Concerto Movement Plan • Similar to symphony movement plan • Minuet movement omitted • I – Moderate to fast tempo • Double-exposition sonata form • Long movement with cadenza near the end • II – Slow tempo; Various forms used • Sonata form, variations, rondo, or other • III –Fast tempo; Rondo form favored • At times variation form, but never sonata form
Double-Exposition Form (1) • Extended variant of sonata form • Capitalizes on solo vs. orchestra contest • Two expositions are used in place of the usual repeat of the exposition • Orchestra exposition • Announces the main themes in the tonic key • Solo exposition • Presents the same themes & some new ones • Adds a real bridge, modulates to second key • Often longer than orchestra exposition
Double-Exposition Form (2) • Development serves same dramatic function here as in sonata form • Orchestra vs. soloist contest heightened • Recapitulation a composite of orchestra & solo expositions • Orchestra’s cadence theme given greater prominence • Pause for a solo cadenza just before final statement of cadence theme
Mozart, Piano Concerto in A • Written during his Vienna years in 1786 • Typical Classical concerto • Three nicely contrasted movements • I – One of his most gentle & songful 1st movements • II – Almost tragic in mood • III – An exuberant & sunny finale
Mozart, Piano Concerto in A, I (1) • No fewer than 4 gentle, songful themes • Theme 1, Theme 2, Cadence theme, & new theme • Small orchestra enhances effect • Keeps clarinets, but no trumpets or timpani
Mozart, Piano Concerto in A, I (2) • Orchestra exposition sets the mood • Presents themes 1 & 2 and cadence theme • Frequent contrasts between gentle theme and agitated answer – e.g., f response
Mozart, Piano Concerto in A, I (3) • Solo exposition features solo piano • Expands on orchestra exposition • Adds modulating bridge & a new theme • Development emphasizes contest • Rapid-fire dialogue • Theme fragments & frequent modulations
Mozart, Piano Concerto in A, I (4) • Recapitulation blends the two expositions • Piano & orchestra share theme 1 • Bridge now returns to tonic key • Beautiful extension of new theme • Varied solo cadenza written out by Mozart • Orchestra answers with f response • Ends with cadence theme from 1st exposition
Conclusions • Derives from symphony movement plan • Double-exposition sonata form; no minuet • Some features of Baroque concerto • Solo vs. orchestra dialogue • Ritornello-like f response • Many unique features • Profusion of themes – “pleasing variety” • Dramatic contest between piano & orchestra • Virtuoso, “operatic” writing for solo piano • Improvisatory nature of cadenza