Mozart Symphony 40

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Mozart uses a variety of musical features in complex yet effective ways in the 1st Movement of Symphony No. 40, the first one being the melody. The initial melody line of the first subject is played in octaves, and consists of 3 descending sequences, each one followed by a short rest. This is repeated later on. The melodic line Another important element in the Symphony is the structure and tonality. The piece is in Sonata form with no introduction, meaning it has an exposition, a development section and a recapitulation, which is similar to the first section but with several significant changes. The exposition starts with the first subject, which is in the tonic key (G minor), which then modulates to Bb major (the relative major). After this, the second subject is introduced, followed by a codetta, and then the entire exposition is repeated. The development section is based around the first subject, but modulates a lot more widely. Finally, the recapitulation repeats material from the exposition, but with longer transitions in order to keep the entire section in G minor. This key is further…show more content…
A classical orchestra is used, with a full strings section, and woodwind instruments in pairs (apart from the flute). There are 2 horns, both in different keys. What makes this different to a full classical orchestral arrangement is the fact that no trumpets or timpani are used, which is not conventional of would have happened in the period. The strings are the primary instrument heard, and work together as a section. Most of the melodies are played by the violin and viola, with the cello and double bass providing accompaniment. The woodwind section sometimes plays extracts of the melody, as well as adding depth to the texture. There are certain times where the whole orchestra plays together, which is most noticeable towards the end of the

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