Lecture 15 
classical forms, introduction to sonata form
 
Mozart in his music was probably the most reasonable of the world's great composers.
It is the happy balance between flight and control, between sensibility and self-discipline,
simplicity and sophistication of style that is his particular province...
Mozart tapped once again the source from which all music flows, expressing himself with
a spontaneity and refinement and breath-taking rightness that has never since been duplicated.
 
-- Aaron Copland, Copland on Music (1960)
   
forms of the classical period, continued
Classical period C.E. c.1750-1810 
We continue our look at the forms of the classical period, including the most complex one, sonata form.
 
Topics covered:
  • ternary form, part 2
  • ternary form in Mozart's Clarinet Concerto, slow movement
  • rondo form
  • sonata form
  • sonata form: movement 1 of Mozart's Symphony No. 40
 
Composer: Mozart
 
Objectives:
  • distinguishing one form from another
  • hearing how sonata form is built on contrasts
  • hearing the different sections of sonata form
 
Assignments:
watch lecture 15 (in multiple parts for quicker download) 
  • review previous chapters, as necessary 
  • read textbook, Chapter 18 
  • As you are reading your textbook, go through the Listening Exercises in textbook sequence, listening to the examples provided. 
  • regarding developing listening skills: you should be in the habit of developing your listening skills early in the game - the assignments will get more complex through the semester and you may find yourself unable to keep up. As simple as these early assignments may seem to some of you, they will help to keep you on the right track, and help you develop the skills required for a greater appreciation in listening to music, including the music that you listen to for your own enjoyment. Of course, those objectives are in total sync with the success you hope to have in this class. Remember that your ability to recognize the music on your CDs will be tested and will, of course, impact your grade.
 
Audio / Video lecture
  • click lecture segments below in sequence
  • presented in several segments to reduce download time
  • total lecture time: approx. one hour 15 minutes (all segments included)
  • can be downloaded for portable media players by right clicking each segment link and choosing save option. (note: older Macs and Mac notebooks with single-button mice: control-click)
 
Lecture 15.1 
Ternary Form in Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto
 
Lecture 15.2 
Rondo Form
 
Lecture 15.3 
Sonata Form in Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
 
Lecture 15.4 
Sonata Form in Mozart's Symphony No. 40