GCSE Music Analysis: Symphony No.40 in G Minor

I am currently taking GCSE music and have finished my performances and compositions. I'm going to be taking my final theory exam this June. I have created this hub-page so people who are taking GCSE music can revise from this so they can succeed in their current GCSE music examinations.

General information

This piece was composed in 1788 during the classical period for a chamber orchestra.

Instrumentation

This piece has no percussion and the only brass instrument in this piece is the French Horn.
This piece was written to be played by a chamber orchestra, as mentioned in the general information section. The three sections are woodwind, brass and strings.

Classical Period Features

The classical period features in this piece include:

• Balanced phrases.
• Melody dominated texture.
• Structures defined by clear use of keys.
• Harmony was functional.
• Ideas of contrast in terms of key, melody and more varied dynamics
• Orchestra was established as a standard instrumental ensemble.
• New musical genres emerged - the symphony, concerto and string quartet.

Tempo and Rhythm

This piece has the time signature of 4/4 and has a tempo of "Molto allegro". This piece has a distinct clear pulse which is easy to follow. The opening has a quaver accompaniment in the violas and a on'beat crotchet bass notes from the basses.

Structure and Tonality

This piece is in sonata form which consists of three sections:

Exposition:

• Starts in G Minor then modulates during the bridge to B Flat Major for the 2nd subject.
• Extra chromatic notes add tension in the bridge passage.

Development:

• Harmonies are more chromatic.
• Starts in F# Minor, but explores lots of different keys.

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Recapitulation:

• Returns to G Minor and repeats the 1st subject.
• Bridge passage is longer but passes through more keys.
• Second subject this time is in G Minor.

Melodic/Musical Devices

• Sequencing is used in the opening melody of the violins. The first four bars are repeated using a descending sequence. This is also used in the bridge passage.
• Chromaticism is used in the 2nd subject.
• Counter-melodies are used in the development.
• Augmentation is used in the codetta. (Doubling the original note values).
• Pathétique is the overall melancholy mood of the piece, particularly the 2nd subject.

Dynamics

• At the beginning, it is soft (p). Although, unusually, most classical pieces start loud (f).
• The 2nd subject uses crescendos.
• The bridge is loud (f) and has a lot of sforzandos.

Timbre and Texture

• Mainly melody dominated homophony used throughout. Although the piece explores different textures.
• First and second violins play in octaves at first and they also play in unison.
• Other parts use pedals.
• The piece ends with a homophonic texture.

Melody and Pitch

• Movement is conjunct with some leaps.
• Instruments generally play in their comfortable, middle registers.
• The flute and violin 1 explore a higher range at times.

Overview Quiz

For each question, choose the best answer. The answer key is below.

1. What is the order of sonata form?
   • Exposition, Development, Recapitulation.
   • Intro, Chorus, Outro.
   • Development, Exposition, Recapitulation.
2. Which musical period did Mozart compose in?
   • Baroque.
   • Classical.
   • Romantic.
3. What is a modulation?
   • A contrapuntal passage.
   • A key change.
   • A transformed theme.
4. What is the interval between the first two notes of the first subject?
   • Semitone.
   • Tone.
   • Megatone.
5. How many movements does a symphony usually have?
   • Five
   • Three.
   • Four.

Answer Key

1. Exposition, Development, Recapitulation.
2. Classical.
3. A key change.
4. Semitone.
5. Four.

© 2016 Lucas Tomlin