INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC-MUSIC F001

Listening lab-Mozart -Piano concerto no 23 a major K 488

Sonata form is the first movement in a symphony, which is subdivided into three sections (ABA). The sections are, namely, deposition, exposition, and recapitulation. In the deposition, the first theme of the piece is introduced, followed by an interlude, then the second theme, which ends with the cadence theme. The exposition section is characterized by the development of several themes. The recapitulation section is marked by a repetition of the main theme introduced during the exposition. This section keeps almost everything played in exposition hence the recapitulation. During the exposition, the main theme is introduced in the tonic key and modulated to another key during the bridge before the second theme, which is played in the new key. The deposition section does not maintain an abstract key structure as it moves restlessly around keys. The recapitulation section keeps the tonic key but differs from the exposition as it does not modulate; hence, the bridge has to be rewritten to be in the tonic key (Kerman & Tomlinson, 2015). The first section is repeated before the second section at minute 01:58. The first theme in the third section appears at track time 04:00. This piece has a very catchy melody, which is introduced during the exposition section and repeated during the recapitulation. The theme of the melody is singable and well-phrased, with simplified, elegant harmonies that keep the listeners engaged throughout the performance. Rhythmically, the piece features lively patterns with a constant beat that supports the music.

The only way the double exposition form differs from the sonata form is by having the orchestra play the exposition section twice, once by itself and again with a soloist accompanied by the orchestra. In sonata form, on the other hand, the orchestra plays the exposition once with the full ensemble (Kerman & Tomlinson, 2015). The track time when the first theme of the piano solo starts is 02:10 in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K 488. The track time when the first theme appears in the third section is around 06:39. The cadenza in this piece is exceptionally technical compared to the Bach concerto. The soloist in this concerto is given a notable chance to showcase his musical mastery by incorporating fast runs and elaborate ornamentation. Harmonically, the two concertos differ, with Mozart’s concerto being more expressive and adventurous. Bach’s concerto is characterized by its adherence to the tonality and harmonic progression of the first movement, whereas the cadenza in Mozart’s concerto utilizes different tonal centres and harmonic explorations. Although the cadenza in Bach’s concerto feels free-flowing and well-improvised, the cadenza in Mozart’s concerto is formally structured with clear transitions and distinct sections, emulating the classical emphasis on structure and balance.

References

Kerman, J., & Tomlinson, G. (2015). listen-Bedford, St. Martin’s (2015).PDF. Google Drive. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OQa-jGj2JYOAwqKzeIygo7uWtUsIDzOS/view

Mozart “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” I. Allegro. YouTube. (2007, May 19). https://youtu.be/Qb_jQBgzU-I

Mozart -Piano concerto no 23 a major K 488, Maurizio Pollini, Karl Bohm. YouTube. (2015, November 29). https://youtu.be/DXeBFhqViYg