An Outline of The History of Western Music Grout ... - The Reel Score

i) Stable periods
(1) tonality and their rhythmic and melodic profiles are consistent - but
they are not tension free
(2) the statements of the primary, secondary, and closing material are
usually phrased symmetrically - most often in balanced 4 measure
phrases and are clearly delimited by cadences
(3) the ideas are presented through a combination of string and wind
ensembles with some tutti puctuations
ii) Unstable periods
(1) in the exposition and mainly transitions
(a) are often tutti or culminate in a tutti
(b) characterized by nervous rhythmic energy, sequences,
modulatory thrusts, asymetrical phrasing, powerful harmonic
drive, and avoidance of cadences
(2) in the developement section
(a) least stable - they may draw material from various sections in
any order
(b) may contain episodes that are relaxed and relatively stable
(3) recapitulation though tonally stable endows the transitions with
unexpected deviations that add suspense to the anticipated arrival
of familiar thematic sections
iii- Minuet & Trio
a- Minuet is always a two part form - || : a : || : a' (a) : ||
b- Trio is built on similar lines
i) same key as the Minuet - with possibly a change in mode
ii) shorter with a lighter orchestration
c- after the Trio, the Minuet returns (da capo)
d- results in a 3 part ABA form for the movement as a whole
2: earliest symphonies (pre 1768) are in the early Classic three movement form
(derived from the Italian opera overture - "sinfonia"
i- Allegro
ii- Andate - in the parellel minor or subdominant key
iii- Minuet or rapid gigue-like movement in 3/8 or 6/8
3: some other early symphonies are in a four movement form - Andante/Allegro/
Minuet/Presto recalling the slow-fast-slow-fast sequence of the sonata da
chiesa
4: Haydn soon adopted the standard Classic four movement form - I. Allegro, II.
Andante moderato, III. Minuet & Trio, IV. Allegro
5: symphonies of 1768-1774 show a view of the symphony as a serious work
demanding close listening
i- no longer light entertainment or delightful overture to an opera
ii- the deeply emotional and agitated character of the symphonies particularly
those in minor keys has been associated with the movement in literature
known as "Sturm und Drang"
6: symphonies of 1774-1788 show a smooth and assured exploitation of
orchestral resources