Music History
Listening Guide #1
Mozart: Serenata Notturna, K 239
Biography:
In 1773, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his father made their final return home from Italy. Between 1773 and 1777, Wolfgang had started to develop a love for many different kinds of classical genres. One of these interests of composing was symphonies. Mozart wrote Serenata Notturna, K239 while staying in Salzburg in the year 1776.
Historical Background:
In 1775 is when Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart became more interested in writing orchestral compositions. Some of these different compositions may include “symphonies, string quartets, sonatas and serenades and a few operas” (biography.com). During this time is when a lot of composers started to write symphonies. This was just one of the first of many, a simple melody and rhythm, yet still enjoyable to listen to.
Listener’s Map:
A Section-Repeat
The A section starts off strong with two orchestras. The rhythm is very prominent and clear.
B Section-Repeat
The B section continues just as strong. It starts off with the same rhythm but with a different melody.
Trio A-Repeat
Trio is only for first orchestra. The trio starts light and delicate.
Trio B-Repeat
The B section of the trio starts a little stronger to help lead back into the beginning of the piece.
The piece from here repeats back to the menuetto. The orchestra plays straight through A to B then the movement is over.
Menuetto-A B
Observations:
Interesting contrast between the the menuetto A section between the two orchestra violins and violas.
Fun 16th note runs between the violin and viola in the Trio part B section
List of sources:
Biography.com
http://www.biography.com/people/wolfgang-mozart-9417115?page=2
Free-scores.com
