Analysis of Beethoven Symphony 3 and Mozart Symphony 40
Beethoven Symphony No. 3 and Mozart Symphony 40 Forms
Sonata form is one of the more popular forms of music that is found in a variety of different works including symphonies, concertos, and sonatas. Sonata form features three distinct sections: the exposition, development, and recapitulation. Mozart was one of the early composers of this form of music. I will examine the clear distinctions between each section and how he does not stray from the typical form. In later years the form would change to become more fluent and focused on the growth and expansion of the piece. This progression of change was led by the works of Beethoven and the changes can be clearly seen in his grandiose works. By comparing the first movement of Symphony No. 40 by Mozart and the first movement of Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” by Beethoven one can begin to understand this progression and development of the sonata form. Before analyzing, it is essential to know about each individual composer. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756 into a musical family and was a musical genius. At the young age of three, Mozart was able to identify intervals on the keyboard (his favorite was known to be the 3rd). It didn’t take much time after this for him to get into keyboard lessons or to begin writing small compositions beginning in 1761 at the age of 5 under the guidance of his father, Leopold Mozart. Between the ages of 8-10 he wrote his first three symphonies. His Symphony No. 40, was composed just a few years before his death in 1788. Mozart is best known for his normal use of form as well as his melodic and memorable themes. He is certainly one composer whose music has undeniably stood the test of time. His compositions are so respected by his critics that one once stated that “Mozart is music.” Ludwig van Beethoven was born in December of 1770. He was raised in a very musical family. His father was a musician who had high hopes for his son to become the next Mozart. At age 17, he made
Sonata form is one of the more popular forms of music that is found in a variety of different works including symphonies, concertos, and sonatas. Sonata form features three distinct sections: the exposition, development, and recapitulation. Mozart was one of the early composers of this form of music. I will examine the clear distinctions between each section and how he does not stray from the typical form. In later years the form would change to become more fluent and focused on the growth and expansion of the piece. This progression of change was led by the works of Beethoven and the changes can be clearly seen in his grandiose works. By comparing the first movement of Symphony No. 40 by Mozart and the first movement of Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” by Beethoven one can begin to understand this progression and development of the sonata form. Before analyzing, it is essential to know about each individual composer. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756 into a musical family and was a musical genius. At the young age of three, Mozart was able to identify intervals on the keyboard (his favorite was known to be the 3rd). It didn’t take much time after this for him to get into keyboard lessons or to begin writing small compositions beginning in 1761 at the age of 5 under the guidance of his father, Leopold Mozart. Between the ages of 8-10 he wrote his first three symphonies. His Symphony No. 40, was composed just a few years before his death in 1788. Mozart is best known for his normal use of form as well as his melodic and memorable themes. He is certainly one composer whose music has undeniably stood the test of time. His compositions are so respected by his critics that one once stated that “Mozart is music.” Ludwig van Beethoven was born in December of 1770. He was raised in a very musical family. His father was a musician who had high hopes for his son to become the next Mozart. At age 17, he made