15.2: Mozart, Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525, II.
15.2 Mozart, Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525, II.
The second movement of Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik is a five-part rondo form (ABACA).
Let us examine the elements of music in the first section (the A section).
Notice how Mozart expresses the various musical elements:
| Harmony |
The key is C major |
| Rhythm |
The 8th note is most common rhythmic value, though the phrase begins with quarter-note values |
| Texture |
The top two instruments are grouped together against a simple bass part |
| Articulation |
Generally legato |
| Dynamics | Soft |
| Register |
Neither extremely high nor low |
Here is the beginning of the second section (the B section):
Here are the most noticeable differences:
| Rhythm |
8th notes are the most common rhythmic value, with some 16th-note runs |
| Texture |
All four voices move in the same rhythm at the beginning of each subphrase |
| Articulation |
Four staccato notes start each subphrase |
Now, look at the beginning of the next contrasting section (the C section):
The following elements are noticeably changed:
| Harmony |
This section begins in C minor |
| Rhythm |
The accompaniment moves in 16th notes and the ornamentation of the second melody note (the turn) in the outer parts sounds as four 32nd notes |
| Texture |
The middle two parts (Violin II and Viola) are paired together and the Violin I and Cello/Bass part engage in imitation |
| Articulation |
The middle parts are played in a “separated” manner (more staccato than legato) and the motive in the outer voices starts with a staccato note |
Listen to how Mozart puts the entire form together, including transitional material to smooth out the changes from one section to another.