Music - Haydn's Clock Symphony
Context/Facts
Written for a classical orchestra
Clarinet was becoming more popular
Brass instruments were natural - had no valves
Features
Andante (slow throughout)
Continuous ticking pattern that alternates between two notes.
Strings often pizzicato during ticking parts.
Structure
Begins in G major, second part in G minor - the tonic minor. Returns to G major
Sense of balance created through use of dynamics, phrasing, sequences, sequences and harmony.
Two main themes
Dotted and double dotted rhythms
Acciacaturas
Descending semiquaver runs
Staccato notes
Theme A
Accompanied by ticking motif
C# accidentals create modulation to D major (very short modulation)
Theme B
Begins with dotted rhythm.
This changes between piano and forte.
Double dotted sequence later played in unison by first and second violins.
Dramatic minor section
Dramatic change from pianissimo to forte section in G minor
Main feature is dotted rhythmic pattern
Upper strings play demisemiquavers. Antiphony between first and second violins. Also play in unison/octaves.
Woodwind at bars 50-59 play the same dotted rhythm as before but as fortissimo chords
Modulates to B flat major then goes back to G minor before modulating to G major in preparation for the major section and return of theme A