GCSE Mozart Extra Revision

Front

What is the role of flutes in the orchestra?

Back

Flutes reinforce the orchestra in full tutti sections, generally at a higher pitch, and accompany solo clarinet passages using sustained notes low in register.

Front

How do bassoons function in the orchestra?

Back

Bassoons have a similar function to flutes, except the sustained notes are high in the bassoon register.

Front

How were horns tuned in Mozart's time?

Back

Horns were tuned using crooks. The player reads the notes in C major; the insertion of the A crook means the notes sound a minor 3rd lower, in A major.

Front

What is the main role of strings in a classical orchestra?

Back

Strings form the most important section, playing throughout all softer/solo passages as well as in tuttis.

Front

What is double-stopping/triple-stopping in stringed instruments?

Back

It is when the bow goes across 2 or even 3 strings simultaneously. Triple stopping on violin takes place for the last 2 chords of the concerto.

Front

Why do some instruments have different key signatures?

Back

For horns, crooks were used. Clarinets had few keys, making passages with many sharps or flats difficult due to cross-fingerings. Players read parts in C major for easier play, sounding a minor 3rd lower.

Front

What is the form of the piece?

Back

Rondo form, A–B–A–C–A. The recurrence of A produces symmetry, and the use of episodes provides contrast.

Front

Describe the dynamics in the 'A' section of the form.

Back

Varied dynamics, p for solo passages and f for tuttis.

Front

What is the key structure of the 'A' sections?

Back

The 'A' sections are in the tonic key of A major for almost all the time.

Front

What does the 6/8 time signature mean?

Back

It literally means 6 quavers in a bar, but it means two dotted-crotchet beats in each bar.