Mozart - Eine kleine Nachtmusik

Eine kleine Nachtmusik, (“A Little Night Music”) is serenade for two violins, viola, cello, and double bass by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of his most memorable pieces. Originally an evening song for courtship, the term serenade by the late 18th century was used basically to describe a chamber work intended for light entertainment on a social occasion. Serenades were popular particularly in Vienna, where Mozart spent the last decade of his life. At that time, it was customary for ensembles to perform serenades in Vienna’s parks and gardens, and composers found that this genre could easily bring in money and appease audiences.

Mozart produced many serenades, the 13th of which, nicknamed Eine kleine Nachtmusik, is his best known. The four-movement work opens with a bright allegro in sonata form, and a slow, lyrical second movement follows. The third movement is a light minuet, and the finale is a brisk rondo. Originally, the piece contained a second minuet, but that movement has been lost. This piece was completed on August 10, 1787. We do not know the specific occasion, if any, for which Eine kleine Nachtmusik was composed.

Regardless of its original performance context, Eine kleine Nachtmusik became one of Mozart’s most popular pieces. In the 21st century, Eine kleine Nachtmusik remains among the most frequently performed and iconic of all classical compositions.

Things to listen for:
•String chamber music style.
•Quick-paced movement with 3 themes, sonata-allegro form.
•Overall homophonic texture.
•Primary theme is disjunct, marchlike, and ascends quickly (“rocket theme”); secondary theme is graceful and conjunct.

This is a classic example of sonata form; Mozart followed the formula almost to the letter.

(also just watch the first violin. homegirl is GETTIN IT.)

Exposition:
PT: G major
Bridge: modulating
ST: contrasting in D major
CT: D major. Repetitive.

Development:
Short, begins in D, intertwines PT and CT.

Recapitulation:
PT: G major
ST: G major
CT: G major
Coda: G major

Sources:

YouTube

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eine-kleine-Nachtmusik

http://www.wwnorton.com/college/music/listeninglab/shared/listening_guides/mozart_eine_kleine_nachtmusik.pdf