Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K.525 - My favourite!

Teacher's Score: 8/10


Eine Kleine Natchmusik, K. 525 (A Little Night Music in English) is a serenade for strings written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1787 in the Classical era. It is written for two string quartets and a double bass. It has 4 movements which are compact, intimate, and beautifully proportioned.

The first movement has a tempo of Allegro, a key of G+, a time signature of 4/4, and a form of sonata-allegro form. It is written in homophonic texture. The melody is played by the violin. Theme 1 is in G+: an aggresive rocket theme ascends rapidly to the peak, then turns downwards at the same pace. Theme 2 in D+ contrasts with Theme 1: it is graceful and has a downwards curve in the opening measure. The development briefly develops Theme 1, while in the recapitulation, Theme 2 is written in the Tonic key.

The second movement has a tempo a Andante, a key of C+ (the only one that is in C+), a time signature of 2/2, and a form of Rondo (ABACA coda). It is gentle and lyrical, with symmetrical sections arranged in Rondo structure. A is a graceful, lyrical and serene melody divided in 2 parts. B is more fast-moving and rhythmic melody but it is also in 2 parts. C in C- is darker with an active rhythmic accompaniment with quick notes.

The third movement has a tempo of Allegretto, a key of G+, a time signature of 3/4, and a form of minuet & Trio. It has a homophonic texture. Minuet opens brightly. It is a strong rhythmic dance in an accented triple meter. Trio is rather lyrical and expressive.

The forth movement has a tempo of Allegro, a key of G+, a time signature of 4/4, and a form of sonata-rondo. It is also in homophonic texture. The light and graceful mood makes this the perfect finale. Theme 1 in G+ has a merry, quick and spirited rocket theme. Theme 2 in D+ begins with a downward leap to contract theme 1. The development is simply theme 1 material developed. The recapitulation is all themes restarted in the Tonic key. The coda is based on theme 1.

Teacher's Comments:
Everybody knows that A Little Night Music is in English
Define homophonic texture and rocket theme.
The second movement is a Romanza, not nicknamed Romanza.