How does mozart vary the theme in the first movement of his

There are 6 variations of the theme in the first movement (Andante Grazioso) of Mozart’s sonata in A (K331)

Mozart’s variations tend to follow the following pattern: a sequence of variations in the tonic major. Followed by a variation in the tonic minor, with further variations in the tonic major, then an adagio variation finishing with an extended allegro variation with a change in metre.

The theme itself is in 6/8 time and consists of 4 bar balanced phrases with antecedents and consequents and a 2 bar coda at the end of the theme.

It has harmonies characterised by a dominant pedal (E) in the middle of the 3-part texture, which means that there are unresolved passing dissonance’s (bar 3)

It has a ternary (ABA) structure. This first section has cadences in the tonic, section B begins with a new idea and the ending (A) is a reprise of the original idea with a 2 bar coda.

Variation 6 (allegro) is in simple time (4/4) and is at a faster pace. Mozart uses an alberti bass and changes from a quaver rhythm to a semi-quaver rhythm in both hands. He still uses the E pedal in the left hand and also descending sequences. Variation 6 is playful and flamboyant. Mozart achieves this by using syncopation and sometimes intensive syncopation, he also adds to the effect by using split chords. He finishes the movement with an 8 bar coda in the tonic key with a tonic pedal and he uses an abundance of perfect cadences throughout the last 3 bars.

Variation 5 (Adagio) remains in A major, 6/8 time also with an E pedal. However the pace has slowed down to virtually half speed. This gives Mozart the chance to use imaginative ornaments. The left hand plays an alberti bass with demi-semi-quavers. Variation 5 has chromatic harmony and scales but Mozart still uses sequences and shows us the essence of the original theme is still there by using the dominant pedal.

same chord sequence as the

Some topics in this essay:
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