Tempo & Dynamics
What is the tempo marking at the start of the piece?
Allegretto
What articulation is used on the first two right-hand notes?
Staccato
What is the time signature of the piece?
4/4
In which clef is the melody written?
Treble clef
What instruments/parts are shown in the score?
Right hand (melody) and left hand (accompaniment), written for keyboard.
What dynamic marking is used at the beginning?
Piano (p)
What kind of articulation is most common in bars 1–4?
Staccato and slurs are both used, creating articulation contrast.
How many beats are in each bar?
4 crotchet beats per bar
What is the highest pitch used in the first 4 bars?
A (above the staff, bar 3)
How do the left and right hand interact in bars 1–4?
Melody in right hand, accompaniment in left hand (broken chords or Alberti bass style).
What dynamic appears in bar 9?
Forte (f)
How do the slurs shape the phrasing in bars 5–8?
The slurs in bars 5–8 show smooth, connected phrasing, contrasting earlier detached staccato.
How does the time signature affect the rhythmic feel?
It creates a steady, even feel suited to dance-like phrasing.
Where is a repeated melodic idea (motif) used?
Motif repeated in bars 1–2 and again in bars 5–6.
What kind of texture is created between the hands?
Homophonic texture – melody with chordal or broken chord accompaniment.
How do the dynamics change throughout the excerpt?
There is a gradual increase in dynamics moving into section B; contrast between piano and forte dynamics creates interest.
How is contrast in articulation shown between sections A and B?
Section A is more detached with staccato; Section B uses legato phrasing and longer slurs.
Are there any syncopated or offbeat rhythms in the piece?
Yes – syncopation in the left hand occasionally offsets the beat.
Can you find an example of a sequence or melodic imitation?
Sequence in bars 5–6; the melodic idea moves down a step with the same rhythm.
What is the overall structure of this excerpt (e.g., A–B)?
Binary form (A–B) or Ternary if a return is implied – two contrasting sections.
How do Mozart’s dynamic choices affect mood and character?
They help shape the mood – gentle and graceful in section A (piano), more energetic and bold in section B (forte).
How does articulation help convey Classical style in this piece?
Articulation (slurs, staccato) reflects the elegance and clarity of Classical style—clean phrasing and contrast.
How does Mozart use rhythm to create momentum or tension?
Mozart uses forward motion in rising rhythms and syncopation to drive the music forward, especially in transitions.
How does Mozart develop melodic ideas to create structure?
He develops motifs by repeating, sequencing, and expanding them into longer phrases.
How does the texture evolve between the A and B sections?
Texture becomes fuller and more rhythmically active in section B, especially in the left hand.