1. Chapter 12: The Symphony
The Slow
Movement

2. Key Terms
Slow movement
Classical variation form
Theme and variations

3. Slow Movement Typical Features Slow tempo
No standard form: may use sonata, variation, rondo, or other form
Often lyrical and songlike in character
Haydn’s Symphony No. 95 uses Classical theme and variations form

4. Theme and Variations Theme Variations
A complete tune in several phrases
Variations
The variations present a series of contrasting moods
Each one varies the theme in a different way
Each one usually follows the same phrase structure as the theme

5. Theme and Variations Standard theme & variations form
Any number of variations are possible

6. Baroque vs. Classical Vivaldi ground bass theme Haydn symphony theme
Short, one phrase
In bass voice
Polyphonic texture
One cadence at end
Continuous motion into next variation
Haydn symphony theme
A tune in 4 phrases
In top voice
Homophonic
Several cadences
Full stop before next variation

7. Haydn, Symphony No. 95, II (1) Theme (aabb)
Melody a simple tune with regular phrases
Articulation mostly legato
Major mode, stable harmonies
Simple rhythms emphasize beat
String colors, 1st violins on melody
Middle to low register
Accompaniment simple, staccato chords

8. Haydn, Symphony No. 95, II (2)

9. Haydn, Symphony No. 95, II (3) Variation 1 (a1a1’b1b1)
Melody ornamented when a and b repeat
Articulation of ornaments more staccato
Rhythm of ornaments feels faster
Solo cello, pizzicato accompaniment
Register lower when cello plays, lower and higher in violin decorations
New countermelody above cello melody

10. Haydn, Symphony No. 95, II (4) Variations 2 (a2b2b2’) and 3 (a3a3’b3)
What was changed in these variations?
Melody? Articulation? Form?
Mode? Harmony?
Rhythm? Meter? Tempo?
Dynamics?
Tone color? Register?
Texture? Accompaniment?
Theme Variation Variation 3

11. Haydn, Symphony No. 95, II (5)
Theme
Variation 2
Variation 3

12. Haydn, Symphony No. 95, II (5) Coda (a4?)
Is this a new variation or a coda?
How is this coda unusual?
Describe Haydn’s joke.

13. Haydn, Symphony No. 95, II (6)
More sophisticated than many theme & variation works
Haydn writes variations within variations

14. Review Classical Theme and Variations
A sectional form with clear cadences and distinct sections
Relies on variation principle: simultaneous repetition and contrast
Theme often a tune with clear phrases
Typical formal scheme:
A A1 A2 A3 A4 … Coda