Mozart, The Magic Flute: Excerpts from Act 1 no.4 (Queen of the Night), 5 (Quintet) Flashcards

1
Q

What is an aria?

A

An aria is a long song accompanying a solo voice, usually in an opera.

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2
Q

A1 No.4 : What is the texture?

A

The texture is mainly melody-dominated homophony.

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3
Q

A1 No.4 : Does the piece begin with the aria or a recitative?

A

After the orchestral introduction there is a short passage of accompanied recitative.

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4
Q

A1 No.4 : What key does the first section of the aria begin in?

A

For contrast, the larghetto middle section is in the relative minor key of G minor.

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5
Q

What year was The Magic Flute written?

A

1791.

Classical Period.

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6
Q

A1 No.4 : What voice is the piece written for?

A

Coloratura soprano.

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7
Q

A1 No.4 : What key is the recitative in?

A

B♭ major.

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8
Q

A1 No.4 : How many sections is the aria of Act 1 No.4 split into?

A

2

The first section begins in G minor and is a moderate paced legato (smoothly flowing)
aria in simple triple time.

The final allegro moderato (moderately fast) section is in B♭ major.

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9
Q

A1 No.4 : Describe the rhythm in the opening of the recitative.

A

The recitative begins with continuous repeated crotchet tonic pedal notes in the
bass, with syncopated repeated quavers in the violins.

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10
Q

A1 No.4 : What is the main key?

A

The key is B♭ major and most of the music is diatonic in that key.

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11
Q

A1 No.4 : What cadence is used at the end?

A

The aria ends with repeated, emphatic perfect cadences.

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12
Q

A1 No.5 : What is the name of Act 1 No.5?

A

Hm! Hm! Hm! Hm!

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13
Q

What musical era did Mozart live throughout?

A

Classical (1750-1820)

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14
Q

What are some characteristics of the classical era?

A

Variety and contrast within a piece become more pronounced than before.

  • Variety of keys, melodies, rhythms
  • Dynamics (use of crescendos, diminuendos, and sforzando).
  • Orchestra increased in size and range.
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15
Q

Act 1 No.5 : Describe the dynamics.

A
  • Mozart frequently uses sotto voce.

- There are more dynamic indications than in act No.4.

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16
Q

Act 1 No.5 : What is the texture?

A

Mainly melody dominated homophony.

17
Q

Act 1 No.5 : What is the time signature?

A

The movement is in cut common time, giving the tempo a swift two-in-a-bar feel to it.

18
Q

Act 1 No.5 : Describe the rhythm.

A

The rhythms and note values are generally very simple (mainly crotchets and quavers), to emphasise the comic nature and simplicity of Papageno.

19
Q

Act 1 No.5 : Describe the sonority.

A
  • Five singing parts.

- At the andante section (bar 214) the clarinets are accompanied by pizzicato strings for a more sombre mood.

20
Q

Act 1 No.5 : What is the harmony like?

A
  • Diatonic and functional.

- There are numerous uses of appoggiaturas.