Piano Concerto No. 9 Movement 1

 Concertos are virtuosic pieces of music composed for a solo instrument with orchestral accompaniment, consisting of several movements.  This particular concerto was written for solo piano.  It is commonly referred to as the “Jeunehomme Concerto", as it is believed that Mozart composed this piece for a French pianist named Jeunehomme when she visited Salzburg.  There are 3 movements in this concerto:  the first is an Allegro in E flat major, followed by a quieter, Andantino movement in C minor and then finishing with a Prestissimo (very fast) movement back in E flat major. 

 

Listening Guide: 

 

Basics

Tempo:  Allegro – fast and lively

Key:  E flat major

Metre:  Common time (4/4 time)

Rhythm

This movement is very simple rhythmically, although Mozart uses grace notes and trills to embellish the rhythm at times.

Dynamics

As the Classical orchestra is smaller than it became during the Romantic era, the piece is quieter and not as large in sound.  There are times in this piece when both the orchestra and soloist reach a good forte, however.    As this is a concerto, the orchestra is mostly playing an accompaniment role to the solo piano.

Opening

The excerpt you will hear in the concert begins at bar 50 at which point both the orchestra and piano soloist are playing.

Ending

The piece ends with a virtuosic cadenza (a point in which the soloist has the opportunity to “show off” their talents by playing difficult and virtuosic music on their own.  The soloist may improvise during the cadenza and does not necessarily keep to strict timing) played on the piano.  The movement finally concludes just as it began with both the soloist and full orchestra playing.

 

 Listening Questions:

 

As you listen to the First Movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9, listen for the following features:

 

  1. Can you feel the metre of the piece (try swaying from side to side)?
  2. The trills that are used to embellish the rhythm
  3. How would you describe the texture of the piece (eg: light, heavy, thick)?
  4. The orchestra taking an accompaniment role when the pianist is playing
  5. The piano cadenza just before the piece ends
  6. Other:  Make a list of any other interesting features, styles or patterns you hear (keep in mind the things you have learned about Mozart and music from the Classical era).

 

Note:  If you miss one or more of the above features, go back and listen to the piece again carefully until you can hear all of them in the music.

 CONGRATULATIONS!

By answering those 5 questions, you have just collected:

The Violins

The Violas

The Cellos

The Double Basses

for your orchestra!

 

And by answering question 6, you have collected:

The Piano

 

YOUR ORCHESTRA IS NOW COMPLETE!

 You’re nearly there!  Press Next find out about your last exciting project!