Franz Krommer (1759-1831) was a Czech composer of classical music, although today he is mostly recognized for his music for woodwinds. His wind Partitas are authentic symphonies scored for pairs of oboe, clarinets, bassoons, and horns. He also uses double bass or contrabassoon to establish the bass line. In Op. 45 No. 2 he extends the instruments with a trumpet. In the earlier version of Partita in E flat the composer created a true double horn concerto with wind accompaniment. Krommer`s music mixes formal creativity with folk-influenced melodies and demonstrates an exceptionally high standard of performance. It has the qualities of charm, wit and sophistication.

Partita in E flat has four movements. In the first movement the tonic/dominant accompaniment is alternating and there are lyrical melodies can be heard above the accompaniment.

In the second movement the three-note motif and a chromatic line gives a Romantic feature to the piece.

The third movement is in a minuet form and it has a three beat in a bar pulse.

The fourth movement is in a Rondo from. It contains a melody which reoccurs and features a three note repeated note pattern.

Reference

Krommer, F., 2016. F.V. Kramář – Krommer Partita Op.45 No.1. Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDnskZlkxbA&gt; [Accessed 7 February 2021].

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was one of the greatest Austrian composers in the history of Western music. (Sadie, 2020)

In the 18^th century it was common practice to hear excerpts from famous operas and ballets. Harmoniemusik is a wind ensemble without percussion. A major characteristic is that the main instruments were used in pairs. This particular piece is an arrangement of the major themes from Mozart`s opera called The Marriage of Figaro. This transcription has its own texture and flavour that is different than the original. It offers a representation of the bright, varied, virtuosic, melodious, and grand music of the opera reflected through a wind ensemble. The wind instruments also perfectly portrayed the emotionally charged human voice, just as Mozart imagined in his opera. This is an example how popular operatic pieces were taken out of the opera house and played to a new audience.

Reference:

Sadie, S., 2020. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Biography, Facts, & Works. [online] Encyclopedia Britannica. Available at: <https://www.britannica.com/biography/Wolfgang-Amadeus-Mozart&gt; [Accessed 7 March 2020]

n.d. Mozart Harmoniemusik From ‘The Marriage Of Figaro” (1/2) Zefiro Ensemble. Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USJslsQhS-c&gt; [Accessed 7 March 2020]

Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was an Austrian composer of the Classical Period. He helped establish the forms and styles for the string quartet and the symphony. (Landon, 2020)

String quartet in B flat major was composed between 1757-1759. The fourth movement is the second minuet and trio within the composition. It has a vigorous rhythmic drive. While I was listening this composition, I discovered a strong feeling of three beats. The first beat is strong, the second is lighter and the third beat leads toward to the next first beat. This sequence gives a sense of formality to the dance form. There are two voices can be heard in the piece, which imitates each other. The trio features an elegant melody with an occasional chromatic slide, played over an accompaniment of repeated chords.

Reference:

Landon, H., 2020. Joseph Haydn | Biography, Compositions, & Facts. [online] Encyclopedia Britannica. Available at: <https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joseph-Haydn&gt; [Accessed 2 March 2020]

Haydn, F., 1751. J. Haydn – Hob III:1 – String Quartet Op. 1 No. 1 In B Flat Major. Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXCYeGovsOw&gt; [Accessed 2 March 2020]