Mozart - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K525

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (A little Night Music), K. 525, is a serenade composed by Mozart in 1787. It is also sometimes called Serenade No. 13 for Strings in G major, K. 525. A serenade is a multi-movement orchestra genre for small orchestra or chamber ensemble. It was popular in the Classical era and was often performed in aristocratic social settings and at outdoor events. This serenade, in 4 movements, was written for double string quartet with optional double bass, but is often performed by a string orchestra. K. 525 is one of Mozart's best known works.

The first movement, Allegro, is a sonata-allegro form in G major. The first theme, marked forte, opens with a strong rhythm, in unison. It is a typical Mozart theme, perfectly balanced. The first two measures based on the tonic, ascend and answering 2 measures, based on the V7, descend. The bridge has a graceful, smooth arch and modulates to D major (the dominant key). Theme two has two parts: the first part of theme two features a triplet figure. Its melody begins with a frisky downward turn, and contrasts with the first theme in dynamics as it is marked piano. The second part of theme two is built from a repeated eighth-note figure. The Exposition closes with a codetta in which provides a strong cadence in D major. The short Development begins with the first-theme material in D major. A Dominant Preparation is emphasized at the end of the Development, which prepares the listener for the return of the main theme in the tonic key. The First theme of the Recapitulation returns exactly as presented in the Exposition. The Bridge modulates to D major, but the second theme group brings return to G major. The Coda grows out of the codetta, ending with a reference to the first theme.

The second movement Andante, is rondo form (ABACA Coda) in C major. Section A is lyrical, understated, simple and elegant. It unfolds over a tonic pedal. Balance is achieved through four-measure phrases with clear-cut cadences. The internal structure of section A is rounded binary form. Section B introduces a new melody. It becomes more active rhythmically. It's full of lively repeated notes and decorative details in melodic lines. Section C introduces a new key of C minor. There is imitative dialogue between the violin and cello and the violin II and viola play repeated sixteenth-note figures. Section A returns and brings back its lyrical theme in C major. The Coda grows out of Section A and brings the movement to a gentle close.

The third movement Allegretto is a minuet and trio in ternary form in G major. The time signature is 3/4 throughout. The internal structure of the minuet is rounded binary. The phrases in the minuet are typically four measures long with a forte dynamic and a robust character. The minuet has a dance-like quality reinforced through rhythmic accentuation. The contrasting Trio is in the dominant key of D major. The contrast is achieved through the "sotto voce" indication, the lyrical character and the tooth, flowing legato lines. The minuet is played again at the end of the trio to complete the ternary structure.

The fourth movement, Allegro, is in sonata-rondo form in G major. The first theme has a spirited, light-hearted character. It is a rocket theme that outlines the tonic arpeggio. The second theme is in D major; it begins with a downward turn of a minor sixth and then moves in stepwise motion. This theme employs some chromatic embellishments. The work ends with a long coda.