Classical Forms and the Chamber Music of Mozart

An in-depth study of classical-era musical forms: theme and variations, minuet and trio, rondo, and sonata form and its variants. Each form is analyzed in terms of its Baroque era antecedents and its sectional, thematic, and harmonic structures. All musical examples are from Mozart’s chamber music composed in Vienna 1781-91 during the final ten years of his short life. The class includes a 100-page take-home text, a slide show format with video clips of musical examples, and teaching help from a keyboard. This is a rigorous course for the serious symphony orchestra and chamber music concert attender.

Peter Griffin has taught at MSC and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. He serves on the boards of Holbrook Community Foundation in Cundy’s Harbor, Bowdoin International Music Festival in Brunswick, and Classical Uprising in Portland.