Area of study A: The development of the Symphony - Teaching Plan
Stage
1
AOS
Weekly Focus
The
Background to area of
symphony study
Topic/Activities
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Score reading
Classical style
Typical harmonic progressions
Sonata form
Content
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2
Overview/background
of set work in context
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Introduction to
Drumroll Symphony
Class discussion of form
assisted through teacher-led
direction and further
supported by completion of
student worksheets to become
familiarised with the score.
Additional research and
listening - individual, pair,
group work for folders / show
back to rest of class.
Compilation of all research to
produce class resource for
additional study and revision
purposes.
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Score reading for classical orchestra including
understanding transposing instruments
Structural balance, phrasing and melodic shape,
typical devices such as arpeggio figuration,
sequence
Textural contrasts and typical devices such as
unison, counterpoint, fugato
Tonality, related keys, typical cadences and
approach chords
Main sections in sonata form
Thematic relationships in sonata form
Tonality relationships in sonata form
Forms of movements
3
Movement 1:
sectional analysis
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Introduction
Exposition
Development
Recapitulation
Coda
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4
Movement 2:
Sectional analysis
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Ternary form
5
Other symphonies
(possibly half term
homework)
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Listen to other symphonies by
Haydn or Mendelssohn
Developments in sonata form
Other forms such as variation,
minuet and trio, rondo form
Developments in orchestration
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Balanced phrases
Melody and accompaniment
Harmonic features (Neapolitan 6th, Cadential 6/4,
inversions, suspensions)
Working through the score, marking in all main
sections from analysis in class – while listening
Analytical material to be annotated by students
section at a times, supported with Q+A follow-up to
consolidate understanding
Typical questions to be completed, one section at a
time, by individuals for homework.
 Gavotte
 Binary form
 Sturm und drang (contrasting mood and textures)
 Follow learning strategies as suggested above.
Suggestions for wider listening:
 CPE Bach Symphony in E minor
 Mozart Symphony number 41, Jupiter
 Beethoven Symphony number 5
 Schubert Unfinished Symphony number 8
 Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique