Expert: Marbeth - 11/17/2007

Question
I was wondering the best way to learn about all the different terms in the title
of a classical composition. Ex. Mozart's "Salzburg Symphony No. 1
Divertimento in D Major K 136: Allegro. I understand the D Major part but
what does the "K number" mean? How about the "Divertimento" or the
"Allegro" stuff?  Other similar terms such as Allegretto, Adagio, Rondo:Allegro
etc. etc. are mysteries to me. I enjoy listening very much and would like to
learn more about these terms. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Answer
Symphony #1 is the first sym Mozart wrote

"Salzburg" is the nickname; probably written in Salzburg - - don't know; would have to look it up

K stands for Kochel, who cataloged Mozart's works in what, to the best of his knowledge, was chronological order. He did pretty well, tho more recent scholarship has turned up a few details that change things a very little bit.

Note that sometiems one K number includes several pieces.  A lot of his pieces written in childhood are grouped together in one K number for convenience bcs they were written at about the same time.  Like age 4!!!

K 136 is the 136th thing Mozart wrote (according to Kochel)

136:Allegro means the Allegro movement, rather than the whole symphony

--

divertimento is another musical form (as is symphony or sonata)

it is basically the same, however:  several movements (different songs that are part of a greater whole - - in this cases, a divertimento)

usually a divertimento is light-hearted in nature; think music played at an outdoor party

also, divertimenti are often played by wind instruments (flute, oboe, bassoon; Mozart used clarinet only once - - in a sonata for clarinet - as it was a "new" instrument) and sometimes brass (trumpet, trombone, French horn) only (no strings - violin, viola, cello).

Allegreto = a little fast
Allegro = fast
Adagio = slow
Moderato = moderate speed
Andante = walking speed, as out for a sundown stroll

Rondo:Allegro means rondo form played fast.  

Rondo form is one theme of music [A] at is repeated btw other themes [B, C, however many the composer wants].  Rondos are usually ABACA form, tho many are longer.  Bezethoven's Fur Elise for piano (you should listen to this one if you haven't) is a rondo:  it's ABACA form.
mb