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Melody

Melodies can be created by using different features which can affect such things as to how it moves and how it is articulated. In this movement:

• each section starts with an anacrusis
• both conjunct and disjunct melodies are heard
• ornamentation such as trills and appoggiatura are features of the melody

Tonality

The two key signatures in this movement are:

• G major in the minuet
• D major in the trio, ie a modulation to the dominant, D major

Structure and texture

A defined structure helped the ballrooms of Europe follow the music and the type of texture could enlighten or isolate a section of music. In this movement the important notes are:

• minuet and trio is the structure
• minuetto da capo where the minuet is repeated
• balanced four-bar phrases throughout each section
• The texture is melody and accompaniment, but has homophonic moments

Metre and instrumentation

The metre is given by the time signature throughout the score and so is the instrumentation. Both of these elements were decided by the fashion rather than Mozart's choice. The metre and instrumentation is:

• The piece is in simple triple time - 3/4
• The ensemble consists of a string quartet: two violins, viola, and cello

Dynamics and tempo

Tempo instructs the ensemble to perform at a certain speed and the dynamics inform the group or individual instrumentalist the volume to play at. Although the tempo is consistent throughout, the dynamics vary:

• In the minuet:
  • section A begins forte
  • section B begins piano but goes back to forte by bar 13
• In the trio:
  • section A is at a sotto voce, which means quiet voice
  • section B starts at forte but returns to piano for the final eight bars
• The music is allegretto - fairly fast but slower than allegro