Chromatic Features of E♭-Major Works of the Classical Period

Abstract

Certain chromatic features recur in a significantly high percentage of Classical works in E♭ major, especially in the development sections of instrumental movements. The most frequent shared feature is the enharmonic B♮/C♭ which is most often found in retransitions. This and other recurring chromatic patterns are examined in works by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. While the hypothesis that these features are more typical of E♭ than of other major keys has yet to be confirmed, it is supported by the evidence from a large sample of movements in D major. The B♮/C♭ enharmonic is treated in a particularly compelling way in the development of Haydn's Quartet op. 71 no. 3, first movement, which is analyzed in detail.