Midterm Analysis — Mozart, Piano Sonata in C Major, K. 309/I

This midterm project presents my formal and harmonic analysis of the first movement of Mozart’s Piano Sonata in C Major, K. 309, a work that stands as a model of Classical clarity, balance, and expressive architecture. In this analysis, I explored how Mozart crafts a compelling narrative through sonata form—guiding the listener from stability to departure, tension to release, and ultimately, a luminous return home.

Across the exposition, development, and recapitulation, my study highlights the precision of Mozart’s cadential design, the rhetorical power of his Medial Caesura and thematic contrasts, and the elegant symmetry that holds the entire movement together. Special attention is given to how Mozart manipulates expectation through key relationships, and how each cadence—whether a moment of suspense or affirmation—functions like punctuation within a musical story.

My analysis also reflects on the dialogue between human musical interpretation and AI-assisted structural mapping. While automated tools effectively trace large-scale landmarks, the true nuance of Mozart’s writing emerges through attentive human study: the color in his inflections, the expressive timing of his transitions, and the subtle ways he reshapes familiar material to create both unity and surprise.

This project not only strengthened my technical understanding of Classical form, but also deepened my appreciation for Mozart’s craftsmanship. Engaging with this movement at a granular level—harmonically, formally, and expressively—allowed me to hear its narrative arc with greater clarity and perform it with greater intention.

Final Project — “Old Devil Moon” (J.J. Johnson)

This final project offers an in-depth analysis of J.J. Johnson’s interpretation of “Old Devil Moon,” focusing on the musical elements that shape its character, clarity, and expressive nuance. My presentation examined Johnson’s phrasing, tone, and structural choices, highlighting how he brings sophistication and control to a standard that has been recorded by many artists across generations.

The project explores the piece’s harmonic framework, formal design, and melodic treatment, with attention to how Johnson balances elegance, precision, and fluidity throughout the arrangement. By studying his approach to articulation, motivic development, and ensemble interaction, I aimed to understand how he elevates the work into a refined and compelling performance.

This analysis strengthened my ability to connect stylistic awareness with technical understanding, ultimately deepening both my appreciation of Johnson’s artistry and my own interpretive growth as a musician.