Debussy (Estampes No 2)

Question 1

Texture

Answer 1

• Homophonic chordal
• Dense piano chordal writing / four-note chords in left or right hand
• Monophonic
• Octaves
• Parallelism / parallel chords
• Ostinato
• Pedal
• 3 layers/parts: chords in upper part, melody in inner part, habanera ostinato in lower part
• Wide range of piano

AO4: Explanation of the effect of the element. Discussion of approaches to texture by Debussy and other composers.

Question 2

Melody

Answer 2

• Augmented 2nd interval
• Ornamentation / acciaccaturas
• Limited range of notes
• Note repetition
• Repetition of a bar
• Melody based on whole tone scale
• Contrasting diatonic conjunct melody
• Descending sequence
• Blue note

AO4: Explanation of the effect of the element. Discussion of approaches to melodic writing by Debussy and other composers.

Question 3

Tempo, metre and rhythm

Answer 3

• Slow tempo
• Frequent changes of tempo
• Flexible tempo in performance / rubato / free time
• 2/4 duple time with change to 3/4 triple time
• Habanera rhythm
• Syncopation
• Triplets
• Cross rhythms
• Scotch snaps/Lombardic rhythms
• Rhythm distorted by spread chords

AO4: Explanation of the effect of the element. Discussion of approaches to tempo, metre and rhythm by Debussy and other composers.