Tarantella Flashcards
What is a Tarantella?
A fast Neapolitan dance with a strong rhythmic drive, usually in 3/8 or 6/8 time.
It is said that the bite from a tarantula spider in Taranto (from where the dance originates) causes the victim to dance frenetically, which oddly enough is also the cure for the venomous bite.
What is the name of the composer and when was he born n when did he die?
Albert Pieczonka 1828-1912
Presto
Very fast
What key is it in and are there any modulations
A minor, changes to A major bar 69, then back to A minor in bar 86, back to A major bar102, then back to A minor bar 122
What is the time signature?
6/8 compound duple time, 2 beats to the bar and the beat is a dotted crotchet
What form is it in?
Compound Ternary Form - Intro A(aba)B(cdc)A(aba) coda Outer sections are lively with decorative octave leaps; middle slightly slower and more lyrical. Sudden dynamic changes and dramatic pauses create a stop start effect that adds a touch of drama and spontaneity.
più f
More loudly
fz
Fortzando - forcingly, sudden emphasis or accent
Molto crescendo
Molto means very. A quick change in dynamics. So a quickly changing crescendo.
a tempo
Return to former speed
Prestissimo
Extremely fast
Sempre
Always
Poco meno mosso
A little slower
Discuss the composer.
Born in Konigsberg, Prussia. At 19 moved to Leipzig to study music. Studied under Ignaz Moscheles and also took lessons from Liszt n Rubenstein, who were all quite influential in his life. He gave many concerts in Germany before moving to London in 1858 where he built a successful career as a pianist, teacher and composer. In 1880 he n his wife Nancy and their children, moved to New York where they founded the Kempa Ladies Orchestra and toured the US. He continued to teach until his 80’s. He died of pneumonia at the age of 84
Other compositions by the composer?
Tarantella in A minor
Dancing Waves
Polish Chivalry
