Classical Works Flashcards
Sonata Pathetique: Genre composer date overall structure performing forces
piano sonata Beethoven 1798 3 movements solo piano
Describe the background of beethovens piano sonatas
wrote 32 piano sonatas, demonstrating his own stylistic development and evolution
most famous include moonlight, tempest, appasionata (not named by beethoven)
Describe the meaning of the name Pathetique
implies sorrow, melancholy, and foreshadows the turbulence and defiance to come in Beethovens middle period
Name a classical piano sonata
Sonata Pathetique - beethoven
sonata pathetique 1st movement
key
tempo
form
c minor
grave opening, then allegro di molto e con brio
sonata form
describe the first movement of sonata pathetique intro expo theme 1 bridge theme 2 a and b codetta development recap coda
grave introduction opening Homorhythmic, with dotted rhythms (French overture style), accents and unexpected pauses and dynamic changes. Chromatic scale using 128th notes creates cadenza run right into expo
Expo -C minor tempo change to allegro di molto e con brio
theme 1- agitated quality, LH tremolo octaves, RH rapidly ascending melody
bridge: syncopation, modulates away from tonic
theme 2a -Eb minor, rapid hand crossing
theme 2b- Eb major, contrary motion, alberti-type bass
codetta- Eb major, tremolo octaves (theme 1)
describe the development of pathetique first movement
development: G minor opens with material from Intro (Grave) key signature is eliminated develops all thematic material dominant preparation descending running notes right into recap
Sonata pathetique second movement
key
form
tempo
Ab major
rondo form
adagio cantabile
describe the features of the second movement of sonata pathetique (rondo form)
A- soft legato, middle register, repeated 1 8ve higher
B-begins f minor, modulates to Eb major, new melody with repeated chord accomp
A2- middle register, no repeat
C- Ab minor, triplet accompaniment, brooding tone. modulates to Eb major (unexpected)
A3- Ab major, melody with accomp from C section, repeated in upper register
Coda- based on a section melody. perfect cadences in Ab major
pathetique 3rd movement features
form: sonata rondo A-agitated melody, grace notes B- scale passages C- contrapuntal texture, syncopation, contrary motion coda- forceful perfect cadence
Marriage of Figaro genre composer librettist language source of plot date
opera buffa Mozart Lorenzo da Ponte Italian controversial French play by Beaumarchais 1786
Marriage of Figaro
plot summary
two servants of the house of Count Almaviva (baritone) Figaro, Susanna, (baritone, soprano) are soon to be married. The arrogant count wants to seduce susanna before the marriage. His wife Rosina (soprano) joins susanna and Figaro in setting a trap for the count to expose his unfaithfulness. Meanwhile Cherubino a young page boy (trouser role) is in love with all women, esp countess which causes trouble.
Marriage of Figaro
describe the overture
D major, allegro, cut time.
Modified sonata form
creates a sense of joy and excitement, rapid eighth notes played in the strings
describe Cherubinos aria “Non so piu…” in marriage of figaro
Eb major, allegro vivace. form is ABAC
Cherubino expresses the new, confusing and intense feelings he has fore every women.
The melody begins in middle register but builds higher as his agitation increases.
Breathless passion suggested through short phrases separated by rests.
in the C section, the music becomes slower and more reflective. ends with spirited cadence in home key.
describe Recitativo secco: susanna, count, basilio
after cherubino’s aria, recitativo quickly exchanges dialogue. Cherubino hides, count enters. Susanna fears he will find Cherubino, while rejecting his advances. Basilio enters and the count hides but emerges angrily when Basilio reveals cherubinos love for the countess
