Melody

Question 1

Debussy is concerned in presenting the theme in various rhythmic and melodic variants in different textures and melodies. Demonstrate this from the opening flute solo.

Answer 1

Repeats it unchanged with accompaniment of tremolo strings 11-14
Lengthens first note and decorates melody from bar 3 with demisemi triplets in 21-22
Ends phrase with fast version of first bar 26-27.
Slows melody down 79-82 and 86-89

Question 2

One of the features of Debussy’s style is the use of the whole-tone scale. Give an example where this is evident in clarinet then flute.

Answer 2

Bar 32

Question 3

There is evidence of the tritone and chromaticism. Where?

Answer 3

Opening bar.

Question 4

Ornamentation/ arabesque

Answer 4

Throughout