Beethoven- Parathique

Question 1

Pathetique:background information (3)

Answer 1

• 1796 to 1799
• classical era:clear catchy melodies, homophonic textures
• romantic era:expressing emotions,dramatic dynamics, chromatic harmonies,complex altered structures

Question 2

Pathetique:structure (4)

Answer 2

• sonata form:exposition, development, recapitulation
• in the exposition: there are 2 themes
• the development changes these 2 themes with key changes
• the recapitulation is the same as the exposition

Question 3

Pathetique:melody (6)

Answer 3

• main themes are the first and second themes
• end of introduction:descending chromatic scale.
• the first theme is a rising scalic, staccato theme
• The second theme rises then falls, including ornaments.
• melodic ideas:arpeggios and broken chords
• ornaments:acciaccaturas and mordants, trills,hand crossing

Question 4

Pathetique:dynamics (3)

Answer 4

• wide range of dynamics from (pp) to (ff)
• crescendos and decrescendos
• dynamics are typical of romantic era

Question 5

Pathetique:harmony (10)

Answer 5

• diatonic
• dissonance
• standard chords
• complicated chromatic chords
• perfect cadences
• functional
• pedal notes and dominant preparation/pedal
• suspensions
• circle of fifths
• root position and first inversion

Question 6

Pathetique: tonality (4)

Answer 6

• c minor
• second subject Eb minor
• modulates to Eb major, C minor, F minor, C minor
• unstable modulations:typical of romantic era

Question 7

Pathetique:rhythm and metre (4)

Answer 7

• grave (very slow)
• 4/4
• very fast for the rest of the piece and 2/2
• some very rapid notes (septuplets and 1/128th notes in bar 10)

Question 8

Pathetique:texture (4)

Answer 8

• homophonic
• monophonic descending scale when leading into recapitulation
• the RH plays in octaves halfway through the intro
• the intro is homophonic chordal

Question 9

Pathetique:instrumentation (2)

Answer 9

• fortepiano with sustain pedal

- had a small range and not as capable as the Morden piano