Bethoven Pathique Flashcards
(77 cards)
What instrument had almost completely replaced the harpsichord by the end of the 18th century?
The piano
The piano was known as the fortepiano at that time.
How long had the piano been used widely before Beethoven wrote his piece?
About 20 years
This indicates the piano was a relatively recent invention during Beethoven’s time.
What were the frequent developments in the piano during Beethoven’s era?
- Power
- Tone quality
- Sustaining ability
These improvements contributed to the piano’s increasing popularity.
What does the term ‘fortepiano’ refer to?
The early version of the piano
‘Piano’ means ‘soft’ and ‘forte’ means ‘loud’ in Italian.
What was a significant feature of the piano compared to the harpsichord?
Dynamic levels could be altered by finger pressure
The harpsichord had a mechanical action that limited dynamic variation.
Who were the composers that started to use dynamic markings before Beethoven?
- Mozart
- Haydn
They laid the groundwork for Beethoven’s extensive use of dynamics.
What kind of performance markings did Beethoven’s sonata have?
- Crescendos
- Diminuendos
- Numerous other performance markings
These markings indicate changes in volume and intensity during performance.
What was the function of the sustaining pedal during Beethoven’s time?
It was coming into use and sometimes worked by the knees
This shows the evolving techniques in piano performance.
What is notable about pedal markings in the original edition of Beethoven’s music?
There were no pedal markings included
Beethoven likely used some type of sustaining system in his performances.
What is the first movement structure commonly used in Classical period compositions?
Sonata form
Sonata form is a complex structure often found in the first and sometimes last movements of sonatas, symphonies, and other works.
What are the two main sections of the exposition in sonata form?
First subject in the tonic and second subject in the dominant or related key
The exposition contains two main subjects, with the first subject typically in the home key and the second in a related key.
What is a subject in the context of sonata form?
A theme or group of themes
A subject is essentially the main tune or thematic material in a sonata.
What follows the exposition in sonata form?
Development section
The development section alters earlier tunes, often modulating to different keys.
What does the recapitulation section do in sonata form?
Restates the exposition with both subjects mainly in the tonic key
The recapitulation brings back the themes from the exposition but resolves them in the home key.
What is the purpose of a coda in sonata form?
To round off the piece
A coda is a concluding section that provides closure to the musical work.
What is the tempo of the introduction?
Solemn grave tempo (very slow)
This tempo is pronounced ‘grahvay’.
How many bars are in the introduction?
Bars 1-10
What is a distinctive feature of the introduction’s motif?
A six-note motif used throughout in different textures and keys
What happens to the first note of the motif in the introduction?
Sometimes the first note is left out
What is the key of the music during the introduction?
C minor, modulating briefly to E♭ major
What dynamic contrasts are frequently used in the piece?
Fortepiano and sforzando
What does ‘fortepiano’ mean?
Loud, then immediately soft
What does ‘sforzando’ refer to?
Sudden loud accent on an individual note or chord
What is the marking for the exposition?
Allegro di molto e con brio
