Debussy Pagodes

Question 1

Name three exotic scales used in this piece?

Answer 1

Whole tone, modal, pentatonic melodies

Question 2

Name one thing about the harmony that is expected and one that is unexpected

Answer 2

-expected chords
-unexpected moduations

Question 3

How can the harmony be described overall?

Answer 3

mostly functional with some chromaticism

Question 4

Name two words to describe the harmony that end with ‘harmony’ and two ways to describe a harmonic accompaniment

Answer 4

-quartal harmony
-parallel harmony
-pedal notes/drones
-rolled chords

Question 5

Name four rhythmic features

Answer 5

-Rubato
-cross rhythms
-long sustained notes but filigree decoration at the end
-mainly quavers and semiquavers

Question 6

What is the structure

Answer 6

-ABA feel
-the central section has elements of the first one
-each section has a number of subsections

Question 7

Japanese gamelan is clear in….

Answer 7

The prominent use of the pentatonic scale, the conjunct melody and the low ‘gong’ sounds imitated by the bass notes of the piano

Question 8

How is the gong sound created in the opening two bars?

Answer 8

Low-pitched open fifths

Question 9

The key signature suggests……but…..

Answer 9

B major or G# minor but neither are properly established

B is a tonal centre at the beginning rather than a key

Question 10

Where does the A section start and end?

Answer 10

Bars 1-32

Question 11

When does the B section start and end?

Answer 11

Bars 33-52

Question 12

Name the ways in which the B section draws on the A section

Answer 12

-the two note syncopated chords from the end of the A section continue as a link
-new version of the melody from bar 11

Question 13

When does the A section ‘return’ (varied)

Answer 13

Bar 53-end

Question 14

When is the coda?

Answer 14

78-98

Question 15

What ‘keys’ does the B section go through?

Answer 15

B major-G# minor-B major

Question 16

What keys does the returning A section go through?

Answer 16

B major - G# minor - D sharp minor

Question 17

What key is the coda in?

Answer 17

B major

Question 18

give four ways to describe the texture

Answer 18

-pedal notes/drones
-melodies and countermelodies
-polyphonic/contrapuntal
-melody dominated homophony

Question 19

give four ways to describe the melody

Answer 19

-mostly diatonic
-mixture of conjunct and disjunct
-scalic arch melody in the left hand
-whole tone melody in the B section