Into the 20th century ~ Neo-classical

Question 1

Name the symphony

Answer 1

Classical Symphony

Question 2

Who wrote the Classical Symphony

Answer 2

Prokofiev

Question 3

Name 3 things about the instrumentation

Answer 3

1. Classical orchestra
2. Timpani
3. Strings dominate the melody

Question 4

Name 3 interesting things about the tempo and metre

Answer 4

1. Use of Mannheim rockets
2. Exposition is in a rapid tempo with a series of rising and falling scales
3. Metre is clear throughout

Question 5

Name 4 things about the dynamics

Answer 5

1. Lots of Mannheim rockets and Mannheim crescendos
2. Extreme contrast in dynamics
3. Sudden changes in dynamics
4. Wide range from pp to ff

Question 6

Name 3 interesting things about timbre

Answer 6

1. ‘sul punto del arco’ in violins (play at point of bow)
2. Second subject contrast in violin high and low tessitura
3. Mozartian trills

Question 7

Name 2 interesting things about texture

Answer 7

1. Homophonic texture in strings
2. Development section - polyphonic texture, giving a ‘heroic’ characteristic

Question 8

Name 4 things about the use of harmony

Answer 8

1. Diatonic throughout
2. Strong sense of key
3. Abrupt modulations
4. Clear statements of tonic chords

Question 9

Name 2 points about the tonality

Answer 9

1. D major
2. Fluctuates throughout by semitones e.g at beginning modulates from D major to C major

Question 10

Give 5 things about the structure

Answer 10

1. Four movements
2. 1st mov. in sonata form
   BUT nothing is repeated so there is more variety in rhythm and harmonic modulations
3. Begins with a Mannheim Rocket
4. Instead of a minuet in mov. 3, there is a ‘gavotte’ dance in 4/4
5. No exposition repeat

Question 11

Give 7 facts about the melody and accompaniment

Answer 11

1. Melody dominated by strings
2. Flute solos
3. Melody passed around orchestra
4. 2nd subject - melody is bouncy with octave drops accompanied by Alberti bass in bassoon
5. Mozartian trills and ornamentation
6. Balanced phrasing
7. Use of repetition, sequence and imitation