Marche au Supplice 12 marker

Question 1

Points on themes and motifs

Answer 1

-begins with first two bars of “descending motif” (Theme B)
-accompanied by sextuplets (heard at very beginning of the movement)
-accompanied by grace note figures
-syncopated (2nd beat) percussive stabs during repeat of Theme B
-theme B played in unison (ff)
-inversion of Theme B (in strings)
-woodwind motifs heard similar to those used earlier in the movement
-dotted rhythm motif based on Theme C (March Theme)
-solo statement of idée fixe (Theme E)

Question 2

Points on instrumentation

Answer 2

-theme B played at start by lower brass and bassoons
-sextuplet accompaniment in upper woodwind (flutes, oboes, clarinets)
-grace note figures upper strings and cellos
-untuned percussion (cymbals and bass drum) enter for first time
-full orchestra (except upper strings) play Theme B
-tremolando upper strings
-woodwind motifs over the inverted Theme B
-strings play dotted rhythm idea based on Theme C (March theme) -woodwind play the repeated cadences
-wind repeated chords imitated by strings
-full orchestra play Theme B
-solo clarinet plays idée fixe (Theme E)
-loud drum rolls at end under woodwind and brass chords

Question 3

Points on texture and timbre

Answer 3

-lower brass and bassoons in thirds
-theme B by full orchestra (except upper strings)
-theme B in octaves
-chords alternate between wind and strings
-diminuendo (before clarinet solo) from forte to pp
-fortissimo (ff) orchestra
-solo clarinet unaccompanied