Pathétique Flashcards
(6 cards)
Melody
The introduction motif is repeated 9 times
Uses of melodic flourishes, a common feature of the romantic period and allows the composer to show off - 4
Use of semi quavers and it is chromatic and virtuous in-10
The 1st subject is the mannheim rocket theme and rapidly ascends - 11
The sequences get lower in pitch to reference the classical period -36,3943
The codetta theme features a playful melody
The development section has a fragmented melody and is transition material
Highly lyrical and features grace notes and trill to add decoration - 51-88
Harmony & Tonality
The piece starts in the key of c minor and its relative major in Eb
A diminished 7th chord, unstable and popular in romantic era - 1
There is a tonic pedal, which creates a murky bass and use of tritone which is a dissonant interval - 11
The G major chord creates functional harmony - 27
Dominant preparation - 44,45,46,47,48,49
There is a repeated perfect cadence to reinforce the tonic key, providing a strong sense of closure - 127-131
The key is in Gm, which is unrelated and has no functional relationship - 133
The second subject starts in Eb minor - 51
Dynamics
There is a dramatic, extreme change from p to ff - 5
The dynamics are sf, which are softer and lyrical - 61
There is use of gradual crescendos leading to the end - 116
Texture
Development section is melody dominated homophony
The introduction is homophonic and monorhythmic
The melody is chordal with register accompaniment - 28
4 part polyphony and shifts to homophonic - 88,101
Structure
The piece is in sonata form and the exposition allows composer to introduce ideas - 11-132
The lyrical theme - 51-64
Transitional and playful with ornamentation - 65-88
The development section has rhythmic augmentation - 137
Rhythm, Metre & Tempo
Grave means sad, solemn whilst allegro di molto e con brio means very fast
Use of dotted rhythms and syncopation to create drama
The quavers are lyrical and flowing - 51-64
The extended rhythms add tension
