Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune

Question 1

Section A key signature

Answer 1

Despite the key signature (four sharps), the tonality is deliberately ambiguous.

Question 2

Section A opening melody

Answer 2

The opening melody, played by the flute, descends chromatically from C sharp to G, outlining a tritone

Question 3

Section A atmosphere and orchestration

Answer 3

Mysterious atmosphere depicts the opening of Mallarme’s poem: nymphs in their ‘gossamer embodiment, floating on the air…’
Fluid rhythmic approach: figures flow across bar lines and obscure metric accents.
Innovative orchestration, featuring harp glissandi, muted horns, and muted strings.

Question 4

Section B

Answer 4

Two new themes are introduced by the woodwinds.
Contrast is created through more active, animated rhythm.
An exotic atmosphere is evoked by clarinets tracing rapid whole-tone scales.
Strings often move in parallel motion, creating a gentle, floating sound.
Modulations (including D flat major) and syncopations build to an effective climax.

Question 5

Return of Section A

Answer 5

Modified version of the opening theme using longer note values (technique called augmentation).
Solo flute now outlines a perfect fourth; clarifies E major tonality.
Antique cymbals are gently struck in the final section, creating an ethereal, shimmering effect.
*Vivian’s notes: Harp glissando, soft string tremolos, adding transparency.

Question 6

Main outline (*Vivian’s notes)

Answer 6

Section A (main theme, contrasting theme, main theme) - Section B (whole-tone/pentatonic/chromatic, secondary theme) - Section A’ (main theme, closing section, coda)