Short Ride in a Fast Machine

Question 1

Section 1

Answer 1

measures 1-79
marked Delirando (‘deliriously,’ state of ‘so many things going on’)
Opening measure features a high wood block marking the beat; the wood block maintains a strict metronomic beat as the music propels itself forward.

Question 2

Section 2

Answer 2

measures 79-121
incessant (urgent) pulse now marked by the low wood block
Sudden coloristic shift as winds and strings take over from brass
Timpani roll underscores a growling crescendo

Question 3

Section 3

Answer 3

measures 122-138
The high wood block returns and marks the driving beat, switching to medium wood block in measure 133.
Marked mf, the music softens and stabilizes

Question 4

Section 4

Answer 4

measures 138-188
Marked ‘slightly slower’
The wood block is eliminated entirely
Trumpets dominate the rest of the work, reinforcing the fanfare style