The symphony Flashcards
(137 cards)
1
Q
What type of Era did Scarlatti compose in?
A
Baroque
2
Q
what is the symphonia and how does it relate to the classical symphony?
A
was a short overture that was heard at the beginning of a 17th-century Italian opera, the word means sounding together as it was performed by multiple instruments. This effected the classical symphony as these short symphonia’s were being heard outside the opera hall as it gained more exposure as people requested them. these developed into the symphony.
3
Q
How long did the classical period last?
A
from the mid 18th century to the early 19th century
3
Q
In the 18th century who had access to music?
A
music was often reserved for the social elite: many orchestra performances were private events funded by wealthy aristocrats.
3
Q
Why did middle class listeners appear in Europe?
A
new economic prosperity
3
Q
What funded public concerts in the 18th century?
A
public ticket sales
4
Q
What were melodies like in the early symphony?
A
composers reacted against the complex and elaborate melodies of the baroque era which used heavy ornamentation and a wide use of sequence. The classical era focused on balance, symmetry and simplicity.
5
Q
What was style Galant about in the classical era?
A
focuses on balance, symmetry and simplicity.
6
Q
What was the structure of the movements in the symphony?
A
1st movement- fast - sonata form
2nd movement - slow - binary/rounded form
3rd movement - minuet and trio
4th movement - fast - rondo/ sonata rondo
7
Q
How is sonata form structured?
A
Exposition- 1st subject (tonic key) and 2nd subject (dominant key) usually has a transition section to help modulate between two keys
Development- develops motifs and has lots of modulations key changes
Recapitulation- 1st subject(tonic) and 2nd subject(tonic)
Optional Coda
8
Q
What year did Johann Stamitz compose his symphony?
A
1750
9
Q
What was the Mannheim climax?
A
crescendo and after having instrument dropping off
10
Q
What was the Mannheim rocket?
A
consisting of rising arpeggio
11
Q
What was the Mannheim sigh?
A
instrumental sounds which imitates bird calls
12
Q
What aspects were stamitz known for in his symphonies?
A
Mannheim sigh, climax, rocket and also a grand pause at the end of symphonies
13
Q
What features demonstrate that stamitz is an early symphony composer?
A
Short 4 bar introduction
Small Orchestra
Continuo
Short movements
Violins carry the melody in a generally homophonic texture.
Modulations are to related keys
14
Q
What was the structure of Stamitz’s Symphony in D Op.3 No.2?
A
1st movement- fast - sonata form
2nd movement - slow - binary/rounded form
3rd movement - minuet and trio
4th movement - fast - rondo/ sonata rondo
15
Q
What did Stamitz’s sonata form look like?
A
Intro - first four bars with two opening chords played across instruments
exposition - 1st subject (D major) with a transition then second subject (changes key to a major)
Development
Recapitulation - the 2nd subject is heard before the 1st subject due to it not being set in stone how the sonata form should be written
16
Q
How does tonality change in Stamitz’s symphony?
A
D major to A minor (relative)
17
Q
What style influenced stamitz the most?
A
Galant
18
Q
What is the style galant?
A
The classical era redefined music to focus on balance, symmetry and simplicity.
19
Q
Why did the style Galant come around?
A
Composers were reacting against the complex and elaborate melodies of the baroque period which often used heavy ornamentation and extended use of sequence.
20
Q
What year did Mozart compose his symphony in G minor K. 183?
A
1773
21
Q
how many movements does Mozart’s symphony have?
A
4
22
How many movements did stamitz's symphony have?
4
23
What instruments were stamitz's symphony scored for?
Strings and continuo
2 oboes
2 horns
2 trumpets
Timpani
24
What instruments were Mozart's symphony scored for?
strings
2 oboes
2 bassoons
4 horns
25
What structure was movement 1,2 and 4 in Mozart's symphony?
Sonata
26
What structure was movement 3 of Mozart's symphony?
Minuet - AB binary form
Trio - AB binary form
27
in Mozart's symphony what was the 1st and 2nd subjects key in the Exposition?
1st - G minor
2 nd - Relative key (Bb major)
28
in Mozart's symphony what was the 1st and 2nd subjects key in the Recapulation?
1st - G minor
2nd - tonic note
29
Does Mozart's symphony have a coda?
yes
30
Does Stamitz have a coda?
no
31
What does the sturm und drang style focus on?
focuses on minor keys and are used to convey difficult or depressing sentiments, tempo and dynamic contrasts and are generally unpredictable with syncopated pulsing rhythms, contrasts in dynamic, lots of tremolo and accents.
32
What changed in music after the industrial revolution?
Due to the rise of the working class, more and more people wanted to experience music for themselves, setting up concert halls so more people could enjoy them. Musicians were also granted freelance work so it was easier to share their music to others and not just compose due to requests from the rich aristocracy of their time
33
What is movement 2 like in Mozart's symphony?
-loose (shorter) sonata form
-andante
-reduced forces of bassoon and strings
34
What is movement 3 like in Mozart's symphony
-meant to be danced to, always in ¾ (common in baroque era)
-trio has three different parts for instruments with a basso continuo, classical era often has reduced instrumentation but more complex melodies and more lyrical than the more stately minuet
-repeated minuet at end (minuet-trio-minuet) minuet and trio form
35
What is movement 4 like in Mozart's symphony?
-sonata form
-allegro
-G minor
-short development section
-prominent horn part
-includes a codetta and coda
-Disjunct melody contrasting last movements
36
What is movement 1 like in Mozart's symphony?
typical sonata form (minor movement highly influenced by sturm und drang)
37
What is Mozart's first subject like?
Movement begins with a short 4-bar introduction but is actually a part of the first theme . The violins and viola play a syncopated figure across the bar lines while the basses play on the beat which creates tension while the oboes play the outline of the beginning theme. Subject 1 continues with an arpeggiated G minor chord in the style of the Mannheim rocket
38
What was 2 subject like in Mozart's symphony?
Contrasting theme - light and airy with staccato and delicate grace notes, this is much more reminiscent of style galant melodies
39
What was Mozart's transition section?
Theme is repeated and slightly varied as a solo oboe plays the whole note outline while the strings play an accompaniment with no syncopation. After a short transition, a second theme is played with a second theme with violins played in a key of Bb major
40
What was the melody like in movement 2 of Mozart's symphony?
Ascending and descending notes, call and response(antiphony), sequence, conjunct, mostly diatonic , phrases descend, balanced phrases,
41
What was the instrumentation like in movement 2 of Mozart's symphony?
Horns + strings + oboes, violin plays melody played arco, bassoon plays melody in first 15 bars
42
what was the texture like in movement 2 of Mozart's symphony?
Homophonic (melody and accompaniment)
43
What did movement 4 of Mozart's symphony consist of?
-sonata form
-allegro
-G minor
-short development section
-prominent horn part
-includes a codetta and coda
-Disjunct melody contrasting last movements
44
Who did Beethoven study with?
Haydn
45
What was the genre of Beethoven's symphonies
blend of classical and romantic
46
What were the changes in Beethovens symphonies?
length of movements
complexity
size of orchestra
increased energy and drama
New dramatic narrative style
47
What was the style of Beethovens Symphonies?
German style of composing with motifs changing and pragmatic music
48
What is programme music?
is when you tell a story to represent an image
49
What changes to structure did Beethoven change?
Replaced minuet and try with scherzo
Added 5th movement to 6th symphony
blurred dividing lines between movements
motivic ideas were developed further than before with longer patterns leading to longer lengthier movements
50
What was Beethoven's programme for symphony No.6?
I: Allegro ma non troppo ‘Awakening of joyful feeling on arrival in the country (F)
II: Andante molto mosso ‘Scene by the brook’ (Bb)
III: Scherzo: Allegro ‘Peasants merrymaking (Bb)
IV: Allegro ‘Storm’ (f)
V: Allegretto ‘Song of thanksgiving after the storm’ (F)
51
What was the orchestration for symphony No.6 by Beethoven?
Strings
2 flutes + piccolo
2 oboes
2 clarinets
2 bassoons
2 horns
2 trumpets
2 trombones
Timpani
52
Give some information of movement 1 of Beethoven's symphony no.6?
Sonata form, F major
Begins with drone bass (opens 5th) representing fold music and rustic dance
Relaxed mood with harmonies sustained over bars at a time
Lots of motivic development in 1st subject
Towards end of movement, clarinets and bassoon anticipate the village band of merry making
Lots of use of sequence
Lots of woodwind playing melody
53
Give some information of movement 2 of Beethoven's symphony no.6?
Slow (andante)
12/8 movement in Bb major with a sonata form structure
Coda on end to imitate bird calls
Recurring silences
54
Give some information of movement 3 of Beethoven's symphony no.6?
Scherzo and trio structure. Bb major key
Dance like melodies with solo wind and horn instrumental solos to add tonal colour
Movement ends abruptly as peasants notice the storm approaching and flows straight into movement IV
55
Give some information of movement 4 of Beethoven's symphony no.6?
F minor key and this music is entirely programmit
2nd violins suggests raindrops before the storm breaks
Lower strings represent the thunder with agitated wind and timpani creating thunder claps
As ascending scale on the flutes at the end of the movement leads in movement V
56
Give some information of movement 5 of Beethoven's symphony no.6?
Back in tonic key of F major
An adventurous sonata - rondo form with lots of variations
6/8 time signature with relaxed tempo
57
What was Berlioz's symphony called?
Symphonie fantastique
58
Was Berlioz's symphony pragmatic?
Yes
59
How many movement's did Berlioz's symphony have?
5
60
What was the story of Berlioz's symphony?
Tells story of man who overdoses on opium and dreams of his beloved
61
What was the instrumentation for Berlioz's symphony?
Strings,
2 flutes, a piccolo, 2 oboes, a cor anglais, 2 clarinets, an Eb clarinet, 4 bassoons,
4 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 cornets, 3 trombones, 2 tuba,
2 harps,
timpani and large percussion section
The string section had to be larger to compensate for so much brass and woodwind. Berlioz actually stated how many string instruments he wanted (at least 60)
62
What was the structure of Berlioz's symphony?
Programmatic
Loose structure to represent the structure of programme
Movement 1- loose sonata form with intro and longer
Movement 2- similar to minuet structure
Movement 3- two scherzos
Movement 4-based loosely on sonata form
Movement 5- has own structure with two themes which overlap in a complex polyphonic texture to represent the chaos of ‘hell’
63
What was the introduction to Berlioz's symphony?
A young musician of morbid sensitivity and ardent imagination poisons himself with opium in a moment of despair caused by frustrated love. The dose of narcotic, while too weak to cause his death, plunges him into a heavy sleep accompanied by the strangest of visions, in which his experiences, feelings and memories are translated in his feverish brain into musical thoughts and images. His beloved becomes for him a melody and like an idée fixe which he meets and hears everywhere.
64
What was movement 1 of Berlioz's symphony about?
Daydreams of his beloved with fits of jealous furry
65
What was movement 2 of Berlioz's symphony about?
Meets his beloved in a waltz in a glittering ball room
66
What was movement 3 of Berlioz's symphony about?
Evening in the countryside where lover betrays hum and feels pain
67
What was movement 4 of Berlioz's symphony about?
Dreams he killed his beloved and is condemned to death and led to execution with military band
68
What was movement 5 of Berlioz's symphony about?
Sees himself going into hell and meeting witches in a sabbath
69
What is the Idee fixe?
A recurring melody which represents the artist's love. It appears in all the five movements in different ways. Represents the protagonist’s beloved. This appears in different movements with variations reflecting changing emotions and circumstances. In the first movement the idée fixe is introduced as a long, lyrical melody played by the violins, symbolizing the protagonist's deep love and longing. However in the third movement it starts to change, the theme is more fragmented and distant. In the fourth movement the theme suddenly appears just before the protagonist is executed, only to be cut off by the guillotine, signifying his fate. In the final movement the idée fixe is transformed into a distorted, mocking dance, symbolizing the beloved’s final appearance as part of a nightmarish vision. Berlioz’s idée fixe was ground breaking because it helped unify the entire symphony through a single theme.
70
What was the rhythm and metre like in movement 1 of Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique?
dotted rhythms, varying tempo, syncopation, contrasting rhythmic patterns, lots of ascending rhythms
71
What was the texture for movement 1 of Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique?
polyphonic overall, homophonic Idee fixe, contrapuntal texture
72
Is movement 1 of Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique thematic or fragmatic?
thematic
73
What dynamics are included in Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique movement 1?
crescendos and diminuendos
74
What was Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique movement 2 consisting of?
Silence before Idee fixe begins
¾ time (accompanied by waltz)
Rising and falling scales to accompany the Idee fixe to add to ball glamour
8 note figure that's repeated at higher pitches
Unaccompanied short fragment of the Idee fixe before carries on as normal
The woodwinds play the Idee Fixe in this movement
75
What was Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique movement 3 consisting of?
Piccolo player starts off stage then walks on while playing
The pastorale theme is played on the flute
Same instrumentation as the first one as the Idee Fixe
Two flutes play Idee Fixe in parallel to one another and in thirds to the violins to make the mood seem more tranquil the second time around
Repeated rising and falling of arpeggios during Idee Fixe
Pain of rejection and betrayal at last Idee fixe
Idee fixe used in fragments then comes back together at end
76
What was Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique movement 4 consisting of?
Quite dynamics for the Idee fixe where he is about to be executed and has his final thought of his beloved
Not a full statement because it is cut short by his head being cut off (fragment)
Idee fixe played by only clarinet (solo) to be smooth and sweet
77
What was Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique movement 5 consisting of?
Used muted strings (con sordini)
Uses tremolo in strings
Big contrast between highest and lowest instruments
Uses slides in Flutes and Piccolo instead off gliss
The fifth movement on the other hand begins with muted violins and violas divided into eight parts playing high tremolo, creating an otherworldly feeling before the continuing nightmarish vision of a witches Sabbath
Later in this movement, Berlioz uses the high Eb clarinet, not used before in the orchestra (being an instrument of marching bands) to create a nightmarish distorted version of the Idee Fixe.
Idee played on clarinet
Ugly distorted version on Idee Fixe to show the cartoonish unsettlement of hell
78
How does Berlioz create the effect of a glittering ballroom?
Waltz feel (⅜ mm cha cha in lower strings)
Harp playing rising arpeggios
Tremolo on strings to create shimmering effect
Melody on violins to feel light and high
Ornamentation of grace notes
Lower strings played in unison
Flute + harp together play descending scales to show entering the ballroom
Diatonic chords sounding like older music
79
How does Berlioz tell the story of the executioners' march?
Hear sound of footsteps
Military band playing
Final thoughts before head cut off (unison chord)
Timpani played to sound like footsteps and to create tension
Quiet to loud dynamic
Dynamic contrast to show the fluctuations in emotions
Focus on lower pitched instruments
Timpani with sponge headed
Double basses play crotchets to seem like footsteps
Descending minor key to sound dismal
Bassoons play in unison to create a counter melody
Military band in major key to sound happy and how everyone use to rejoice at executions
Dotted rhythms, higher instruments
Fanfare moment with horns
Rising and falling arpeggios
Contrast once idee fixe comes in to show final thoughts
Symbol crashing down
Snare drum rolls to show military band
80
How does Berlioz show the feeling of a witches sabbath?
Dark sinister feel in lower strings
Falling scales in violins
Pizzicato used to contrast long held notes in higher
Lots of falls/slides used bending of notes
Idee fixe comes back distorted and much shorted
Polyphonic texture
Distorted feel with grace notes in clarinet
Repeated falling scales on violins
Bells used to sound like funeral bells
Funeral chant played towards end played on tuba accompanied by funeral bells
Pizzicato used on strings to double staccato on woodwinds
Fragmented melody
Develops the funeral melody in different pitches using sequence and changing rhythms
81
What about melody was innovative in the Symphonie Fantastique?
Begins as a long arcing phrase in which the Idee fixe used by violin and flutes, conveying romantic obsession in movement -.
In the second movement of Idee, fixe moves to the waltz moment which signifies seeing the lover at the ball.
Composed this melody in every moment which was unseen before in previous symphonies.
Use of tied notes to make Idee fixe more free with irregular phrasing. Adding to the romantic feel, also developed the melody in order to tell the different aspects of the programme.
82
What about texture was innovative in the Symphonie Fantastique?
Texture has changed drastically since Mozart, more use of polyphonic rhythms with multiple counter melodies used.
Melody-dominated homophony: This is frequently present, where a lyrical melody is accompanied by harmonies, as in the famous "idée fixe" (a recurring theme representing the artist's beloved).
Orchestral layering: Berlioz uses the full orchestra to create dense, multi-layered textures, blending strings, winds, brass, and percussion to evoke specific emotions or scenes.
Contrapuntal passages: At times, there are moments of counterpoint, where multiple melodic lines intertwine, such as in the fourth movement, "March to the Scaffold."
Dramatic contrasts: Textures shift from delicate and transparent (like the dreamy opening of "Reveries") to powerful and overwhelming (as in the "Dream of a Witches' Sabbath"). - more complex of polyphonic texture in movement 5 with distorted melodies with dissonance while reveries focuses on solo light and airy to create images of the countryside
83
What about harmony and tonality was innovative in the Symphonie Fantastique?
Modal tonality which had not been used before in previous symphonies in movement 5. In movement 2 the harmony is very diatonic with simpleness while no.5 has lots of dissonance and lots of changes in harmony.
84
What about structure was innovative in the Symphonie Fantastique?
In movement 1 loose sonata form with long introduction
Movement 2 with similar structure to minute with alterations to adhere to the pragmatic type of music.
Berlioz movement 1 was still in the sonata form, movement 2 was waltz which hasn't been seen in any other symphonies, 3 has loose ABA structure while others have minuet and trio, 4 is march with a loose sonata form
85
What about instrumentation was innovative in the Symphonie Fantastique?
Two flutes with one doubling piccolo, movement 2 has 2 harp added which isn't in other movements of symphonies, bigger orchestration with specific number requirements, percussion was quite elaborate with more specific uses of percussion, Eb clarinet used to create ugly sound in movement 5, woodwind used in movement 3 to imitate birds potentially influenced by the pastoral symphony by Beethoven
86
When was Mendelssohn Italian symphony written
1830-1833
87
What genre was Mendelssohn's symphony?
was a german early romantic composer but quite rooted in classical tradition
88
how long did Mendelssohn tour of Italy last
10 months
89
How many years after was Mendelssohn's symphony composed after Berlioz's
4 years but feels more classical
90
What was Mendelssohn's symphony instrumentation?
strings, flutes, 2 clarinets, 2 oboes, 2 bassoons, 2 trumpets, 2 horns, timpani
91
how does Mendelssohn uses his orchestral forces in new ways to create different timbral effects?
The pulsating woodwind chords under the violin melody creates a feeling of energy.
The bassoon and horns are used to create a gentle fanfare for the trio. (2mins 24)
In Movement ii, the doubling of the Andante melody on high bassoon, low oboe and viola at bar 4 helps create a solemn feel with its sparse two-part texture but richly scored melody.
92
How many parts are there to the string texture in Mendelssohn's symphony?
5
93
What was the tempo of the four movements?
Allegro, Andante, Minuet and trio, Presto
94
how many movements is Mendelssohn's symphony?
4
95
How has the sonata form been changed in Mendelssohn's symphony?
The 1st and 4th movements are in sonata form as would be tradition, however, the structure has been adapted and extended for example there is an extra development section in the recapitulation of movement i.
Movement ii is a simplified version of sonata form without a development section.
Movement iii is a Minuet and trio structure with an added coda.
96
What was Mendelssohn's symphony movement 1 like?
The Allegro vivace opens with a burst of sound – woodwinds and pizzicato strings – whose irrepressible quavers become the accompaniment to a jubilant string melody. The winds play an especially prominent role in this movement, with Mendelssohn treating them with a great degree of freedom that gives the movement a transparent, airy texture. It’s like a musical rendition of the Italian blue sky that impressed Mendelssohn, who was used to the cloud flecked skies of northern Europe (he once described the Symphony as “blue sky in A major”).
97
What is Mendelssohn's symphony movement 2 like?
In the second movement, an Andante con moto in D minor, Mendelssohn recalls the impressive processions he had witnessed during his time in Rome. He evokes these with a dusky melody (oboes, clarinets, and violas) that unfolds over a plodding bass-line. This alternates with two contrasting, relaxed, major-key sections.
98
What is Mendelssohn's symphony movement 3 like?
The flowing minuet (Con moto moderato), with its legato writing for strings and winds, offers a musical equivalent of the symmetrical forms and restrained beauty of some of the architecture Mendelssohn saw during his Italian sojourn. The trio sounds vaguely militaristic, with its fanfare-like melodic figure for horns and bassoons.
99
What is Mendelssohn's symphony movement 4 like?
In the Presto finale (very unusually in a minor key despite the overall A major), Mendelssohn uses another dance, the raucous Neapolitan saltarello, as the basis of the movement. Because the first movement has an energetic compound-time feel often associated with finales, Mendelssohn has to find even more energy for the last movement. As a result, he never relaxes the tension as the finale hurdles to a close with a minor-key reiteration of the first movement’s opening theme.
100
What was Brahms's symphony called?
Symphony No.1 in C minor
101
When was Brahms's symphony completed?
1876
102
What was the genre of Brahms's symphony?
romantic
103
What type of music did he compose?
absolute music
104
What is absolute music?
would not compose to tell story to specify each movement, wants to hear story/mood instead
105
How many movements were in Brahms's symphony?
4
106
What was different about Brahms's instrumentation?
timpani used for dramatic percussive effect rather than harmonic, such as in the first movement playing heavy crotchets and rall at start of 3rd movement
movement 2 has several solo passages for different instruments which creates a lyrical poetic feel
strings used in pizzicato in different places throughout symphony to exploit different timbres created
Used french horn to create feeling of Alphorn in 4th movement with tremolo played underneath and counter melodies
107
What was the structure Brahms used?
movement 1) sonata form with slow intro
Movement 2) ABA (ternary form) + coda
Movement 3) ABA + coda (A is in 2/4 while B is in 6/8)
Movement 4) sonata form with slow intro
108
What is Brahms's movement 1 like?
Large contrasts in dynamics
Polyphonic textures
Solo instruments very lyrical
Call and response/imitation
Wider use of whole orchestra not just focusing on strings
109
What is Brahms's movement 2 like?
Use of chromaticism
Lots of modulations
Accompaniment less aggressive and focuses on complimenting the solos
crescendos/diminuendos
Rubato time signature (push and pull to make it more expressive)
110
What is Brahms's movement 3 like?
¾
Sequence
Tempo changes
Crescendos
Lots of focus on woodwind + brass
Use of brass instruments more
111
What is Brahms's movement 4 like?
Modulation to distant key
Slow and more focused on expression of instruments/tone
Polyphonic textures
Use of brass solos
112
Why was the alphorn melody used in Brahms work?
This was transcribed by Brahms from the alphorns of switzerland. Brahms makes this 9 bars long and seems to displace all sense of pulse with the placement of his rhythms.
This is a moment for the Brass to shine- the strings are muted and playing tremolando
113
Describe Brahm's first subject?
This melody has been compared to Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’ melody. Note how conjunct, balanced, diatonic and classical it feels in the opening statements but listen for how Brahms develops it in a very ‘Romantic’ way. The melody get’s fragmented and modulated almost beyond recognition.
114
Describe Brahm's second subject?
Almost goes unnoticed as part of the development of earlier themes. Not memorable in the way of the other two melodies.
115
What are the essay points for Brahms's structure?
Loose sonata form with lack of structure making the movements seem longer and harder to follow
116
What are the essay points for Brahms's melody?
Melody follows 1st and 2nd subject on how it changes and plays a central role, Brahms' melodies are deeply lyrical yet intricately woven into the fabric of the symphony. Unlike Beethoven, who often used bold, declarative themes, Brahms' themes evolve organically, sometimes emerging subtly from the orchestral texture. Melodies often evolved instead of repeated. Broad expansive romantic phrases.
117
What are the essay points for Brahms's instrumentation?
Lots of solo moments focusing on the alphorn solo played on french horn along with the 1st and 2nd subject, timpani takes a more central role in melody instead of just harmonic
118
What are the essay points for Brahms's tonality and harmony?
Brahms' harmonic language is rich and dense, with frequent use of chromaticism and unexpected modulations. His approach to tonality is more fluid than his predecessors, often blurring the lines between major and minor modes, particularly in the dramatic shifts within the symphony. Chromatic chords with extended chords and ninths with lots of contrast.
119
What are the essay points for Brahms's rhythm and metre?
The symphony features complex rhythmic interplay, particularly in the first movement, where syncopation and cross-rhythms create a sense of tension and propulsion. Brahms was known for his rhythmic sophistication, often layering different rhythmic patterns to add depth. Use of hemiola in 4th movement. Doesn’t follow conventional time signatures for movements. Lots more rubato with frequent tempo changes
120
What was Mahler's symphony called?
Symphony no.2 The resurrection symphony
121
When did Mahler complete his symphony?
1894
122
What time did Mahler compose his symphony
end of romantic era
123
What was the main change Mahler made to his symphony?
added lyrics with an alto and soprano solo
124
Where were the lyrics taken from for Mahler's symphony
German poem
125
What Mahler's symphony progamatic ?
yes
126
What was Each movement of Mahlers symphony about?
Movement 1 : death with funeral march
Movement 2: happy memories
Movement 3: contemplating if anything happens after death
Movement 4: reassurance of resurrection and the fact ‘ i came from god and i will return to god’
127
What influenced Mahler's symphony?
death of a friend
128
How did the structure change in Mahler's symphony while composing
Technically 5 movements but movement 5 split in two sections. Originally composed 5th movement section 2 as tone poem. Movement 4 is a song with alto solo with orchestral accompaniment.
129
How has the instrumentation changes in Mahler's symphony?
Off stage brass
Percussion has variety with tubular bells.
Two harps.
Organ.
Soprano + Alto soloists
With a choir in SATB style.
Asked strings to play over the fingerboard.
Lift up bells on woodwinds, mutes used throughout.
Different sonority combos with cor anglais, alto voice and muted violins
130
What was movement 1 of Mahler's symphony like?
I found the movement nice, i liked that when there were ‘silenced’ they always had something buzzing underneath e.g tremolos on violins, large dynamic range and had contrast within the movement and the minor section, unusual structure, many muted instruments, wide range of textures (changing from duet to poly to homo), March like tempo with drums to match the idea of a funeral march and with the silences it shows the sorrow.
Melody in cellos and double basses
Instructed 5 minute pause between this movement and next due to
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What was movement 2 of Mahler's symphony like
More peaceful and lyrical contrasting movement 1
Changing dynamics
Major key
Looks back on life of loss of youth and innocence
Diatonic with balanced phrases
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What was movement 3 of Mahler's symphony like?
Scherzo but did not feel jockey (⅜ in C minor)
descending chromatic scale to show descending into underworld
Dissonance used
Descending scales used in woodwind
Shriek of death chord played across whole orchestra
Ends on unresolved cadence
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What was movement 4 of Mahler's symphony like?
Composed separately and then added in
Lyrical movement in German
He incorporated alto solo (female) later
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What was movement 5 of Mahler's symphony like?
Duet between soprano and alto female
Brass played offstage to show how instruments call from beyond like angels
Split into two parts
1st part graves burst open and everyone begging for forgiveness
Glockenspiel used
