Rebekah Wickham
Music Appreciation
16 December 2015
Word Count: 1,297
Final Essay
Sonata Form Variations
Sonata form was first developed for use by Classical composers to be used in symphonies, but it is also used in sonatas and other works. Sonata form is used during the first movement of the symphony and replaces the previous form of Ritornello. Sonata form allows for the compositions theme, key and tonality to be used in ways previously unavailable, by permitting the writer to be more open minded. One could use these qualities in the movements of the symphony to exhibit misery or comicality. The Classical symphony presently has four parts, whereas beforehand there were only three parts. The Classical symphony consists of the opening movement,
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slow movement, minuet and the closing movement. The opening movement is fast, in sonata form. The second is slow, using sonata form or a mixture of sonata and rondo. The third is the minuet, meaning trio, this is moderate speed and in the minuet form, given the name. The last movement is fast, in sonata form. However, we will focus primarily on the first movement of the orchestra, which is reliably in sonata form. The first movement in sonata form consists of A B A’, with selected portions being reiterated. A is the Exposition, B is the Development and A’ is the Recapitulation, making this form different than the previously used rondo form. The exposition segment of the sonata form is lengthy in duration and is made up of numerous varied and distinctive arrangements of music. The initial theme of the opening movement is in the home key, involving a modest group of tunes or motives. After this initial theme is presented and established comes a change in the key, this is accomplished with the help of the bridge. The bridge uses changes in key to move the sonata form along. Then new themes appear to create tension. Once this is done groups of themes in a new key appear. Some of these new themes mingle with the initial theme, but some do not. One theme at this point will stand out above the rest. The last theme in this second section of themes that were introduced will need to use in a way that a clean ending can be established before the music comes to a complete stop and before it is repeated. The final part of this exposition section is the use of repeated cadences. This section contained the variety of the composition. The next section of the first movement of sonata form is the developmental section.
This is where the music continues to develop from the previous section and includes the build-up of tension that was previously established from the introduction of the new themes. The use of counterpoint at this point is crucial. Right now the key is constantly changing and does not appear to be easily distinguishable. This part of sonata form lacks stability and clarity as opposed to the previous exposition section. After the tension is allowed to reach close to a breaking point, the key returns to the original key, alleviating the built up tension, setting the stage for the …show more content…
recapitulation. In this final section of the sonata form’s first movement, recapitulation comes in with a sense of calm, restoring itself to the original key. The other themes are also heard without many changes. Essentially this section simply reviews what has already taken place in the previous sections. The bridge is changed to continue to balance the music. In Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony the exposition section starts by the presentation of the first theme, similar to the general sonata form outline. This theme is interrupted by fermatas, then the theme is allowed to continue unbothered by the fermatas for a while before being interrupted by them once again. The bridge section of this composition is more dramatic than what is normally used for sonata form. The bridge in this instance is used to transition the new key and allow for the introduction of the second theme. The second theme subtle in comparison to the first. However, the second theme is brief, only to be replaced by the less subtle original theme before coming to a complete stop, followed by a series of repetitions. Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony’s development section starts with the first theme being developed, where it hadn’t been previously. Then the theme ends in climax under the weight of the rhythms excitement. The bridge comes next, changing from one key to another. Without warning the pitches of the bridge are divided into two sections. One sections pitch is high while the other’s is low. The tension is now well established and back in the home key ready to introduce the recapitulation section of the composition. For Beethoven’s recapitulation section, he repeats the original theme with the exception that the third fermata is now heard in a slow free rhythm. This change allows for a period of rest. Overall Beethoven employs the same strategy that he used in the exposition section in this section. This is something unique to Beethoven’s love for Classical music. Now we can discuss Romeo and Juliet by Tchaikovsky.
The Hymn theme is slowly introduced by a clarinet and bassoons. This theme is answered by the strings and woodwinds, who set the stage for the sadness that this story is known for. As these instruments continue they allow the audience to envision the beginning of an elaborate story. The string theme and woodwinds are also repeated enough times to bring about the climax. Following the climax the tempo changes to a faster pace, where the Vendetta theme is introduced. This allows the audience to feel the tension currently present between the Capulets and Montagues. The love theme begins to play again, only to be interrupted by both the Vendetta and Hymn theme, giving the effect of a battle being fought. The recapitulation occurs at this point as the Vendetta theme repeats. Lastly the Love theme appears again, but is broken up, representing the love that was broken apart by the tragic end to Romeo and
Juliet. Finally how did these composers distinguish their compositions from those of other’s like Berlioz, Chopin, Schubert or Schumann? Berlioz composed a program symphony called Fantastic, right away in this composition a difference can be noted in the initial themes presentation. The theme appears out of nowhere with a bold and powerful introduction that occurs un-expectantly. Throughout this section drastic changes in melody occur, barely coinciding with the traditional sonata form layout. This sets Berlioz apart from the composers already mentioned. Chopin composed Nocturne in F Sharp, in the first movement of his composition he used decorated melodies to portray romance by using chromaticism. Instead of the initial tune ending with a climax, the tune continues, seemingly to never end. Robert Schumann wrote Dichterliebe, in this compositions introduction he uses deliberately awkward piano strokes to describe the month of May. Throughout this piece instrumentations appear to be left unfinished or stopped midstream. This style is unique when compared to the other composers who followed the sonata form religiously. Lastly, we have Schubert, the composer of Erlkonig, my favorite thus far. This composition starts out with the piano conveying the urgency that the fathers feels riding with his dying son on horseback, trying desperately to reach home, before it is too late. Instead of introducing one theme at a time, three themes are used simultaneously to convey the fathers concern intermingled with the luring of the Erlking. Schubert does a wonderful job conveying this urgency and fear. Works Cited Kerman, J. & V., Tomlinson, G. Listen, 8th edition. Boston: Bedford/ St. Martin’s, 2015. Print. Kerman, J., Tomlinson, G. Listen: 8th edition. Bedford/ St. Martin’s, 2015. Disc 1-6. Copyright: Sony Music Entertainment.
The first movement felt as though it was the beginning of a riddle sure to be solved later in the symphony. It began with a sense of suspense with all basic elements of music: tonality, melody, and rhythm. The entire first movement was of an established sonata, between all instruments. However, what caught my attention was the mumble of the low strings which erupted into violins. I was on the edge of my seat for what was to come.
5 the 4th movement. Beethoven’s innovation of bigger orchestra’s was a game changer in the Classical Era and he definitely deserves to be ranked as a “Maverick of Sound.” This piece is rumored to be an autobiographical tale of Beethoven losing his hearing and was done in the period’s traditional sonata form. This piece beautifully evoked the mood of what I imagined as Beethoven’s dilemma of “fate knocking at the door.” Everything in this composition is built around the four opening notes. The tempo allegro was brisk and lively. The exposition set the tone with string instruments followed by the entire orchestra repeating in a march-like character. The bridge was similar in mood to the opening and was announced by horns. The recapitulation led to a long coda that punctuated the ending which built to an exciting climax accentuated by a dynamic fortissimo resolution to the frenzied tension. This joyful finale was great fun to listen to and a most excellent way to end the
A key theme of Romeo and Juliet that occurs throughout the play is Loyalty Vs. Disloyalty and the effects that this has on the characters Romeo and Juliet and their families. For example Romeo knows that if he tells his family of his love for Juliet it will be seen, as a disloyalty to his family and Romeo knows this so he tries to hide this truth.
<td width="50%">Baroque Concerto FormClassical Concerto Form Concerto grosso (use of string orchestra set against a number of solo instruments) is the most popular concerto form of this period. Other forms include The ripieno concerto and the solo concerto.Symphony form develops from baroque concerto forms and becomes the new form. Shorter movements than classical form.Concerto longer than baroque from. Fairly strict structure and prerequisites, e.g. Traditional ritornello form, virtuostic displays etc.More freedom and experimentation with traditional form. First movement has solo passages extending into long sections; alternated between four or five ritornello sections. First movement constructed in a variant of ritornello form with a double exposition. Violin is preferred concerto solo instrument although the harpsichord becomes more and more popular throughout the century.The newly prominent piano tak...
...ers and the audience. The dramatic nature of this piece alone is something to be reckoned with as it is extremely passionate. The symphony is presented in 4 movements as is common and begins with a Poco Sostenuto- Vivace, followed by a Allegretto movement, Presto movement, and finally ends on an Allegro con brio movement. the central theme of this piece is introduced in the first movement by a flute playing in tripple meter continuously ascending up the scales rising in dynamic contrast, continuing to grow into a louder and more stark contrast between it’s highs and lows. Consistently dance like, the piece is celebratory of its roots buried in historical Austrian music that has been present in the culture for years. The accomplishments of the soldiers for which the piece was composed for are easily told of simply by the energy and power present throughout the piece.
Russian composers of Prokofiev’s time were generally restrained and classical in their approach. (In class) Prokofiev on the other hand was known for his romantic tendencies for which he was scorned. However, his Symphony no.1 is known as his “classical” symphony as it is extremely classical in form and was written according to classical design attempting to emulate the style of Haydn. Similarities between Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony no.1 and Haydn include its orchestrion size and use of the sonata allegro form, of which is classical. Although Prokofiev's symphony is classical in many aspects, elements of Prokofiev's unique voice are clearly heard. (Ferris)
In the woodwind family, the piccolo and the bassoon are being played. In the brass family, the French horn and the trombones are being played. In the percussion family the bass drum, triangle and the cymbals are being played. Lastly, in the string family, violas and cellos were being played throughout the 4th movement of Ode to joy. In addition, the famous Ode of joy melody is a simple, folk-like song, that Beethoven worked on for approximately 20 years. The effects that the choir introduces that the theme is very intense. The sopranos, altos, bass and tenor gives a very powerful message. It gives the provides the audience with a different perspective from the previous instruments that were being
Romeo and Juliet is the tragic story of two young, “star-crossed” lovers from feuding families, destined for disaster. The Capulets and the Montagues have an ancient grudge on one another that has been passed down over generations. Unfortunately, Romeo and Juliet end up victims of their families’ vicious loathing. Romeo and Juliet’s story has several intertwining themes such as the aforementioned hatred between the Capulets and Montagues and the revenge Romeo strives for after his friend Mercutio’s death. Also, the love and passion between Romeo and Juliet and the loyalty of Romeo and his friends. Honour and revenge also feature frquently throughout the play including Juliet’s pressure to honour her family, and the revenge Romeo sees as his duty when Tybalt kills Mercutio.
Themes of Love and Hate in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Romeo and Juliet is a play about two young lovers, whose love was destined for destruction from the beginning because of hatred. between the two families, Montagues and Capulets. Therefore, Themes of love and hate are very important in the play as the plot is driven by these two themes. Shakespeare brings out the love between the two rivals through Romeo and Juliet and their relationships with the Friar and the Nurse.
‘Sonata’ at this time referred to instrumental music while ‘pian’ means soft and ‘forte’ means loud. The title of the work indicates that it is an instrumental work that has soft and loud sections. Gabrieli's composition is special because it is the first to show dynamic markings in an ensemble setting. Some sources will say that it is the first piece to portray dynamics in general, but other sources provide evidence that dynamic markings appear in solo literature composed decades beforehand. “Deeper acquaintance with the music shows that they [the dynamics] also have an emotional function, for they occur so irregularly that the listener is never certain if he will be overwhelmed with sound, or when he must strain his ears for some more subdued phrase.” Gabrieli felt that dynamics can help portray or alter the audience’s perception of a pattern of music towards a particular mood.
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, composed by the legendary Ludwig van Beethoven, is one of the most famous orchestral musical compositions done by the German-born composer. The symphony is broken down into four movements. The symphony has such a profound effect on so many people because of its use drama by introducing sudden and powerful chords which quickly grabs the audience’s attention as well as creating a variety of musical ideas through his use of excitement by way of fast and slow tempos. The first movement, Allegro con brio, which utilizes the Sonata form, contains an opening sequence or Exposition, which initially compels my attention during its first 6 seconds due to its powerful entry and introduction of the basic four-note motive (short-short-short-long) of the piece. The quick repetition in a lower step using strings in unison keeps me engaged due to its energy, as it sort of
First, let’s begin by looking at the form Mozart created the symphony in. Mozart uses the sonata form for this composition, which became the most widely used form during the Classical Period. Sonata form presents a series of procedures for the appropriate structuring of a piece. Sonatas
The brass plays an ascending sequence, followed by pizzicato notes played by the strings, and an ascending and descending scale on the harp. Strings and oboe play the rhythmic melody, whilst the trumpet plays fanfares in syncopation. The oboe is then replaced by the flute. There is an ascending scale played by the strings, then the brass section repeats the string and oboe melody with cymbal crashes at cadence points. The orchestra then plays a loud melody with cymbal crashes and drum rolls. There is an interrupted cadence, followed by crescendo with cymbal crashes and a brass ostinato. The piece ends with a perfect cadence.
... then plays allegro passages of semi quavers, accompanied by timpani and descending scales in the woodwind. The clarinet, takes over the main melody whilst the cello accompanies with sequences. The French horn takes over the melody, accompanied by the strings. The flute briefly plays the melody before the cello plays octaves, accompanying the woodwind as they play a reprise of the DSCH theme and the timpani crashes. Repeating the themes in the first movement, the cello plays the DSCH motif followed by the "tate ta, tate ta" rhythm in the strings. The horn then plays the theme in augmentation, whilst the cello plays passages of ascending and descending scales, and the theme is heard again in the strings. The movement builds up with the motif appearing increasingly often in the woodwind and strings and climaxes with octaves by the soloist and a boom from the timpani.
James Bond is known as the worlds’ greatest spy, Superman is known as the worlds’ greatest superhero and Harry Potter is known as the worlds’ greatest wizard. These gentlemen are present as the “world greatest”, but there was a struggle for them to get that title, a struggle for recognition. Recognition has been a struggle for people for a long time in history and it is mainly displayed within literature. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel was a great philosopher who explains the struggle for recognition by using the master-slave dialectic. This analytic is common among humans especially within relationships. Hegel explains that the goal of the master is to stay the master, while the goal of the slave is to become the master that means the roles can indeed switch but there is a struggle between the two.