Background and performance circumstances

Question 1

written

Answer 1

just after the end of the First World War

Question 2

Serge Diaghilev

Answer 2

director of the Ballets Russes dance company

asked him to make arrangements on some pieces of 18th century music by Pergolesi

Question 3

Pergolesi

Answer 3

turned out that only the ‘Vivo’ was by Pergolesi

Question 4

Sinfonia

Answer 4

is from a Trio Sonata by Gallo, a Venetian composer

Question 5

Gavotta

Answer 5

is from a keyboard piece by Monza

Question 6

first performed

Answer 6

as a ballet score in 1922

Question 7

the music is

Answer 7

regarded as one of the first great masterpieces of Neo-Classical style

Question 8

Neo-classism represented

Answer 8

a reaction against what was perceived as the overblown length, exaggerated emotions and apparent formlessness of much of the music of the late 19th century

Question 9

short movement

Answer 9

to suit the episodic nature of ballet

Question 10

harmonies

Answer 10

were based on early originals but were often spiced up with added note discords

Question 11

rhythms

Answer 11

often reflect the influence of Jazz, especially its syncopated style

Question 12

wider variety

Answer 12

of instrumentation and instrumental techniques