Beethoven

Question 1

What is the title of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No 8?

Answer 1

Pathetique

Question 2

What key is Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No 8 in?

Answer 2

C minor

Question 3

What type of chord did Beethoven love that is made up of a ‘pile’ of minor 3rds?

Answer 3

Diminished 7th chord

Question 4

What is the effect of diminished 7th chords in music?

Answer 4

Create dramatic tension

Question 5

What is an example of an imperfect cadence in the piece?

Answer 5

Chord I followed by chord V

Question 6

What follows the imperfect cadence to create a perfect cadence?

Answer 6

Reverse occurs between chord V and chord I

Question 7

What are some harmonic techniques used by Beethoven in this work?

Answer 7

• Suspensions
• Pedal points
• Use of the circle of 5ths

Question 8

What is the structure of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No 8?

Answer 8

Sonata Form

Question 9

How does Beethoven alter the basic structure of Sonata Form?

Answer 9

By adding an introduction, transitions, a codetta, and altering modulations

Question 10

What is the tempo and metre of the piece?

Answer 10

Alla breve (cut common)

Question 11

What is the primary melodic construction described in the piece?

Answer 11

Scalic construction

Question 12

What are the main themes and their positions in the work? (List at least three)

Answer 12

• Bar I - slow introduction
• Bar 11 - first subject
• Bar 35 - transition

Question 13

What is the character of the melody in the first half of the piece?

Answer 13

A few leaps

Question 14

What is notable about the second half of the melody?

Answer 14

Descending and decorated

Question 15

What instrument was the primary choice before the pianoforte?

Answer 15

Harpsichord

Question 16

What are the two keys to which the piece modulates?

Answer 16

• E-flat (relative major)
• G minor (dominant)

Question 17

True or False: The piano allows for dynamic alterations in performance.

Answer 17

True

Question 18

Fill in the blank: The music is in _______.

Answer 18

C minor

Question 19

What does Beethoven’s use of balanced phrasing signify?

Answer 19

Enjoyment of balanced harmony

Question 20

What is the significance of the codetta in the structure?

Answer 20

It concludes the exposition

Question 21

What type of sequences does the transition section utilize?

Answer 21

Chromatic cells in rising and falling sequence

Question 22

What distinguishes the piano of Beethoven’s time from modern pianos?

Answer 22

Lighter and less resonant