Beethoven Flashcards
Life dates
1770 - 1827
Known for?
Known for his development of melodies & motives
How many symphonies?
Composed 9 symphonies
Symphony Number 9 included?
Beethoven’s final symphony (Symphony No. 9) included a choir and soloists
How did Mozart influence Symphony no 1 in C major?
Prominence of wind instruments
How does Symphony no 1 start, harmonically?
Dissonant chord
What is an interesting feature of the structure in symphony no 1?
extended codas for movements 1, 2 & 4
What is an interesting feature of the dynamics in symphony no 1?
Frequent changes in dynamics + Frequent use of sforzandi
What tempo is the introduction of Symphony 1 Mov 1
Adagio
A description of tonality and key in introduction of Symphony 1, Mov 1
Moves to F then to G, before finally establishing C, bridging the way for the 1st Mov sonata
What is the tempo of the 1st Mov in Symphony 1?
Allegro Con Brio
Describe the First subject
Military in character
Describe the 2nd subject
operatic with instrumental dialogue between flute & piano
what does the development section of Mov 1 do?
Development section explores harmony – moves to more remote keys
What is the tempo of Mov 2 (symphony 1)?
Andante cantabile con moto
What is the time signature of Mov 2 (symphony 1)?
3/8
What is the Key signature of Mov 2 (symphony 1)?
F major
What is the structure of Mov 2 (symphony 1)?
Sonata form
Describe the texture of Mov 2 (symphony 1)
Contrapuntal writing
How does Mov 2 begin (symphony 1)?
A fugal idea
Describe the instrumentation of Mov 2 (symphony 1)
Entire orchestra is used
Describe the form and structure of Mov 3 (symphony 1)
Character of a scherzo (entitled minuet)
What is the Tempo of Mov 3 (symphony 1)?
Allegro molto e vivace
What is the Time signature of Mov 3 (symphony 1)?
2/4
What is the Key of Mov 3 (symphony 1)?
C major
How is material from the 1st Mov used in the 3rd (symphony 1)?
Scales and triads from first movement used as motivic material
What is the Tempo of Mov 4 (symphony 1)?
Adagio –allegro molto e vivace
What is the Time signature of Mov 4 (symphony 1)?
2/4
What is the key signature of Mov 4 (symphony 1)?
C major
What is the structure of Mov 4 (symphony 1)?
Sonata form
What are the features characterized as Musical humour in the 4th Mov (symphony 1)?
-Violins getting one note further each part of the scale
-Two dramatic pauses towards the end resolved in a simple march
Describe Symphony No. 2 in D major
D major
Bold & dramatic opening
Mournful moments in 2nd movement
Describe Symphony No. 3 in Eb major ‘Eroica’
Eb major
Kick-started the Romantic period of music
Large proportions
Describe Symphony No. 4 in Bb major
Bb major
Subdued
Poignant writing
Describe Symphony No. 5 in C minor
C minor
Defined by first 8 note
Triumphant
Describe Symphony No. 6 in F major ‘Pastoral’
F major
Romanticism shown
Inspired by nature – keen walker
Sounds like a walk in the country – babbling brooks, birdsong, country dancing, thunderstorm
Describe Symphony No. 7 in A major
Very positive response from audience - 1813 premiere demanded to hear 2nd movement again
2nd movement based on same rhythmic idea throughout
