Berlioz - WL

Question 1

Beethoven

Answer 1

A major influence on Berlioz’s work. Was a pioneer in the
symphony form that Berlioz developed.
Often did long codas. (Symphony no.5)
Opening motif of Symphony no.5 characterised by persistent rhythms also found in Symphony Fantastique’s idee fixe.
Pastoral Symphony: Although not to the same extent as
Berlioz, told story through music, with programmatic
content. In 5 movements (unusual).

Question 2

Berlioz - Harold In Italy

Answer 2

Describes travels and reflections of an aspiring
knight. Music captures moods of the traveller.
Uses idee fixe to represent Harold (movement I.)
Large orchestra including piccolo, cor anglais, four
horns, harp and divided violas, with unusual scoring.
Harmonic language essentially diatonic and broadly
functional with some chromaticism, including occasional diminished seventh chords

Question 3

Tchaikovsky - Romeo and Juliet

Answer 3

Symphonic poem in sonata form.
Variety of characters and moods are
presented in an order that creates musical
contrast, as opposed to a linear narrative.
Multiple themes used to represent
contrasting moods. (violence, love, death).
The love theme reappears at the end in a
minor key, representing tragic deaths.

Question 4

Liszt - Les Preludes

Answer 4

Symphonic poem: a one-movement programmatic piece for orchestra inspired by a legend, story, play, poem or painting,
Thematic transformation: Themes are repeated, varied, and transformed.
Large orchestra including tuba and bass trombone, harp and a variety of percussion instruments (timpani, side drum, bass drum and cymbals.)
4 episodes that function like movements of a symphony.
Also influenced by Beethoven, using material that is similar in harmony, structure and thmatic content.

Question 5

Mahler - Symphony No.7

Answer 5

Extended the symphony in numbers, duration and innovative instrumentation.
1st movement: Violins and a solo trumpet play to the extremes of their upper register, representing agony.
3rd movement: cellos and double basses have dynamic marking of fffff, instructing them to ‘pluck the string so hard that it hits the wood’.
4th movement includes guitar and mandolin to depict ‘an intimate walk through the Viennese night’.