Casestudy: ‘Eroica’ - Beethoven Flashcards
Which symphony was ‘Eroica’?
Symphony No. 3.
When was this piece written?
1803/4.
What key is this piece written in?
Eb major.
What instruments is this piece scored for?
2 flutes
2 oboes
2 clarinets
2 bassoons
3 horns
2 trumpets
Timpani
Strings
What structure does its first movement conform too?
Sonata form.
What is the tempo marking for the first movement?
Allegro con brio.
What is the time signature for the first movement?
3/4.
What offered opportunity for later variation and development in the first movement?
Triadic nature of the simple opening statement.
How many themes are present in the exposition of the first movement?
6.
What is a main structural feature in the first movement?
The extension of the coda.
What happens in the extension of the coda?
Unexpected harmonies and contrasting dynamics.
What key is the second movement in?
C minor.
What relation is the second movement’s key to the first movement’s?
Submediant minor.
What is the second movement entitled?
‘Funeral March’.
How is the material in the second movement treated?
Fugato treatment.
What does the double bass suggest in the second movement?
Sound of drums.
How does the second movement start?
With a basic three part song form which extends into a very long movement.
What form is the third movement in?
Scherzo and trio.
What speed is the third movement?
Allegro vivace.
How does the instrumentation differ to previous symphonies?
It has 3 horns, as opposed to 2.
What is the third movement full of?
Rhythmic vitality.
How does the second movement differ from convention?
It is long.
How does the third movement differ from convention?
It is long.
It is a scherzo (forgoing the minuet - Baroque dance).
How is the third movement interesting?
Variety of dynamics and syncopation.
What is the form of the fourth movement?
Theme and variations.
What speed is the fourth movement?
Allegro molto.
What theme is the fourth movement based on?
His own ballet music from ‘Prometheus’.
How does Beethoven develop his material in the fourth movement?
Fugally developed episodes and coda.
What happens towards the end of the movement?
There is a tempo change to presto.
