Casestudy: ‘Eroica’ - Beethoven

Question 1

Which symphony was ‘Eroica’?

Answer 1

Symphony No. 3.

Question 2

When was this piece written?

Answer 2

1803/4.

Question 3

What key is this piece written in?

Answer 3

Eb major.

Question 4

What instruments is this piece scored for?

Answer 4

2 flutes
2 oboes
2 clarinets
2 bassoons
3 horns
2 trumpets
Timpani
Strings

Question 5

What structure does its first movement conform too?

Answer 5

Sonata form.

Question 6

What is the tempo marking for the first movement?

Answer 6

Allegro con brio.

Question 7

What is the time signature for the first movement?

Answer 7

3/4.

Question 8

What offered opportunity for later variation and development in the first movement?

Answer 8

Triadic nature of the simple opening statement.

Question 9

How many themes are present in the exposition of the first movement?

Answer 9

6.

Question 10

What is a main structural feature in the first movement?

Answer 10

The extension of the coda.

Question 11

What happens in the extension of the coda?

Answer 11

Unexpected harmonies and contrasting dynamics.

Question 12

What key is the second movement in?

Answer 12

C minor.

Question 13

What relation is the second movement’s key to the first movement’s?

Answer 13

Submediant minor.

Question 14

What is the second movement entitled?

Answer 14

‘Funeral March’.

Question 15

How is the material in the second movement treated?

Answer 15

Fugato treatment.

Question 16

What does the double bass suggest in the second movement?

Answer 16

Sound of drums.

Question 17

How does the second movement start?

Answer 17

With a basic three part song form which extends into a very long movement.

Question 18

What form is the third movement in?

Answer 18

Scherzo and trio.

Question 19

What speed is the third movement?

Answer 19

Allegro vivace.

Question 20

How does the instrumentation differ to previous symphonies?

Answer 20

It has 3 horns, as opposed to 2.

Question 21

What is the third movement full of?

Answer 21

Rhythmic vitality.

Question 22

How does the second movement differ from convention?

Answer 22

It is long.

Question 23

How does the third movement differ from convention?

Answer 23

It is long.
It is a scherzo (forgoing the minuet - Baroque dance).

Question 24

How is the third movement interesting?

Answer 24

Variety of dynamics and syncopation.

Question 25

What is the form of the fourth movement?

Answer 25

Theme and variations.

Question 26

What speed is the fourth movement?

Answer 26

Allegro molto.

Question 27

What theme is the fourth movement based on?

Answer 27

His own ballet music from ‘Prometheus’.

Question 28

How does Beethoven develop his material in the fourth movement?

Answer 28

Fugally developed episodes and coda.

Question 29

What happens towards the end of the movement?

Answer 29

There is a tempo change to presto.