Characteristics of Time periods

Question 1

Romantic Period - Confidence (1810-1900)

Answer 1

Freedom of expression and emotion found in melodies - use of terms like dolce, espressivo, wide dynamic
range (pp - f)
- Broader ranges of pitch and tempo - uses of riten and a tempo (in bar 17 - 18), range: G two octaves below
middle C (eg. bar 24) until E three octaves above middle C (last bar)
- Rich textures and sophisticated harmonies - Right hand plays both the harmonic support and main melody
(noted by notes with stem up)
- Liberal use of pedal - pedal markings throughout the piece

Question 2

Classical Period - Bagatelle (1750 - 1820)

Answer 2

Elegant and Balanced
- Texture is homophonic - Right hand often plays the melody and left hand often plays the harmonic support
- Melody were balanced and often made up of 2 phrases of the same length
- More interest in expression and shades of emotions as such crescendos, decrescendos and terraced
dynamics were used (p → f, f → p)

Question 3

Romantic Period - Tarentelle (1810 - 1900)

Answer 3

Freedom of expression and emotion found in melodies - Use of chords in Section B
- Broader ranges of pitch and tempo - range: A three octaves below middle C (Last bar) until B two octaves
above middle (eg. Bar 43) & p → ff
- Rich textures and sophisticated harmonies
- Liberal uses of pedal - pedal used throughout the piece

Question 4

20th Century Music - Wistful Prelude (1901 - 2000s)

Answer 4

• Tone colour played a major role in creating variety, continuity and mood → varying keys explored
  throughout the piece where the unique character of a chord lies in the middle of texture. Eg. First chord
  of Bar 4, RH “A” note creates dissonance with bass and a chromatic descending passage is used to
  resolve the dissonance.
• Traditional distinction between consonance (resolve) and dissonance (suspense) became less
  important; combination of tones considered to be unstable became a point of arrival → Sustained
  notes in chords are prevalent in this piece (eg. Bar 28)