Chopin

Question 1

Structure

Answer 1

1. ABA ternary form

2. Brief coda

Question 2

Instrumentation

Answer 2

1. Solo piano
2. Middle and lower ranges
3. Sustain pedal

Question 3

Dynamics

Answer 3

1. Very expressive (pp-ff)

2. Crescendos and diminuendos

Question 4

Rhythm

Answer 4

1. Very straightforward rhythms
2. Septuplets and acciaccaturas
3. Rubato for expression

Question 5

Tonality

Answer 5

1. Section A in Db major (also Ab minor and Bb minor)

2. Section B in C# minor (enharmonic minor, also E major)

Question 6

Harmony

Answer 6

1. Mainly diatonic, some chromaticism
2. Sections A and B end in imperfect cadences, codetta ends in perfect cadence
3. Dominant pedal throughout piece

Question 7

Texture

Answer 7

1. Melody dominated homophony
2. Monophony in codetta
3. Section B inverted texture

Question 8

Melody

Answer 8

1. Conjunct melody
2. Right hand sometimes moves in 6ths
3. Decorated with turns, septuplets and acciaccaturas
4. Section B is thick and chordal (like chorale)