concerto for Orchestra, 4th mvmt

Question 1

Why is the title strange? Describe what Bartok meant by it.

Answer 1

A concerto is usually a piece of music written for a solo instrument accompanied by orchestra. Bartok wrote that the title of this symphony-like orchestral work is explained by its tendency to treat the single instrument groups in a ‘concertant” or soloistic manner.

Question 2

What is the story behind how this song was composed?

Answer 2

Bartok was hospitalized and in very bad condition. Two colleagues who understood the importance of his work petitioned the Koussevitsky Foundation to commision this work. Bartok felt rejuvenated by the project and completed it within seven weeks.

Question 3

Genre

Answer 3

orchestral work

Question 4

date of composition

Answer 4

1943

Question 5

Structure

Answer 5

5 movements

Question 6

Key

Answer 6

begins in E Lydian and ends in B major with modal inflections

Question 7

Form

Answer 7

Rondo-like (introduction, A B A1 C B1 A2)

Question 8

Tempo

Answer 8

Allegretto

Question 9

Time Signature

Answer 9

changing meter

Question 10

In Section A, describe the melody that the oboe outlines.

Answer 10

It is folk-like and outlines a tritone.

Question 11

Describe what unusual rhythmic features can be found in Section A.

Answer 11

syncopation, and time signature changes. The changing meter imparts a lopsided asymmetrical feel to the rhythm.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes section B?

a) driving, relentless rhythm that builds to a climax on a high C# in the woodwinds
b) strikes an elegiac note with a sweeping lyrical melody in the violas
c) swirling sixteenth note triplets mimic the sound of flowing water, accompanied by shimmering harp

Answer 12

B

Question 13

True or false: the melody in section B is loosely based on a well-known Hungarian melody

Answer 13

true

Question 14

when section A returns as section A1, what is the difference?

Answer 14

it is abbreviated, and features increased dissonance

Question 15

what is the special nickname for section C?

Answer 15

the interruption

Question 16

Where is the melody borrowed from in section C, and which instrument introduces it? What is the significance of its inclusion?

Answer 16

Clarinet plays a melody borrowed from Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No.7 in C major op.60
The quotation is meant to be a crude musical commentary on the Nazi invasion of Russia in 1942

Question 17

Describe the harmonic techniques employed in part C

Answer 17

heavy dissonance which is heightened by a brass glissandi,

modal, atonal and polytonal sonorities

Question 18

What affect does Section B1 have after section C?

Answer 18

it brings back the sweeping melody, repairing the disturbance created by “the interruption”.
The strings create a warmer feeling.

Question 19

What is the final section in this rondo-esque piece? How does it differ from any earlier repetitions?

Answer 19

it is an A2. It features an extended flute cadenza, and the music forms a gentle close.

Question 20

In lieu of the title, which instrument groups are featured soloistically?

Answer 20

s

Question 21

Name three neo-classical elements you can find in this work.

Answer 21

s

Question 22

Describe what musical effect Bartok achieved with the changing meter.

Answer 22

s

Question 23

what is the name for movement 4 of this Concerto for Orchestra?

Answer 23

Interrupted Intermezzo