Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy Flashcards
Who wrote ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’?
Tchaikovsky
When was ‘Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy’ written?
1892
What unique instrument is used in ‘Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy’
Use of celesta (like a piano with metal plates instead of strings).
How is the unique instrument used to convey non-musical ideas in ‘Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy’?
Bell like sound of celesta is used to convey the sugar plum fairy.
In ‘Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy’ how is contrast created with instruments and what purpose does it serve?
The high pitch of the celesta contrasts the strings to show how the fairy is gentle.
What instrument specific technique is used at the beginning of ‘Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy’?
Soft pizzicato in the strings.
How does the string section play with regards to rhythm in ‘Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy’?
Cello and double bass play quavers on beats one and two whilst viola and violins play on the off beats creating contrast between high and low to convey a mysterious mood.
What instruments play the harmony in ‘Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy’?
Bassoon, strings, oboe, cor anglaise, bass, clarinet, horns.
What is the overall texture of ‘Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy’?
Homophonic
How is structure varied throughout ‘Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy’?
It drops out at times but often returns with the main melody.
Describe the tonality of ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’.
The piece is in E minor with lots of chromatic notes.
What is the metre of ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’?
2/4 as it is a dance.
Describe the movement of the melody in ‘Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy’.
Very conjunct with few leaps, making the piece calm.
How fast is ‘Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy’?
60bpm “andante non troppo” (at a walking tempo but not very much).
How do the dynamics vary in ‘Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy’?
There are lots of dynamic changes, many of which are expressive (crescendos and diminuendos).
