Debussy Flashcards
State a word that describes the metre
Polymetrical
What is the tonal centre?
B
Describe the x motif
Oscillating regular crotchets with repetition
What scale is the top line of the x motif based on?
B minor
Which scale is the bottom line of the x motif based on?
B octotonic
What is interesting about the bassoon part at the beginning?
Bassoons play at a high register
Describe how the violins play when they first come in
Parallel octaves
Divided strings
Describe three things about the x motif
- ambiguous time signature (6/4 and 3/2)
- steady crotchets
- open 5ths
Describe 4 things about the Y motif
- no clear tonality with tritones
- ‘foghorn’ motif
- never transposed —> maintains its shape, register and timbre
- used like a refrain
What are the chords of the crotchets in bar 14
Parallel dominant 9ths
What does “en dehors” mean?
Bring forward
(Important to bring out over the other instruments)
What scale is the y motif based on?
G acoustic scale
State what is interesting about the metre of the y motif
It is metrically dissonant
Which interval is played in the horns in bar 23 after cor anglais plays y motif?
Tritone
What does “sur la touché” mean?
On the fingerboard
What does “sourdine” mean?
Muted
How would you describe the string writing in bar 39?
Static pedal in strings
What does the double bass play in bar 47 (rehearsal mark 5)?
B pedal note
What does “sans retarder” mean?
“Without getting slower”
Basically don’t get slower
What does “un peu anime”?
A bit faster
When is the Z motif introduced?
Bar 65
Start of section B
When does the harp double the flute?
Start of section B
What chord is in bar 80?
Dominant 7th inversion
What does “plus lent” mean?
More slowly
Describe the timpani part 5 bars before the end
Rolls oscillating between 2 notes
How would you describe the harmony at the end of the movement?
Static harmony
How does Debussy create an interesting texture in the strings at the end of the movement?
Divides them to play 2 different pitches and 2 different techniques
What do the cellos and double basses play 3 bars before the end of the movement?
Pivot note
Give the bar number that has descending parallel dominant 9ths
Bar 14
Give the bar number in which section B starts
Bar 64
How many rotations are there?
5
What is the form of this movement?
Ternary form
