Elgar 1st Symphony - Movement 2 (Coda) Flashcards
What tonal centre do we return to at figure 77, the start of the coda?
Bb major.
What theme returns at the start of the coda and how is it different from before?
The trio theme, initially played with fortissimo dynamics here before it returns to the delicate dynamics of the original hearing.
What happens to the tonality of the theme from the middle section of the trio when it returns in figure 79?
It reappears in Dm rather Gm.
At what figure does the coda return to the scherzo theme? And what other theme joins it?
Figure 82. It’s joined by the middle theme of the trio in the Violas, but now in F# minor.
What is different about the rhythm of the scherzo theme at figure 84 and the Woodwind link which takes us into figure 85?
Both rhythms have been augmented.
What theme do we return to at figure 85 and in what key?
The main trio theme, in Bb major as it originally was.
How is the scherzo theme treated in figure 86?
The key now leads towards Db major as the scherzo theme is augmented further by the 2nd Violins, Violas and Harp. The Cello and Bass reuse the pattern heard at the very start of the movement, playing in alternate bars like it was before.
What note values is the scherzo theme augmented to by figure 87? And what instruments are playing this?
It’s augmented to crotchets and played in the Flutes, Oboes and Cor Anglais. The Violins and Violas then play this instead in figure 88.
Describe the changes in dynamics and tonality as we move through figure 88.
The tonic F# becomes more constantly present and the dynamics begin to reduce and the music begins to sounds more spaced out.
Comment on the fragmentation of the scherzo theme at figure 89.
It’s reduced to only 4 notes, the first of which has been extended to 2 and a half bars.
Describe the tonality and use of themes from figure 90 and 91.
Tonic F# inverted pedals are heard towards the end of the movement. The march theme is fragmented in figure 90, appearing in tremolando Violas. The march theme continues in pizzicato Viola, Cello, Double Bass.
What does the Bass do in figure 92 to progress to the next movement?
It plays A and B crotchets which gives the impression of the piece moving onto something new, as it ties straight into the next movement.
