Haydn- String Quartet in Eb, Op. 33 No. 2, 'The Joke': movement IV

Question 1

In String Quartet in Eb, there is some chromaticism within a mainly diatonic melody. What exemplifies this?

Answer 1

The phrase at Bars 9-12

Question 2

How is variety in texture achieved in String Quartet in E flat?

Answer 2

Through alterations between differing numbers of parts; for example, four parts at the opening followed by just the three upper parts.

Question 3

What are the forces of String Quartet in Eb?

Answer 3

A single family of instruments used conventionally (bowed) throughout.

Question 4

Other than functional harmony, which other characteristic devices does Haydn employ in String Quartet in Eb?

Answer 4

Dominant pedals and dissonances such as appoggiatura chords, suspensions ( Bar14, the Bb) and the dominant 9th (bar 148)

Question 5

What is the phrasing for String Quartet in Eb?

Answer 5

Phrasing is frequently periodic: balanced two and four bar phrases characteristic of classical music.

Question 6

Why are the notes in String Quartet in Eb no shorter than a quaver, asides from a few demisemiquavers and semiquavers in the Adagio?

Answer 6

Because of the speed of the music.

Question 7

Why are second inversion chords left unresolved in String Quartet in Eb?

Answer 7

For humorous effect.

Question 8

What varies in terms of harmony in String Quartet in Eb?

Answer 8

Harmonic rhythm (the rate of chord change) varies.

Question 9

What is the structure of String Quartet in Eb?

Answer 9

Rondo form

Question 10

What is the texture of String Quartet in E flat?

Answer 10

Melody-dominated homophony

Question 11

Describe the modulation of String Quartet in Eb.

Answer 11

Modulation is limited and involves Ab and F minor in the first episode.

Question 12

Which textural devices does Haydn employ in String Quartet in E flat?

Answer 12

Pedal points of both sustained notes and articulated quavers, upper two parts in 3rds and 6ths, inverted pedals in top part with lower parts exchanging melody lines, and double-stopping (adagio)

Question 13

What is the complete structure of String Quartet in Eb?

Answer 13

A B A C A1; refrain (with repeats), episode, refrain, episode, refrain (substantially altered).

Question 14

Which part of String Quartet in Eb frequently recurs?

Answer 14

The opening 8 bars.

Question 15

What was String Quartet in Eb intended for?

Answer 15

Domestic performance

Question 16

What is the background for String Quartet in Eb?

Answer 16

It was composed in 1781, and was a part of a set of six which were composed ‘in a new and special manner’.

Question 17

Rests play an important role in String Quartet in Eb. Where in particular do they do so?

Answer 17

Especially in setting up the jokes at the end.

Question 18

What is the timbral variance in String Quartet in E flat?

Answer 18

Bowed throughout/no use of pizzicato, with only very limited use of double stopping in the Adagio (bars 148-151)

Question 19

Does Haydn illustrate the notes in String Quartet in Eb at all?

Answer 19

There are occasional ornaments and appoggiaturas. Acciaccaturas do make a number of appearances, the first one being in Bar 7

Question 20

What is the key of String Quartet in Eb (hmmmm?), and how is it defined?

Answer 20

It’s in Eb, and is defined by cadences and pedals.

Question 21

In String Quartet in Eb, Haydn’s harmony is functional, with frequent cadences. Often, these perfect cadences are preceded by another chord. What is this? Give an example.

Answer 21

Often, they are preceded by the supertonic (II) chord, as in bars 7-8.

Question 22

How does the melody of String Quartet in Eb move?

Answer 22

There is much stepwise (conjunct) movement with occasional larger leaps.

Question 23

What is the metre of String Quartet in Eb?

Answer 23

The time signature is compound duple (6/8) asides from the Adagio section near the end which is simple duple (2/4)