Infernal Dance (Igor Stravinsky)

Question 1

Describe the instrumentation. Make three points.

Answer 1

Timpani plays timpani semiquaver ostinato before bassoon and lower brass motif. Drives action

Flutes and piccolos lead full orchestra with accented tonic chord on beat one. Elements of surprise

Trumpets play atonal quaver fanfare figures after lower brass/bassoon motif. Themes of warfare

Question 2

Describe the harmony/ tonality. Make three points.

Answer 2

Opening key suggests A minor. Melancholy air reinforces the conflictual and destructive atmosphere

Melody containing the flattened dominant is kept in stasis by timpani ostinato. Widens the anticipation

Brief descending chromatic chordal accompaniment in pizzicato upper strings of clarinet’s solo. Dynamic

Question 3

Describe the texture. Make four points.

Answer 3

Counterpoint introduction between the timpani and the bassoon/ lower brass motif. Increases the tension

Clarinets and oboes join bassoon/lower brass motif in unison. Increase in parts equals reinforced hostility

Sudden rate of change just before the clarinet’s solo. Accompanying instruments play in a high tessitura

Biaphonic after the clarinet’s solo between strings and upper woodwind. Mechanical, like the choreography

Question 4

Describe the rhythm/ tempo. Make five points.

Answer 4

First quaver of bassoon and lower brass motif during opening bars is omitted. Dramatic, as it loses familiarity

Marked allegro and is played at that particular pulse to correspond with the ongoing dance choreography

Excessive use of hemiolas to create a 4/4 feel within the time signature of 3/4. Drives emotional content

Offset in clarinet’s part by disproportionate use of acciaccaturas. Adds to excitement and element of surprise

Upper woodwind play ascending chromatic semiquaver flurries with a pizzicato string accompaniment