Kaija Saariaho

Question 1

Background

Answer 1

~ written in 1988 + first performed in Bremen

~ based on ideas from Nympheas (water-lilies)

Question 2

Performing forces

Answer 2

~ pizzicato

~ tremolando

~ glissandi

~ harmonics

~ trills

~ micro-intervals

~ amplification

~ reverberation

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

~ does not follow a conventional musical structure

~ seven sections

~ staves

~ type A + B

Question 4

Texture

Answer 4

~ monophonic

~ pedal/drone

~ two part texture

Question 5

Tonality

Answer 5

~ repeated c low

~ atonal

~ chromatic

~ pitch organisation in its traditional sense is not really Saariaho’s concern in the piece

Question 6

Harmony

Answer 6

~ largely absent

~ timbre as vertical

~ harmony as horizontal

Question 7

Melody

Answer 7

~ micro-intervals

~ quarter tones

~ sequentially

Question 8

Rhythm, metre + tempo

Answer 8

~ notated tempo

~ pulseless

~ syncopations

~ septuplets / quintuplets