La Campanella Flashcards
Genre
piano etude
date of composition
1838, revised in 1851
original title of collection:
Etudes d’execution transcendante d’apres Paganini
English translation of the title
the little bell
source of thematic material
violin concerto NO.2 in B minor by Nicolo Paganini
Key
G sharp minor
tempo
allegretto
time signature
6/8
Form
A B A1 B1 A2 B2 A3 coda (ABABABA, but A and B are different each time and there is a coda).
From what measure to what measure is the introduction?
m 1-3
What does the pedal point on high D# represent?
The bell
What adds to the technical difficulty of part A?
wide leaps in the RH part
Which section presents the main theme?
Part A
What measures are covered by Section A?
Measures 4-20
What measures are covered in section B?
Measures 21-25
Which of the following best describes section B?
A) florid LH arpeggios that add contrast to the staccato A section
B) features an ascending sequential pattern that builds anticipation, with increased chromatic harmony
C) thunderous descending octaves and a trill representing the bell ringing
B
Which key does the B section modulate to?
B major
How does the A section change when it returns? (A1)
It is embellished, featuring rapid repeated notes and broken RH octaves
composer
Franz Liszt
Context of work
from Liszt’s Grandes Etudes de paganini, a collection that paid homage to Nicolo Paganini, one of the century’s most celebrated violinists.
In what ways is B1 embellished? Describe its fancy, cadenza-like ending.
The theme is now in the LH with widely spaced RH accompaniment figures
Ends with a cadenza-like section featuring chromatic passages and alternating hands
When the melody returns in section A2, where is it played? Also, please tell me one more interesting thing about this section.
Melody is played in the highest register, and is accompanied by 32nd note trills and figures that mimic violin string crossings.
True or False: Section B2 stays within a small range, and has a mf dynamic throughout. It tapers off with a gentle cadence.
False. Section B2 has many leaps and abrupt, sudden contrasts in volume. It culminates with thundering octaves.
In section A3, please describe the dramatic way in which the melody is recalled. How does this section prepare for the coda?
It is recapped with forceful, dramatic octaves. Chromatic octaves in contrary motion lead into the coda.
