Le Nozze di Figaro: Overture

Question 1

Overture - The Marriage of Figaro main points:

Answer 1

• Presto - texture builds with dynamics
• Common time - D major - repeated 3rd and 4th intervals
• B1 start of Exposition - B109-138 diatonic codetta
• Motif 1 - B1-7 - Extreme dynamic contrasts
• Motif 2 - B8-11 - Use of unison in lower orchestra
• Motif 3 - B12 - Poliphony
• Conjunct movement with quaver oscillations
• Chromatic descending sequences
• Harmony often moves in 6ths
• Lots of V-I cadences - Long sustained notes at end
• Use of fp - Call and response
• Lots of dom pedals - Descending quaver motif
• Thick texture - use of tremolo in the strings
• Repeated short note phrases - Ends of a perfect cadence
• Energy created through rests