List C | Debussy | Minuet

Question 1

Who is the composer?

Answer 1

Claude Debussy

Question 2

Where was he born?

Answer 2

France 1862-1918

Question 3

What period is the work from?

Answer 3

The Impressionist Period 1890-1920

Question 4

What are the general characteristics of the period?

Answer 4

Delicate textures
Fluid rhythms, sometimes syncopated
Softer end of the dynamic spectrum

Question 5

What are some other compositions typical of the period?

Answer 5

Rhapsodies and Sonatas

Question 6

Does the composer have a particular compositional style?

Answer 6

Vagueness in harmony, rhythm and form and an emphasis on the sensuous aspect of sound

Question 7

Was the composer influenced by any other composers or art forms?

Answer 7

Impressionist painters (Monet) 
Symbolist writers (Verlaine)

Question 8

Is the composer famous for any particular works (not necessarily flute)?

Answer 8

Clair de Lune

Question 9

Looking at the music….explain the key, key changes, form and modulations for each movement

Answer 9

Ternary form (ABA)
Introduction: Bar 1-8 (G Major)
A: Bar 9-31 (starts with main theme in A minor)
B: Bar 32-39 (episode in D Major - dominant key)
A: Bar 60-88 (main theme returns in A minor then G major)

Question 10

Who were the composer’s contemporaries?

Answer 10

Faure

Sibelius

Question 11

Find “moderato” on the music, look at what the music is doing at that point and explain the term

Answer 11

At moderate speed

Question 12

Find “poco rit.” on the music, look at what the music is doing at that point and explain the term

Answer 12

Ritenuto = Hold back the speed a little

Question 13

Find “a tempo” on the music, look at what the music is doing at that point and explain the term

Answer 13

Return to the former speed

Question 14

Find “gracieux” on the music, look at what the music is doing at that point and explain the term

Answer 14

Graceful

Question 15

Find “sub.” on the music, look at what the music is doing at that point and explain the term

Answer 15

Subito. Suddenly

Question 16

Find “piu p” on the music, look at what the music is doing at that point and explain the term

Answer 16

More softly

Question 17

Find “piu” on the music, look at what the music is doing at that point and explain the term

Answer 17

More

Question 18

Find “molto dim.” on the music, look at what the music is doing at that point and explain the term

Answer 18

Diminuendo. Gradually becoming a little softer

Question 19

Find “sempre p” on the music, look at what the music is doing at that point and explain the term

Answer 19

Always soft