Music For A While

Question 1

Rhythm, Metre & Tempo

Answer 1

• intricate complex rhythm –> complexity of Oedipus’ emotions
• demisemiquavers
• stately tempo –> solemn and reflective mood
• common time –> Baroque music
• rhythmical augmentation –> mood change
• rests –> dramatic effect
• ground bass repeated 4.5 times –> uneven, unstable emotions

Question 2

Melody

Answer 2

• uneven phrases –> inconsistent emotions
• descending scalic runs –> falling emotions
• slurs
• syllabic –> follow Oedipus’ raw emotions
• legato –> lyrical, emphasises emotions
• word-painting –> paint a pic of Oedipus’ emotions
• arpeggios –> Baroque
• ornamentation –> Baroque, complexity of emotions
• sequence –> Baroque
• staccato –> word paint
• suspensions –> unstable emotions

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

• lament –> common of vocal music
• Da Capo Aria –> used in operatic arias
• ternary form –> Baroque

Question 4

Harmony

Answer 4

• arpeggiated chords –> harpsichord can’t sustain
• functional –> Baroque
• diatonic –> Baroque
• minor to major keys –> reiterate change in Oedipus’ emotions
• realisation –> volatile emotions
• false relation –> harmonic interest
• perfect cadence –> common cadential pattern Baroque, finality
• ground bass –> Baroque
• Tierce de Picardie –> surprise major chord, common

Question 5

Tonality

Answer 5

• A minor –> lament
• G major –> bright and happy
• passing notes –> modulation

Question 6

Instrumentation

Answer 6

• soprano –> usually for countertenor
• harpsichord as accompaniment –> Baroque
• bass viol –> 6 strings
  Cello comparison:
  sloped instead of square shoulders
  flat instead of curved back
  underhand instead of overhand bow grip

Question 7

Texture

Answer 7

• MDH –> highlight Oedipus’ emotions
• contrapuntal –> due to realisation