Pathetique Analysis Flashcards
When was it composed and in which period
in 1798 in the Classical/Romantic period
Common features of the classical period
> extreme dynamics and pitch
virtuosity
mainly homophonic texture
contrast
harpsichord replaced by piano
sonata form
How does the sonata form work?
> exposition
development
recapitulation(1st and 2nd subject heard in exposition are repeated here but 2nd subject is in tonic key instead of related key signature, coda ends movement
How does the exposition work?
> first subject
main melody 1
second subject(usually in dominant, relattive or minor key)
main melody 2
What is the texture of the piece?
> melody-dominated homophony
What is the rhythm of the piece?
> exposition has some syncopation
What is the instrumentation of the piece?
> spans 5 and a half octaves nearly the full range of notes
What is the metre and tempo of the piece?
> intro is in 4/4 and grave(very slow)
exposition is in 2/2 and allegro di molto e con brio(fast with much energy)
Dynamics of the piece:
> contrasting dynamics
extreme and angluar
heavy accented chords in intro are dramatic
ff in bar 10
Where is augmentation used?
In bar 139-143
What does pathetique mean?
suffering
What is in the bass at the start of the exposition?
> octave C tremolo creating a tonic pedal
What are the features of the 1st part of the 2nd subject in the exposition?
> new lyrical theme
grace notes
crossed hands creating a call and response or antiphony effect
mixed staccato and legato
mordents
What are the features of the 2nd part of the 2nd subject in the exposition?
> move to Eb major(relative major of C minor)
RH melody is quaver broke chords
Alberti-bass style LH
hands move in contrary motion RH going up and LH going down
crescendos
What are the features of the codetta after the 2nd subject?
> codetta is small ending confirming the new Eb major key at end of exposition
starts with descending RH scales with LH playing oom-cha-cha-cha
repeat of exposition after this from bar 11
