Pathétique Sonata

Question 1

Dynamics (3)

Answer 1

• varying range of dynamics –> Romantic Era
• sotto –> balance dynamics of melody
• sopra –> hand-crossing

Question 2

Rhythm, Metre & Tempo (9)

Answer 2

• grave –> suffering
• dotted rhythms
• rests –> dramatic
• descending semihemidemisemiquavers –> everlasting suffering
• allegro di motto e con brio
• metric shift from 4/4 to 2/2 –> dramatic change
• staccato crotchets –> tension
• fermata –> tension
• rapid oscillating quavers –> everlasting suffering

Question 3

Structure (3)

Answer 3

• sonata –> common in Romantic Era
• intro 2 (in development) –> unusual, rhythmically augmented
• first subject & second subject in exposition

Question 4

Melody (10)

Answer 4

• contrary motion scale –> explore wide range of piano
• rapid melodic flourishes –> Romantic Era
• Manheim Rocket –> Classical Era
• clef changes –> dramatic register changes
• scalic –> suffering
• murky bass –> suffering
• tritones –> instability
• ornamentation –> complexity of suffering
• sequential –> Classical Era
• Alberti bass –> Classical Era
• legato –> Romantic Era
• octave accompaniment
• high tessitura –> wide range of piano

Question 5

Instrumentation (2)

Answer 5

• piano –> possible to vary dynamics by altering pressure
• sustaining pedal –> coming into use

Question 6

Tonality (3)

Answer 6

• C min –> suffering
• G min –> unrelated, Romantic Era
• Eb min –> expected to modulate to Eb maj, relative maj, creates drama

Question 7

Texture (6)

Answer 7

• monophonic –> drama
• MDH –> highlight emotions of main melody
• 4 part polyphony –> conflicting emotions
• antiphony
• homorhythmic –> intro
• chordal homophony

Question 8

Harmony (3)

Answer 8

• first subject in tonic key
• second subject in dom key
• chromaticism –> pain of suffering
• cycle of 5ths –> easily modulate
• functional
• diminished 7ths –> instability