Picasso Suite

Question 1

In Picasso Suite, Somers depicts _________________________. In his preface to the score, Somer’s explained: “It is a work which does not ______________……. I call the suite ‘_______’ without apology or defence.

Answer 1

In Picasso suite somer’s depicts some of the artistic style periods of Pablo Picasso. In his preface to the score, Somers explained: “It is a work which does not make excessive technical demands on the performer. I call the suite ‘light music’ without apology or defence.

Question 2

Genre

Answer 2

orchestral music

Question 3

date of composition

Answer 3

1964

Question 4

Commissioned by

Answer 4

Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra

Question 5

Source

Answer 5

adapted from music for a television program on the life of Picasso

Question 6

Structure

Answer 6

nine movements

Question 7

performing orces

Answer 7

lute, oboe, clarinet, horn, trumpet, strings, two percussionists, piano, celesta

Question 8

name the titles of some of the movements, including the ones we are studying.

Answer 8

1. Paris 1900 - a snapshot
2. Blue Period
3. Circus (the Rose period)
4. Cubism
5. Neo-classic
6. Arcadia - Faun with a Flute - Innocence
7. Codetta

Question 9

Describe the opening of Paris 1900 - a snapshot

Answer 9

opens with a trombone glissando and a snappy ragtime meolody played by the trumpet and trombone

Question 10

what are some special touches added to Paris 1900?

Answer 10

piano and percussion parts are improvised over a pizicato bass. A siren, whistle and triangle add color

Question 11

what’s unique about the ending of Paris 1900?

Answer 11

it is marked accelerando and speeds up rather than slowing down

Question 12

describe the rhythm of Paris 1900.

Answer 12

short, symmetrical phrases feature syncopated rhythms. It is marked Allegro in 4/4 time!

Question 13

In Arcadia- Faun with Flute - Innocence, what is the melody derived from?

Answer 13

a simple Spanish folk song

Question 14

Describe the mood of Arcadia- Faun with a Flute - Innocence and how the music creates the mood.

Answer 14

the music is in 3/4 time and creates a delicate waltz. The reflective, mystical, enchanting mood matches the mythical influences first found in Picasso’s work in his late neo-classical period.

Question 15

Describe the opening of Arcadia-Faun with a Flute-Innocence

Answer 15

solo glockenspiel opens the movement with a music-box like theme.

Question 16

which instruments close the movement Arcadia-Faun with a Flute - Innocence?

Answer 16

the glockenspiel and celesta close, maintaining the serene mood.