Romeo and Juliet Suite No.2 op 64c Flashcards
what is Romeo and Juliet Suite No.2?
Romeo and Juliet is a ballet by Sergei Prokofiev. The Suite no.2 is from the scene called the Capulet Ball.
Form
ternary, with introduction
Let’s look at the introduction. What is the key, tempo and time signature?
no key signature given, tempo is andante, 4/4
how does the introduction represent the longstanding feud between the two families?
It opens with densely dissonant chords
what is the range of dynamics found in the introduction?
extreme dynamic range from ppp to ff
what orchestral range does the introduction cover?
spans the entire orchestral range!
Let’s look at section A.
Key
Tempo
Time signature
E minor, Allegro pesante, 4/4
Describe the recognizable melody found in part A and the mood it portrays.
an abrupt and somewhat blunt melody that rises and falls sequentially through the tonic and dominant minor arpeggios. The aggressive dotted note figures impart a feeling of noble arrogance. The melody is punctuated by syncopation.
Describe the second melody found in part A.
the next phrase contains chromatic inflections, and is played marcato. It’s angular profile covers a wide melodic span
How is leitmotif used in part A?
The french horns play a stepwise melody that traces the ascending and descending natural minor scale of D minor forte. This leitmotif heralds the arrival of Lord Capulet and Tybalt.
Describe the key changes found in part A, demonstrating Prokofiev’s penchant for abrupt modulations.
Lord Capulet and Tybalt’s leitmotif is played in D minor, and the music passes through A minor and F minor before returning to E minor
Compared to section A, what of the following remains the same in section B? What changes?
Key
Tempo
Time Signature
E minor, same as part A
Moderato tranquillo , slower and more peacefully
3/4, different from part A’s 4/4
what happens on stage during section B, and how is this displayed in the music? Describe the markings on the score, and the instrumentation.
Juliet has her first dance at the Capulet ball with the handsome Paris, her suitor. The music is marked dolce, to highlight her youthful innocence. harp, pizzicato strings, and celesta enhance the ethereal atmosphere.
The soft and pretty theme of part B seem in great contrast to the opressive music of part A. In what ways are they similar?
Part B’s melody also outlines the E minor triad.
What are the differences found in section A when it returns?
the striding dotted-note theme returns abbreviated. It also ends with a perfect cadence, but this time with a triplet figure.
