Shoenberg

Question 0

What is the piece’s structure?

Answer 0

Free rondo

Question 1

What size orchestra is the piece written for?

Answer 1

A large one with lots of woodwind (quadruple woodwind)

Question 2

Describe the melodies

Answer 2

The melodies are fragmented. Each fragment is based on a hexachord.

Question 3

What is a hexachord?

Answer 3

A group of 6 notes from the 12 different semi-tones. The other six notes are the complement.The hexachord creates dissonance.

Question 4

What does atonal mean?

Answer 4

Not written in a key

Question 5

In what way is the piece contrasted?

Answer 5

Wide range of dynamics (from pp to fff)
Sudden changes in texture (from polyphony to solos)
Quick changes in timbre
Different note lengths

Question 6

What are the key features of section A?

Answer 6

Every instrument plays (but at different times)
Play in groups
Starts loud but drops to PP

Question 7

What are the key features of section B?

Answer 7

Most parts play alone
Playing different overlapping rhythms
Toward the end of the section all of the instruments are playing collectively
Builds up

Question 8

What are the key features of A’’

Answer 8

The hexachord from bar 8 is played by the horns

Question 9

What are the key features of section C?

Answer 9

Thin texture
Solo lines for cello and double basses
Most of this section is calm
A few loud semi quaver triplet

Question 10

What are the key features of section A’’’?

Answer 10

Variation of section A
Builds up to an fff chord by the whole orchestra
Finished with pp chord by horns and double basses