sonority

Question 1

what was unusual about Berlioz’s orchestration?

Answer 1

requires a large orchestra which was groundbreaking for its time, requiring over 90 instruments in total

Question 2

examples of string techniques:

Answer 2

-con sordino, beginning of the movement. senza sordino bar 17
-punta d’arco, played at the tip or point of the bow, has a delicate effect
-pizzicato
-tremolo, bar 34 violin violas and cellos
-double stopping
-divisi writing in bar 61

Question 3

percussion/timpani instructions:

Answer 3

-directed to use both baguettes de boi recouvert en peu (wooden sticks covered in leather) at bar 64 and baguetts d’eponge (spongeheaded drum sticks) bar 329
-timpani roll at bar 330

Question 4

more examples of performance instructions

Answer 4

• semi staccato or portato bar 1, legato bar 8 and staccato bar 17
  -the first subject theme is directed to be played canto espressivo (expressively singing) and the second subject is directed to be played dolce (sweetly) bar 150

Question 5

describe Berlioz’s orchestration

Answer 5

he pays unusual attention to detail in directions