Stravinsky - Structure (Augurs of Spring) Flashcards
The first section can be seen as from Figure 13 to 14. Describe this section.
Bitonal stamping chords of the beginning of the section are reinforced by the eight horns, producing randomised syncopation.
How does the music change at figure 14 to mark a new section?
The stamping chords stop for a bit and a 4 note ostinato is announced. Then the 2 textures/ideas are combined.
What marks the new section/idea at Figure 19?
Bassoons play a diatonic (clearly sounds like it is in a major key) melody against the stomping chords. This melody is known as theme 1.
How does Stravinsky develop the diatonic idea from figure 19?
There is a sense of call and response between the wind and brass, with some imitation. This helps hold the music together against the dissonant chords in the strings.
How does Stravinsky end the section containing the ‘diatonic melody’ (theme 1) just before figure 22?
With a sudden, brutal stop just before figure 22, with fortissimo dissonant chords and prominent timpani and bass drum.
Why do you think Stravinsky stops the music at figure 22 so brutally?
This could be to mirror the story - perhaps the dancer is close to death. The fact that the melody was in a diatonic key makes this all the more dramatic - it is as if the dissonant music is violently taking control.
The next section is figure 25. What marks the opening of this section?
The main melody of the movement (theme 2) – a simple diatonic folk tune in the solo horn, answered more flamboyantly by the flute.
How does the music build towards a climax at the end of the movement?
More instruments join the texture as we move towards another climax. The new tune continues to be repeated as a further melodic idea is introduced in the trumpets, shortly after figure 28 (theme 3).
