String Quartet No.8 Op110 - Shostakovich

Question 1

Tonality

Answer 1

F Minor bar 7
G Minor bars 3-4
A minor bar 87

Question 2

Performance forces

Answer 2

low notes exploitation of bottom open string
Ranges generally quite narrow
dynamics quiet much pianissimo/piano

Question 3

Texture

Answer 3

b1-11 contrapuntal with imitative entries

monophony can be used for cello opening

Homophonic textures used including homorhythm b23-27

countermelody appears b55

Question 4

Structure

Answer 4

opening imitative passage is an introduction

A, B, C, B1, A1

A ends with first DSCH motif

B ends with DSCH motif in cello b46

C ends with second homophonic statement of DSCH

Question 5

Harmony

Answer 5

Perfect cadence bar 25-26

Chromaticism bars 79-84

Drone bar 28

Tonic pedal bar 50

Some clearly defined traditional progressions like b26 suspension

Question 6

Melody

Answer 6

stepwise movement with some scalic passages like b67-70 and some chromatic passages

Appoggiaturas (bar 30)

rising and falling phrases(from bar 55)

Repetitive figures, narrow range (bar 50-56 in violins)

Question 7

Rhythm

Answer 7

Simple quadruple time (4/4)

Simple rhythms, syncopation uncommon but examples are b24-25 (violin 1) and b120-121 (viola).

Cello opening rhythm is associated with DSCH motif

Rhythmic augmentation in 2nd homophonic statement of DSCH motif. Minims doubled to semi-breves.