Symphony op. 21, second movement

Question 1

Genre:

Answer 1

chamber symphony

Question 2

Date of composition:

Answer 2

1928

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

2 movements based on the same tone row

Question 4

Performing forces

Answer 4

chamber orchestra: violins, violas, cellos, two harps, clarinet, bass clarinet, two horns

Question 5

Webern achieved a ________ design in the second movement. The variations are organized in an _________ shape

Answer 5

balanced, arch like

Question 6

What is the compositional approach?

Answer 6

Twelve-tone, based on a tone row

Question 7

Form of this movement

Answer 7

theme and seven variations followed by a coda

Question 8

Let’s talk about the theme. What is the dynamic marking? what kind of mood is established? What technique is employed throughout? What painting technique can it be compared to?

Answer 8

marked Sehr ruhig (very quiet)
a gentle, relaxed mood is established
klangfarbenmelodie employed throughout
resembles pointillism

Question 9

Let’s talk about Variation One. What is it marked? Describe the texture. What is unique about the violin part?

Answer 9

It is marked “livlier”. With four parts, a double canon is achieved. strings alternate pizzicato and arco.

Question 10

Let’s describe Variation 2. What is it marked? Which instruments are featured and how is the rhythm affected?

Answer 10

The music is marked “Very lively”. It features clarinet, bass clarinet, horn, and some harp and strings. There is increased rhythmic activity.

Question 11

At which point is the centre of the arch like effect achieved?

Answer 11

Variation 4 provides the turnaround point for the movement, after which the remaining variations (5-7) imitate the previous ones in a mirror effect.