Tarentelle Flashcards
What is a tarentelle?
A fast Italian dance in compound time (usually 6/8 or 12/8). Typically features perpetual motion and are usually in minor keys with contrasting major episodes. Thought to have originated in Taranto where according to legend the frenzied movements could prevent a spiders bite from becoming fatal
What does Op. mean?
Opus. A work or group of works, the opus number identifies the piece.
What is the time signature of Tarentelle?
Compound duple time. Each bar contains six quavers grouped into 2 dotted crotchet beats.
What the key of Tarentelle?
A minor
What modulations are in Tarentelle?
The main modulation is C major in 17-21 and 25-29
What is the form of Tarentelle?
Ternary or ABA with a coda. Constructed from 8 bar sections, most sections begin midway through the bar
What does Vivo mean?
Lively and spirited
What does > indicate?
An accent, which means emphasised
What does ^ indicate?
Marcato, a strong accent
What does senza pedale mean?
Without pedal
What is a fermata?
A pause, held for longer than the written value
What are stylistic characteristics of this piece?
- energetic character
- fairly wide dynamic range
- colourful harmonies, 7th chords and drone style pedal points
- simple ABA form
- late romantic is passionate and expressive
Who composed Tarentelle?
Cécile Chaminade, a French pianist and composer from the late romantic period.
Where and when was the composer of Tarentelle born and died?
Born in Paris 1857, died in Monte Carlo in 1944
Background info on composer of Tarentelle?
Studied music privately, gave concert recitals from the age of 18 in France, then later in England and the US
What is the composer of Tarentelle remembered for?
Cécile Chaminade is mostly remembered for her piano music and songs such as a piano trio, Conzertstuck for piano and orchestra, Concertino for flute and orchestra and Les Amazons for chorus and orchestra. She wrote more than 200 works for solo piano including Etudes de concert and Scafe dance.
Where is Tarentelle from?
Album des enfants (children’s album), Op 123, published in 1906. Contains 12 pieces
Tarentelle A 1
1-9 Main theme, A minor, consisting of 2 4 bar phrases with a continuous quaver pulse divided between the hands. There is a momentary hint of C major in bars 6-7 but no modulation yet. Ends with a V-i cadence in A minor in b. 8-9
9-17 Main theme is repeated. First phrase is slightly varied with the melody an octave higher. The second phrase is unchanged except the final note is a little longer
Tarentelle B
17-25 Episode, contrasting in rhythm and texture to the main theme. This passage begins in C major using strongly accented chords. The answering phrase b.21-25 returns to A minor in 22-23 then modulates to G major in 23-25 with quavers returning in the left hand
25 - 33 The episode theme is repeated with variations. First phases b.25-29 is slightly altered in harmony and chord voicing. The second phrase b.29-33 begins with a new sequence then prepares for the return to A minor
Tarentelle A 2
33 - 49 Main theme, A minor, very similar to b.1-17 but beginning softer and altered from b.45
50-52 Coda, loudly prolonging chord I of A minor.
