Tchaikovsky - Romeo and Juliet 'Fantasy Overture'

Question 1

When was it composed?

Answer 1

1880, Romantic Era

Question 2

Concert Overture

Answer 2

A single movement piece that tells a story, usually in sonata form.
Developed in 19th century
Romeo and Juliet is a convert overture written in sonata form

Question 3

Form

Answer 3

Sonata form.
Large scale ternary form with 3 main sections: Exposition, Development, Recapitulation
Here we also have an Intro and Coda

Question 4

Transposing Instruments

Answer 4

A music instrument which is notated at a pitch different to the pitch it is actually played.
eg. Clarinet in A, Piccolo, Double Bass

Question 5

Programme Music

Answer 5

Music that is narrative or descriptive. eg It is based on a story, picture or mood.

Question 6

Characteristics of Romantic Music

Answer 6

• Melodies are richer and more song like
• Harmonies are richer with discords and swift modulations
• Textures are weightier and denser with wider range in pitch and dynamics
• Expansion in the size of the orchestra, especially the brass section
• Closer links with Art & Literature which lead to the development of programme music
• A more intense and personal expression of feelings and emotions
• Greater freedom in musical form and design
• Greater technical virtuosity especially from pianists and violinists.

Question 7

Themes

Answer 7

Friar Lawrence Theme
Strife Theme
Love Theme pt1 + pt2

Question 8

Friar Lawrence Theme

Answer 8

First appears in Intro.
Appears in Intro, Development, Recap.

FL Theme moves mostly in crotchets and minims, by step.

Friar Lawrence is calm, he is the mediator, the peacekeeper. His theme is steady, rising and uplifting. Throughout the overture his theme becomes more insistent, agitated and demanding.

Question 9

Strife Theme

Answer 9

First appears in Exposition.
Appears in Expo, Development, Recap

Syncopated rhythm, Dotted rhythm, Repitition
Mainly quavers and semi-quavers.

Strife Theme depicts the conflict between the 2 families. It is loud, strong and forceful which changes very little throughout the overture.

Question 10

Love Theme

Answer 10

First appears in Exposition.
Appears in Expo, Recap, Coda.

Perfect balance between steps and leaps. Mainly minims and crotchets.

Long expansive melody full of emotion expressing the romance between Romeo and Juliet. This theme is altered the most throughout the overture, showing how the love between the 2 grows and matures against all odds.

Question 11

Tempos

Answer 11

• Andante non tanto quasi moderato :Steady walking pace
• Allegro Giusto: Lively and strict
• Moderato Assai: At a moderate pace

Question 12

Con Sordini

Answer 12

With mutes

Question 13

Div.

Answer 13

Divided (Separate)

Question 14

A.2

Answer 14

Instruments play the same line

Question 15

Tremolo

Answer 15

Rapid back and forth bowing of a note

Question 16

Senza sord.

Answer 16

Without mutes

Question 17

Sections

Answer 17

Intro - F# Minor, Homophonic

Exposition - B Minor, G Minor, Db Major, Homophonic

Development - Vague tonality, Polyphonic

Recapitulation -

Coda- B Major