Terms 3

Question 1

How many symphonies did Schubert write? How many are programmatic?

Answer 1

8, none of which are programmatic

Question 2

What traits were particular to Schubert’s symphonies?

Answer 2

1) Extremely lyrical
2) Unusual modulations (by common tone or sudden modulation into an unexpected key)
3) 3-key exposition in sonata forms

Question 3

What is program music?

Answer 3

Music that attempts to express extra-musical ideas (ant. Absolute music)

Question 4

What are the five movements of the Symphonie fantastique?

Answer 4

1) Rêveries, Passions
2) Un bal
3) Scene aux champs
4) Marche aux supplice
5) Songe d’une nuit du sabbat

Question 5

What is the idée fixe?

Answer 5

The main motif of the symphonie fantastique that represents the love of the narrator and evolves throughout the symphony

Question 6

What is thematic transformation?

Answer 6

When a theme is given a new character by changing certain elements such as orchestration, rhythm, dynamics, meter etc.

Question 7

What is a concert ouverture?

Answer 7

Derivation of the concert overture from the opera overture (ie. Mendelssohn’s Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

Question 8

What is a symphonic poem?

Answer 8

A single movement, programmatic orchestral work that seeks to express the poetic idea of a poem, painting or other artistic work

Question 9

What is the germ cell technique?

Answer 9

Technique in which all ideas and themes grow out of an initial motive