Berlioz - Harold in Italy: Movement 1 - Flashcards in A Level and IB Music

Created by: brookesmith16
Created on: 27-04-17 11:55

When was the piece first performed?

The piece was first performed in 1834

1 of 10

Who commissioned the piece?

The work was commissioned by Nicolo Paganini, Although he never performed it as he didn't think it was challenging enough.

2 of 10

What does the Idée fixe technique represent?

The Idée fixe technique represents the character of Harold and appears in all movements.

3 of 10

What is the structure of the piece?

The structure of the piece is broadly ternary, with a coda which includes a combination of all melodic material.

4 of 10

What is the texture of this piece?

The texture is broadly melody - dominated homophony

5 of 10

What devices are used within the piece.

Note worthy devices include: A drone in the saltarello section, Divided orchestral violas, Octave doubling in the woodwind, Broken chord accompaniment in clarinet, Doubling stopping in the solo viola, Harp harmonics and doubling flute

6 of 10

What are the features of the saltarello section?

One-bar cells, resulting in phrases of various, irregular lengths. Narrow range at first, later expanding to a 9th. Revolves around E. Mainly moves by step or by 3rd. Modal elements hint at folk influence.

7 of 10

What are the features of the Serenade section?

Opens with a broken-chord figure. Phrase lengths are irregular.

8 of 10

What are the features of the Idée fixe?

Characteristic falling 3rd and 6ths. Broken chords.

9 of 10

Describe the rhythm and metre.

Opens with 6/8 saltarello dance rhythms, with frequent dotted rhythms and stresses on the second beats of the bars. The second section is in a slower 6/8 with some bars appearing to be in 3/4. Augmentation is used near the end in bars 192 - 193.

10 of 10

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Who commissioned the piece?

Back

The work was commissioned by Nicolo Paganini, Although he never performed it as he didn't think it was challenging enough.

Card 3

Front

What does the Idée fixe technique represent?

Back

Card 4

Front

What is the structure of the piece?

Back

Card 5

Front

What is the texture of this piece?

Back

View more cards

Get Revising

Berlioz - Harold in Italy: Movement 1