4th movement “Marche au Suppice”,
"He dreams that he has killed his beloved, that he is condemned and led to the scaffold, and that he is witnessing his own execution"
Form
The 4th movement “Marche au Suppice”, doesn’t fall into a regular pre-determined shape, but evolves as follows; Intro- Descending theme-March theme-Transition-Development-Coda.
Main Tonality is key of G minor (2 flats –starts on Chord I in Gm)
Introduction.
Note the pizzicato block chords on the Double basses, the sextuplets (6 notes in the time of 4) on timpani and the syncopation on horns. The dramatic big crescendo is a feature of the Romantic era. The opening is dark due to the quiet dynamics, minor tonality, and low pitch.
The 4th movement “Marche au Suppice”, doesn’t fall into a regular pre-determined shape, but evolves as follows; Intro- Descending theme-March theme-Transition-Development-Coda.
Main Tonality is key of G minor (2 flats –starts on Chord I in Gm)
Introduction.
Note the pizzicato block chords on the Double basses, the sextuplets (6 notes in the time of 4) on timpani and the syncopation on horns. The dramatic big crescendo is a feature of the Romantic era. The opening is dark due to the quiet dynamics, minor tonality, and low pitch.
The "Descending" theme consists of 2 octaves of the scale of G minor. It recurs sometimes only partially, sometimes in the background many times throughout
The 1st 2 representations of this theme are by low strings (cellos and basses). At first it's monophonic, an unaccompanied melody in parallel octaves.
The 1st 2 representations of this theme are by low strings (cellos and basses). At first it's monophonic, an unaccompanied melody in parallel octaves.
The 2nd version features a counter melody (polyphonic) on Bassoons below.
This is followed by a high pitch version as Violins take the theme this time in the key of Eb major.
Then notice the theme in contrary motion in G minor, with violins ascending. A second counter-melody features here also. Example question. Describe the Bassoon part here? Ans. Quavers (rhythm) staccato (articulation), G minor (tonality), broken chords ( texture), scales passage and sequence (melody).
Notice also the strings are played Pizzicato.
Notice also the strings are played Pizzicato.
The March theme is in Bb major, the relative major of G minor featuring trumpets. Rhythm (syncopation and dotted) is a strong feature here.
Notice the descending theme between the 2 versions of the march theme.
Exam Q. Describe the melody in this excerpt?
Ans. Trumpets (timbre), mostly staccato (articulation), syncopation and dotted rhythm (rhythm), loud (dynamics) mostly moving by step except for 2 jumps of a 3rd (pitch), key of Bb (tonality).
Notice the descending theme between the 2 versions of the march theme.
Exam Q. Describe the melody in this excerpt?
Ans. Trumpets (timbre), mostly staccato (articulation), syncopation and dotted rhythm (rhythm), loud (dynamics) mostly moving by step except for 2 jumps of a 3rd (pitch), key of Bb (tonality).
The most striking feature in the next section is the rising sequences (melody), using material from the descending theme. This section also features the crash cymbals, a big crescendo and diminuendo (dynamics)and generally loud dynamics. Also note the sudden as well as gradual change of dynamics.
The agitated mood of the next section is generated by the "jerky" dotted rhythm throughout while it finishes on an excellent example of an imperfect cadence (unfinished).
The opening, an inversion of the descending theme suggests the raising of the guillotine or rope.
The opening, an inversion of the descending theme suggests the raising of the guillotine or rope.
A very short extract from the idée fixé appears here played on solo clarinet (monophonic) as the artist sees his beloved in his mind before the execution. This is followed by a repeated "fanfare" on Brass and a drum roll (tremolo or trill) on snare drum in the key of B MAJOR.
Exam Q. Describe the programmatic element of this excerpt?
Answer. He glimpses his beloved for a very brief moment (perhaps in his mind) with the very short representation of the fixed idea theme on solo clarinet before the spectacle of the execution is illustrated by a drum roll on the snare drum and a loud "fanfare" on Brass in B major. The loud dynamics and cymbal crashes add to the excitement which end with a final "perfect cadence".
Exam Q. Describe the programmatic element of this excerpt?
Answer. He glimpses his beloved for a very brief moment (perhaps in his mind) with the very short representation of the fixed idea theme on solo clarinet before the spectacle of the execution is illustrated by a drum roll on the snare drum and a loud "fanfare" on Brass in B major. The loud dynamics and cymbal crashes add to the excitement which end with a final "perfect cadence".