Classical Music Analysis: Beethoven, Dvorak, Verdi, Vives
Classified in Music
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Audition 1: Beethoven's Symphony No. 5
Work and Composer
Symphony No. 5 by Ludwig van Beethoven. He was born on December 16, 1770, and died on March 26, 1827.
Genre
Instrumental and secular because it is a symphony.
Style
Between Classicism and a middle period called the Heroic Period.
Texture
Counterpoint: Musical phrases develop independently of one another.
Movement
Allegro
Rhythm
Short figures (predominantly)
Timbre
Orchestra with brass and percussion
Character
Nervous, intriguing
Context
To be filled with a mysterious story.
Text
No text can be found as it is an instrumental work.
Audition 2: Dvorak's New World Symphony
Work and Composer
New World Symphony by Antonin Dvorak. He was born on September 8, 1841, and died on May 1, 1904.
Genre
Instrumental and secular because it is a symphony.
Style
Romanticism, 19th century.
Texture
A mixture of homophony and counterpoint as melodic lines play together.
Movement
Predominantly allegro; there are some calmer points.
Rhythm
Short figures (predominantly)
Timbre
Orchestra, although brass and percussion can be heard.
Character
Devastating, miserable
Context
To be filled with a mysterious story.
Text
As this composition is a symphony, no text is required.
Audition 3: Verdi's "Va Pensiero"
Work and Composer
"Va Pensiero" from Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi. He was born on October 9, 1813, and died on January 27, 1901.
Genre
Vocal and secular. It is an opera, so it is a secular vocal form.
Style
Romanticism, 19th century.
Texture
Melody with accompaniment, as in the choir.
Movement
Andante, not fast nor slow.
Rhythm
Short figures (predominantly)
Timbre
Orchestra and voices (choir): sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses.
Character
Day-to-day character, melancholic.
Context
To be filled with an everyday story.
Text
To be filled with the physical context.
Audition 4: Vives' "Song of Freedom"
Work and Composer
Bohemios, "Song of Freedom" by Amadeo Vives. He was born on November 18, 1871, and died on December 1, 1932.
Genre
Vocal and secular. It is a Zarzuela.
Style
19th and 20th centuries. Romanticism.
Texture
Melody with accompaniment.
Movement
Allegro
Rhythm
Short figures (predominantly)
Timbre
Orchestra and voices (choir): sopranos.
Character
Happiness, liberation, eagerness.
Context
To be filled with an adventurous story.
Text
To be filled with the physical context.