Masterpieces of Music: Zarzuela, Impressionism, and Pop Classics

Diverse Musical Works: Analysis and Context

Zarzuela Duo: "Manila Manton" from La Verbena de la Paloma (Bretón)

• 1. Form: Binary.
• 2. Meter: 2/4.
• 3. Tempo: Lento de abanico (Fan tempo).
• 3.1. Upbeat: Anacrusic start.
• 4. Melody: Characterized by leaps.
• 4.1. Character: Popular.
• 5. Texture: Accompanied melody.
• 5.1. Key: In a major key.
• 6. Vocal Part: Tenor.
• 6.1. Instrumentation: Soprano, flute, flautinos, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, trumpets, etc.
• 7. Context: Duo from a zarzuela.
• 7.1. Significance: The culminating moment of the zarzuela.
• 8. Genre: Scenic and theatrical zarzuela, popular in Mexico and within the lyrical tradition.
• 9. Style: Nationalism.
• 10. Year: 1894.
• 11. Title/Context: "Dúo con mantón de Manila" (Duo with Manila Shawl), from La Verbena de la Paloma.
• 12. Composer: Tomás Bretón.

Albéniz: "El Corpus Christi en Sevilla" (Iberia Suite)

• 1. Form: Binary.
• 2. Meter: 2/4.
• 3. Tempo: Allegro Gracioso.
• 3.1. Character: Anacrusic start, lively and popular character, with pizzicato-like articulation.
• 4. Melody: Popular, with conjunct motion combined with predominant leaps.
• 4.1. Theme: Features the melody of "La Tarara," a popular tune with distinct character, in F-sharp major.
• 5. Texture: Homophonic.
• 5.1. Accompaniment: Arpeggiated accompaniment used for the initial melody presentation, with Impressionistic touches.
• 6. Harmony: Modern chords and piano writing.
• 6.1. Technique: Extensive use of pedal and sound exploration, characteristic of Impressionism.
• 7. Work: Part of the Iberia Suite for piano.
• 7.1. Significance: A work of national character.
• 8. Style: Instrumental, popular, nationalist, secular, and descriptive music.
• 9. Origin: Spanish style.
• 10. Period: 20th-century nationalism.
• 11. Title: "El Corpus Christi en Sevilla" from Isaac Albéniz's Iberia Suite.

Debussy: "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune" (1892-1894)

• 1. Meter: Several ternary subdivisions (6/8, 9/8, 12/8).
• 2. Tempo: Very Moderato.
• 2.1. Significance: The tempo and sentiment are crucial to the piece.
• 3. Melody: Wide-ranging, with a predominance of conjunct motion in two main groups.
• 3.1. Distinctiveness: The melody is one of the special elements of the work.
• 4. Accompaniment: Various types, with arpeggiated figures predominating.
• 4.1. Harmony: Revolutionary harmonic language was employed.
• 5. Orchestration: For orchestra.
• 5.1. Style: Emblematic of Impressionism.
• 6. Work: A seminal orchestral prelude.
• 6.1. Effect: Establishes an impression of a succession of dispersed moments.
• 7. Genre: Instrumental, cultured, programmatic, orchestral music.
• 8. Style: Impressionism.
• 9. Composition Period: 1892-1894.
• 10. Title: "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune".
• 11. Composer: Claude Debussy.

The Beatles: "Yesterday" (Mid-20th Century Pop)

• 1. Form: Binary.
• 2. Meter: 2/4.
• 3. Tempo: Moderato.
• 3.1. Rhythm: The rhythm is marked by the bass line; both melodic themes begin with a strong beat (thetic start).
• 4. Melody: Predominantly conjunct motion, with a nostalgic character.
• 4.1. Themes: Features two melodic themes (A and B), with the second theme being more intense.
• 5. Texture: Accompanied melody.
• 5.1. Key: The piece is in F major.
• 6. Vocal Part: Accompanied voice.
• 6.1. Instrumentation: No drums; instrumentation includes acoustic guitar and string quartet, typical of pop-classical fusion.
• 7. Structure: Brief song form.
• 7.1. Formal Scheme: Introduction, AABBABBA.
• 8. Style: Vocal and instrumental, folk, contemporary pop.
• 9. Genre: Pop.
• 10. Century: 20th century.
• 11. Title: "Yesterday".
• 12. Artist: The Beatles (mid-career).