Tchaikovsky - Symphony No.5 (LAM 76)
Harmonic Analysis of Extract LAM 76 with MIDI file
This page was reformatted on 16/01/06
Topics To Research
- Tchaikovsky - works, style.
- Nationalism.
- Russian nationalism.
- The Romantic symphony.
- Programme symphony.
- Cyclicity.
- Motto theme.
- 19th century orchestration.
Bibliography
- Grout - pp. 570-594, 633-641.
- CMG - pp.366-375.
- Tchaikovsky - Master Musician Series.
- Russian Masters 1 - New Grove Biographies.
- Tchaikovsky: Symphonies and Concertos - BBC Music Guide
Questions
1. Write out the horn and trumpet parts of bars 157-158 at concert pitch.
2. Identify the following chords:-
- bar 155 beat 4,
- bar 156 beat 1,
- bar 156 beat 3,
- bars 158-164,
- bar 165.
3. Define and illustrate the following:-
- appoggiatura,
- pedal point,
- cross rhythm,
- false relation,
- tremolo.
4. Identify the features that indicate this extract to be a product of Romanticism.
5. Describe the orchestral textures found in this extract and explain how Tchaikovsky brings out the melody.
6. Describe Tchaikovsky's (a) rhythmic, and (b) melodic styles
Features of the Music
Rhythm
- Combination of 12/8 and 4/4.
- Cross rhythm.
- Feeling of expansivity.
- Rhythmic development of the melodic line.
- Pulsating effect of the semiquavers - impassioned.
Melody
- Long - fully blown - quintessentially "big" Romantic tune.
- Very attractive - instantly recognisable mood.
- Sequences.
- Chromaticism.
- Semitones.
- Note register of melody.
- Use of motto theme.
- Appoggiaturas (see harmony)
Harmony/Tonality
- Chromatic.
- Tonal centre at opening B/D.
- Moves to D major towards end.
- Dim 7th.
- 6/4 chords.
- 7th chords.
- Aug. 6th.
- Lack of cadences.
- Appoggiaturas.
Texture
- Bold homophony.
- Touches of counterpoint.
- Strong bass line.
- Emphasis on lower parts in motto theme.
Timbre
- Large, Romantic orchestra.
- Orchestra treated in groups.
- Emphasis on melodic line through doubling.
- Blocked orchestration.
Form
- Sectionalised.
- Strongly contrasted.
Expressive Effect
- Note dynamic markings
- Overwhelming effect
- Personal/subjective expression.
- Very obvious, exaggerated, emotional content - directly communicated.
- Highly dramatic contrast - passionate expression of love/desire to threateningly fatalistic interruption.