Symphonie Fantastique: movement 1
Instrumentation
Large symphony orchestra with numerous additions to the standard orchestra.
Minimum number of strings is stated on the score - e.g. 15 1st Violins.
Instrumental Techniques
mute
punta d'arco (point of bow)
double stopping
pizz
tremolo
divisi
timp-baguette (wooden sticks)
sponge sticks
drum rolls
Detailed performance instructions/dynamics
Structure/Tonality
Sonata form preceded by a slow introduction (typical of the time) but use more freely here - the 2 subjects are similar and undergo further development in the recap.
Slow introduction: C minor - C major, is followed by a link section.
Exposition: 1st subject, idee fixe (C major), 2nd subject (G major)
Development: 1st and 2nd subs appear and ascending crescendo and descending diminuendo.
Recpiitulation: more like a series of development sections playing with earlier material; 1st sub in G minor (usually in tonic) and is developed further; 2nd subject is treated imitatively and developed.
Harmony
Coda: lase statement of idee fixe over a C major chord and becoming monophonic before Religiosamente section with long tied note values that balances out the slow intro.
Chords are functional but emphasis on chromatic harmony.
Frequent perfect cadences confirm modulations to new keys.
Tonic and dominant pedal notes.
Movement ends with a series of plagal cadences.
Texture
Highly varied and imaginative throughout, changes frequently.
Opens with just flutes and clarinets in octaves which becomes homophonic as more instruments join.
Homophonic chordal texture in the Religiosamente.
Melody
Idee Fixe is presented as the 1st subject. Consists of rising perfect 4ths and major 6th and followed by a descending sigh-like motif.
Sigh-like motif heard in ascending sequence to create tension - 87-100
2nd Subject has similar characteristics to 1st - long note followed by leaps of a 4th & 6th before a descending 2-note sigh figure.
Rhythm/metre/tempo
Largo - Introduction in simple quadruple time changing to simple duple.
A number of tempo changes and variety of rhythmic values used.
Rests and pauses used in the into to create a feeling of uncertainty.
Programme music: Story of a talented artist with a lively imagination who has poisoned himself with opium in a moment of despair caused by frustrated love. This plunges him into a deep sleep accompanied by strange visions. His beloved becomes a melody - idee fixe which he meets and hears everywhere. t