Unit XIX Absolute Forms in the Nineteenth Century

1
Unit XIXAbsolute Forms in the Nineteenth Century

• Chapter 52
• The Romantic Symphony

2
Definition

• A large-scale work for orchestra in several parts
  or movements (independent part of a larger
  musical work)
• Usually 3 or 4 movements (fast-slow-fast,
  fast-slow-moderately fast-fast) which contrast in
  character and mood.
• Absolute music

3
Symphony

• During the eighteenth century the symphony
  established itself as the dominant form of
  absolute music for the orchestra.
• As the form developed, movements took on greater
  length therefore, the composers of the
  nineteenth century composed fewer symphonies than
  their eighteenth century counterparts, but the
  symphonies they composed are significantly longer.

4
Typical movement structure

• First Movement - Sonata-allegro form
• Slow introduction - Exposition - Development -
  Recapitulation
• The exposition usually presents two contrasting
  themes, the first is usually more strongly
  rhythmic, the second more lyric A bridge or
  transitional passage links the two theme groups.
  As codetta ends the exposition.

5
First movement

• The development fragments the themes and
  recombines them accompanied by a much less stable
  harmonic background.
• The recapitulation brings back the themes of the
  exposition. The coda ends the movement.

6
Second Movement

• Character - more lyric, whimsical, playful,
  passionate or tragic.
• Tempo - usually andante, adagio or largo
• Form - often 3 part (A-B-A) or theme and
  variations

7
Third Movement

• In Romantic movement usually a strongly rhythmic
  scherzo (Italian for "jest")
• Character - lighthearted to demonic
• Tempo - lively - marked allegro, allegro molto,
  vivace
• Form - usually a large A-B-A. The middle
  section, known as the trio, is quieter in nature.
• The scherzo is sometimes a second movement form.

8
Fourth Movement

• Usually similar in dimensions and character to
  the first movement.
• Tempo - usually an allegro
• Also usually a sonata-allegro form.

9
Elements

• Theme - the main materials or musical idea on
  which the A movement is based.
• Motive - the constituent fragments of a theme.

10
Antonin Dvorák (1841-1904) as a Symphonist

• A leader in the establishment of the Czech
  national school.
• Works rooted in songs and dances of Bohemia.

11
American Experience

• 1892 - by invitation became the Director of the
  newly-formed National Conservatory of Music in
  New York City.
• Symphony No. 9 ("From the New World")
• American Quartet
• Concerto for Cello and Orchestra

12
Influences

• Influenced American pupils to use native
  materials. Among his students was Henry T.
  Burleigh, arranger of spirituals.
• Unable to stay away longer Dvorák returned home.

13
Symphony No. 9 From the New World

• Written during stay in the U. S. Premiered in
  NYC in 1893
• Standard four movement sonata cycle
• 2nd and 3rd movements linked to Longfellows Song
  of Hiawatha (Scherzo portrays Hiawathas Wedding
  Feast)
• 2nd movement melody made famous as a spiritual
  known as Goin Home