Structural Overview

General Structure

• The Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture is a single-movement symphonic poem based on Shakespeare's tragic play.
• It follows a modified sonata form, integrating thematic material that represents key elements of the story, such as love, conflict, and fate.

Structural Breakdown

Introduction (Andante non troppo – 0:00–4:37)

• Mood: Reflective and sombre, setting a serious tone.
• Key Features:
  • Opens with a solemn theme in F minor, played by clarinets and bassoons, representing Friar Laurence.
  • This theme reflects the moral and religious backdrop of the play, symbolising wisdom and restraint.
  • Strings enter softly, adding depth to the atmosphere, before transitioning into the main section.

Exposition (Allegro giusto – 4:37–9:45)

• Conflict Theme:
  • The aggressive, syncopated theme in B minor, is played by the strings and woodwinds.
  • Represents the feud between the Montagues and Capulets, characterised by driving rhythms and dissonance.
• Love Theme:
  • Introduced by the English horn and violas in D-flat major, later expanded by the strings.
  • Symbolises the love between Romeo and Juliet with soaring, lyrical melodies.

Development (9:45–13:05)

• Mood: Turbulent and dramatic, reflecting escalating conflict.
• Key Features:
  • The conflict theme is developed with increasing intensity, modulating through several keys.
  • Fragments of the love theme emerge, suggesting the fragile hope of Romeo and Juliet's love amid the chaos.

Recapitulation (13:05–16:15)

• Return of Themes:
  • The conflict theme reappears with heightened drama and energy.
  • The love theme also returns, now richer and more expressive, showcasing the depth of their tragic love.
• Tonal Shift: Modulations intensify the emotional impact, moving between B minor and D-flat major.

Coda (Adagio lamentoso – 16:15–20:00)

• Mood: Sorrowful and reflective, depicting the tragedy's conclusion.
• Key Features:
  • A mournful restatement of the love theme, fragmented and subdued, symbolising the death of Romeo and Juliet.
  • The piece concludes with a quiet resolution in B major, offering a glimmer of peace amidst the tragedy.

Key Structural Features

Modified Sonata Form:

• Combines the traditional elements of sonata form (exposition, development, recapitulation) with programmatic storytelling.

Thematic Representation:

• Themes are associated with characters and emotions, evolving to reflect the dramatic arc of the story.

Orchestration:

• Tchaikovsky uses a full Romantic orchestra to create dramatic contrasts, lush textures, and vivid characterisation.