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Motivate why Beethoven's Symphony No - NSC Music - Question 8 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 8
Motivate why Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 and Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture contain programmatic elements.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Motivate why Beethoven's Symphony No - NSC Music - Question 8 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Beethoven's Symphony No. 6: Describe its programmatic elements
Answer
Beethoven's Symphony No. 6, also known as the 'Pastoral Symphony', incorporates elements that evoke the beauty of nature and rural life. Each movement has descriptive titles that enhance its programmatic nature:
- The first movement, 'Awakening of happy feelings on the arrival in the country', portrays the joy experienced upon entering the countryside.
- The second movement, 'By the Brookside', evokes the soothing sounds of a flowing stream.
- In the third movement, 'Merry Gathering of the country folk', Beethoven captures a festive atmosphere as country folk gather.
- The fourth movement, 'Thunderstorm', dramatically illustrates nature's fury through dynamic crescendos and rhythms.
- Finally, the fifth movement, 'Shepherd’s Song: Happy and thankful feelings after the storm', conveys relief and gratitude post-storm, affirming the connection between humanity and nature.
These titles and thematic elements illustrate Beethoven's deep appreciation for nature and its emotional impact.
Step 2
Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture: Describe its programmatic elements
Answer
Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture, also known as 'Fingal's Cave', serves as an illustrative piece inspired by the natural landscape. Although not strictly programmatic, it possesses several elements that evoke imagery:
- The piece is often referred to by its subtitle, 'The Lonely Island', which sets a scene of isolation and beauty characteristic of the Hebrides.
- It effectively captures the essence of sea and land through its orchestration, reflecting the movement of waves and the tranquility of its surroundings.
- While it does not tell a specific story, the music depicts aspects of nature through its melodic lines and harmonies,
This connection to the landscape and the feelings it evokes contribute to the Overture's programmatic quality.