Write a short description about the significant elements of the second theme of "Fingal's Cave" regarding the instrumentation. - NSC Music - Question 9 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 9
Write a short description about the significant elements of the second theme of "Fingal's Cave" regarding the instrumentation.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Write a short description about the significant elements of the second theme of "Fingal's Cave" regarding the instrumentation. - NSC Music - Question 9 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
The second theme, meanwhile, depicts movement at sea and "rolling waves".
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Answer
The second theme of "Fingal's Cave" is characterized by its vivid portrayal of movement, evoking imagery of the sea and the gentle rolling of waves. This imagery is crucial to understanding the emotional landscape of the piece.
Step 2
It is written in D major and scored for bassoons and cellos.
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Answer
This theme is composed in the key of D major and primarily features the bassoons and cellos, which provide a rich, warm timbre that underlines the thematic material.
Step 3
The theme is first played by the cellos and bassoons in D major.
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Answer
Initially, the cellos and bassoons introduce the theme, presenting it beautifully in D major, thereby setting the tonal foundation for the musical narrative.
Step 4
The change from minor to major creates a sunnier mood.
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Answer
A key aspect of this theme is the transition from a minor tonality to a major one, which effectively creates a brighter and more optimistic mood, enhancing the sense of calm and serenity.
Step 5
The theme is accompanied by strings playing soft semiquavers and this repetition of the semiquavers create the idea of a calm sea.
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Answer
The accompaniment provided by the strings, featuring soft semiquavers, plays a significant role in establishing the tranquil atmosphere of the piece, reinforcing the theme's depiction of a peaceful sea.
