Ritornello (returning) theme. Spring 1st movement
The main Spring theme (melody) alternates between other sections of the movement. Sometimes the full theme is played, sometimes either half.
It is played by the Tutti (full orchestra), is mostly staccato, and features suddenly changing dynamics, ornamentation and repetition. The texture is always homophonic during this theme.
It is played by the Tutti (full orchestra), is mostly staccato, and features suddenly changing dynamics, ornamentation and repetition. The texture is always homophonic during this theme.
The excerpt below is an example of how the composer illustrates birds singing. This is done by using notes high in pitch, repeated notes, imitation, staccato and ornamentation including trills.
In the 2nd episode below, notice how the melody twists and turns like a flowing stream, it moves by step and uses a flowing calm rhythm of semi-quavers.
The change of mood for the thunderstorm is brought about by loud dynamics, fast rising scales and triplets on the solo violin.
In the 2nd episode below, notice how the melody twists and turns like a flowing stream, it moves by step and uses a flowing calm rhythm of semi-quavers.
The change of mood for the thunderstorm is brought about by loud dynamics, fast rising scales and triplets on the solo violin.
2nd Movement
The purpose of the 2nd movement is to contrast with the 1st movement.
The tonality is minor rather than major.
The metre is 3 rather than 4.
It is homophonic throughout rather than a mixture of homophonic and polyphonic. Even though there are 3 independent parts played by the 3 instruments, there is only one main melody played on the 1st violin. The 2nd violin (dotted rhythm) and viola (ostinato) play the accompaniment.
The tempo is very slow rather than lively.
The dynamics are soft.
Its is played by a very smaller group of instruments.
The tonality is minor rather than major.
The metre is 3 rather than 4.
It is homophonic throughout rather than a mixture of homophonic and polyphonic. Even though there are 3 independent parts played by the 3 instruments, there is only one main melody played on the 1st violin. The 2nd violin (dotted rhythm) and viola (ostinato) play the accompaniment.
The tempo is very slow rather than lively.
The dynamics are soft.
Its is played by a very smaller group of instruments.