SEMINAR IN

ANALYSIS
FINAL EXAM

NAME

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The format of this exam is just like the last one we had.
Attached are four score excerpts. Under each musical feature listed,
write a sentence or two describing how the piece handles that feature.
Be specific, and use theory vocabulary.
EXCERPT 1: After completing the below, take a guess at a possible
composer and composition date (+/-30 years):

Shape and contour (of a line): Stepwise ascent and descent, very
tonally based. Repeated use of cadence.

Harmony: F Minor (C Minor Key Signature)

Scales (includes modes, etc.): F Harmonic Minor Scale

Texture: Tonal, haunting, a bit dance-y. Melody and accompaniment.

Form/genre: Baroque/Chamber

Instrumentation: Bassoon, I would assume (since Fagotto is written)

with continuo (probably harpsichord or clavichord).

Dynamics: Probably mezzo piano or mezzo forte. The piece looks like
it would have a moderate volume.

Timbre: This piece sits in the tenor range. Not too low, nor too high. A
very comfortable and pleasing range for the bassoon.

My guess: Henry Purcell, Late 17th Century

EXCERPT 2: After completing the below, take a guess at a possible

composer and composition date (+/-30 years):

Shape and contour (of a line): Continuous descent

Harmony: No key signature or obvious key.

Scales (includes modes, etc.): None, unless one counts chromatic

Texture: Drones and dissonance played by strings over a fairly

chromatic keyboard (I assume) line.

Form/genre: Minimalist/Chamber

Instrumentation: 12-piece string ensemble with (I believe) piano

Dynamics: Pianissimo for strings, mezzo piano for keys

Timbre: Low-to-mid range for all instruments, causing a wider sound.

My Guess: Bartok, Early 20th Century

EXCERPT 3: After completing the below, take a guess at a possible

composer and composition date (+/-30 years):

Shape and contour (of a line): Ascent followed by descent

Harmony: C Minor (corresponds to key signature)

Scales (includes modes, etc.): C Natural Minor, C Melodic Minor

Texture: Continuous movement, prevailing consonance, voices take

precedent over the accompaniment

Form/genre: Requiem/Orchestral/Classical

Instrumentation: Choir and Orchestra

Dynamics: Forte for Voices

Timbre: Comfortable range for all vocalists, creating a pleasing, chant-

like tone

My Guess: Cherubini, Early 19th Century

EXCERPT 4: After completing the below, take a guess at a possible

composer and composition date (+/-30 years):

Shape and contour (of a line): Mostly descending

Harmony: G Minor to E Minor (Neither corresponds to key signature)

Scales (includes modes, etc.): G Melodic Minor, E Melodic Minor

Texture: Drones and leading tones push the work towards a cadence
and emphasize the voice.

Form/genre: Melody and accompaniment/Late Romantic

Instrumentation: Voice and Orchestra

Dynamics: Piano for instruments, probably forte for voice

Timbre: Comfortable timbre for vocalist. Instruments start low, then
play extremely high, creating a dramatic texture

My Guess: Richard Strauss, Early 20th Century