[Listening extract audio not available in printed QP. Skeleton score in Insert.] A string quartet performs the opening phrase shown below. The second violin...
Question 1 Report
[Listening extract audio not available in printed QP. Skeleton score in Insert.]
A string quartet performs the opening phrase shown below.
The second violin repeats this melody two bars later while the first violin holds a long note.
(a) What compositional is this technique. [1]
(b) What are the four instruments in a string quartet. [1]
[Total: 2 marks]
Answer Details
(a) The compositional technique described is imitation. [1]
Imitation occurs when a melodic idea introduced by one voice or instrument is then repeated (or closely echoed) by another voice or instrument shortly afterwards, while the first voice continues with new material. In this example, the second violin enters two bars after the first violin with the same melody, while the first violin holds a long note. This overlapping repetition of the same melodic material between parts is the defining characteristic of imitation. It differs from unison (where both play at the same time) and from a round or canon (where the imitation is strict and continuous throughout).
(b) The four instruments in a string quartet are: first violin, second violin, viola, and cello. [1]
The string quartet is one of the most important chamber music ensembles. The two violins share the upper register (with the first violin usually taking the main melody), the viola fills the middle register, and the cello provides the bass. Together, these four instruments cover a wide range of pitches and can produce a rich variety of textures.
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