[Continued listening extract audio not available in printed QP] Music (continued) Compare Romantic orchestral music with Classical orchestral music. Refer t...
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[Continued listening extract audio not available in printed QP]
Music (continued)
Compare Romantic orchestral music with Classical orchestral music. Refer to melody, harmony, dynamics, orchestra size and programme. [5]
Answer Details
This question requires a structured comparison of Romantic and Classical orchestral music across five specified areas. [5]
Any five of the following points earn one mark each:
| Element | Classical | Romantic |
|---|---|---|
| Melody | Regular, balanced phrases of typically four or eight bars; largely diatonic and predictable | Longer, more irregular phrase lengths; more emotionally expressive; wider intervals and pitch range; more chromatic |
| Harmony | Largely diatonic; functional chord progressions (I-IV-V-I); clear cadences and key centres | More chromatic; more dissonance with delayed resolutions; modulations to remote keys; less predictable harmonic direction |
| Dynamics | Moderate dynamic range, typically pp to ff; terraced dynamics common in earlier works | Much wider range from pppp to ffff; extensive gradual crescendo and diminuendo; sudden dramatic contrasts used for surprise |
| Orchestra size | Smaller ensemble: pairs of woodwind, two horns, two trumpets, timpani, strings | Significantly larger with additional brass (trombones, tuba, extra horns), expanded woodwind (piccolo, cor anglais, bass clarinet, contrabassoon), much larger percussion section, harp, and bigger string section |
| Programme | Abstract or 'absolute' music without extra-musical associations; governed by formal structures (sonata form, rondo) | Often follows a programme (a story, scene, literary idea or emotional narrative); symphonic poems and programme symphonies depict extra-musical content |
| Orchestration | More standardised approach; instruments used in conventional roles | Tone colour exploited as an expressive element in its own right; individual instruments given prominent solo passages to create specific moods and effects |
A strong answer will make direct comparisons rather than describing each period in isolation, and will use specific musical vocabulary to demonstrate understanding.
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