[Listening extract audio not available in printed QP] The first movement begins with a dramatic theme in D minor. A contrasting lyrical theme follows in F m...
Question 1 Report
[Listening extract audio not available in printed QP]
The first movement begins with a dramatic theme in D minor. A contrasting lyrical theme follows in F major.
(a) What is the section of sonata form where two contrasting themes are first presented. [1]
(b) Explain the key relationship between D minor and F major. [1]
(c) Describe two ways the second theme contrasts with the first. [2]
[Total: 4 marks]
Answer Details
(a) The section of sonata form where two contrasting themes are first presented is the exposition. [1] In sonata form, the exposition introduces the first subject in the tonic key and the second subject in a related key (typically the dominant or relative major), establishing the thematic material that will be developed later.
(b) F major is the relative major of D minor. [1] Every minor key shares a key signature with a major key located a minor third above it. D minor has one flat (B flat), and so does F major. This relationship means they share the same set of pitches but have different tonal centres, making F major the natural choice for a contrasting second subject in a D minor sonata-form movement.
(c) Two ways the second theme contrasts with the first: [2]
- The second theme is lyrical in character while the first is dramatic, providing a contrast of mood and expression. [1]
- The second theme is in a major key (F major) while the first is in a minor key (D minor), creating a contrast of tonality that brings a shift from dark intensity to warmth and brightness. [1]
Other acceptable contrasts include: different instrumentation (e.g. woodwind vs full orchestra) or different dynamics.
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
