1. The concerto through time: Romantic edition

2. Key Question What are the key features of the Romantic concerto?
Consider
Instruments
Pitch and melody
Dynamics
Texture
Structure

3. Key features of the Romantic concerto:
Structure:
Movements and works became much longer than in previous eras
Modulations were made to distantly related keys
Pitch and melody
Melodies became longer
Cadences at the ends of phrases weren’t as clear
Instruments
Much larger orchestras
Woodwind and brass became much more prominent
Texture
Dramatic contrasts in textures
Melodies would often be doubled (two instruments playing the same thing)
Dynamics and expression:
A conductor was required for directing rubato and more extreme changes in dynamics

4. Listening task: notation
You will hear the extract four times
Extract (play to 1:43)

5. Answers 2. Rising arpeggios, quaver movement 3. Accept two:
The overall dynamic is piano
The strings play con sordino
The melody is legato
The tempo is slow
4. Accept two:
The melody is being played by a solo woodwind instrument
The harmonies and melody contain chromaticism
There is some rubato
There are crescendos and diminuendos within phrases

6. Listening task: Long answer
You may be asked to compare extracts or write in more detail about an extract in prose, in which the quality of your written communication will be marked.
Tips:
READ THE QUESTION CAREFULLY
Structure your answer so that you mention one element in Extract A and then the SAME element in Extract B
Reference what you know about the music of the era as well
Extract A (0:50)
Extract B (1:04)

7. Answers Extract A Extract B Written in the Classical period
5-6 marks: A good range of musical features are identified regarding the use of the soloist and orchestra in both extracts. This shows evidence of a good level of comparative understanding. The response is expressed clearly, using appropriate terminology with accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar. 3–4 marks: Several points are made regarding the use of the soloist and orchestra in both extracts which attempt to make some comparison(s) between them. The response shows some organisation and structure but may contain some errors of spelling, punctuation, and grammar. 1–2 marks: A limited number of points are made regarding the use of the soloist and orchestra from at least one of the extracts. The response lacks organisation, structure and accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar. 0 marks: No response or no response worthy of credit.
Extract A
Extract B
Written in the Classical period
Melody and accompaniment
Solo and tutti sections alternate at the beginning
The violin opens the movement
The 1st violins play the melody in the tutti sections
The orchestra plays a simple accompaniment when accompanying the solo violin
The accompaniment in itself is quite homophonic
Written in the romantic period
The orchestra opens this extract
The woodwind instruments play excerpts of the melody
The violin's opening is virtuosic including
double-stopping
Pizzicato
Unaccompanied
Cadenza-like
The orchestra accompaniment is quite homophonic (chords in the strings)