In this article we analyse a sample programme note for the ABRSM piano diploma exams. Comments on the excerpt of the programme are published here for an analysis. Please do not use the excerpts for your exams as these are for references only!
Background Of The Music
The student is required to provide information on the composer’s intention in composing the music, especially in the context of the era that it was composed. If it is dedicated to another person it should also be mentioned.
Chopin
Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23, was dedicated it to Baron Nathaniel von Stockhausen, who was the Hanoverian ambassador to France.
Beethoven
Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 27 is one of his shortest sonatas, but this in no way diminishes the great emotional intensity and variety of the work. Interesting to note is that at the time he composed this sonata, Beethoven would have been completely deaf.
Brahms
Brahms six pieces for piano Op. 118 were completed in 1893 and dedicated to Clara Schumann who said about them “The treasure you have given me in your new pieces constitute my only musical joy”. Performed along with the set of four pieces Op. 119, they were premiered in London in 1894
Bach
Bach’s 48 preludes and fugues are divided between 2 books, each containing preludes and fugues in the 24 major and minor keys. Bach compiled his first book after the introduction of equal temperament. This new tuning system enabled music to be composed in every key, contrary to earlier methods which were limited and inflexible and only allowed for compositions in a few keys.
Gershwin
“I Got Rhythm” was published as a song in 1930, composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by Ira Gershwin, and has since become a jazz standard.
Music Structure and content
Describe the musical structure such as the time and the form.
Bach
The twelfth prelude of Book 1 is written in the somewhat mournful key of F minor. Beginning with an arpeggiated figure in the right hand, the prelude is based around continuous semi-quaver movement, switching between the hands but never ceasing to produce a sense of continuous motion. A dominant C pedal note in the bass leads to the final chord, a Tierce de Picardie in F major.
Beethoven
Although the movement is written in ¾ time, Beethoven seems to try to deceive the listener at some points with syncopations and some unusual phrase lengths.
Brahms
This work is also an example of thematic development, where the original theme returns throughout the piece in various forms. The piece is in ternary (ABA) form, with the beautiful outer sections in A major and a melancholic central developmental section in F sharp minor (the relative minor).
