Poulenc Sonata for Trumpet Horn and Trombone mvt 1 1922

Structure

Modified ternary. A and B section constrast exaggerated with modulation from E flat to G, change of tempo and change of mood from spiky to lyrical. Gap from B back to A is bridged by adding a linking passage which is similar to B in tonality but to A in general feel. End of first A section has humorous codetta that augments rhythmn, puts it in minor and passes it between instruments.

Harmony and tonality

Mostly diatonic, lots of primary chords, particuarly in A section. Added note harmonies and some unorthodox dissonances. 2nd part of A section is unstable with sporadic implications of minor key in particular in horn part. Unusual tonal structure - from A section in G and B section in E flat. Unexpected modulations - ending up briefly in Db major at end of B section.

Melody + rhythmn

Melodies short and memorable. Main idea of simple descending triad. Regular phrasing but middle of A seection shifts between different meters. Motif from beginning undergoes a range of transformations including rhythmic augmentation at end of A section. Touches of chromaticism e.g in final coda. Occasional large leaps. Conjunct music often founds which might turn into more scalar. Occasional ornamental phrases. Mainly quavers and semiquavers with crotchets for the cadence.

Texture and sonority

Instrumentation of horn trumpet and trombone is an unusual combination. Strange uses of instruments - e.g large leaps in trumpet at end of B section. In reprise of A section the horn and trombone swap roles - horn takes bass part. Mostly melody and accompianment but includes comic oom-pah-pah accompaniment in bridge section. Extensive use of doubling in 6ths and 3rds - for e.g in 2nd part of A section. Occasional monophony or homorythm.

Instruments and their handling

Unusual combination. As it now has valves, can now play chromatic music. Wide ranging trumpet part and big leaps. Horn takes over tune occasionally. Trumpet has virtuoso flourish. Trombone and trumpet ooh pah pah. Trombone has many awkward leaps. Horn has some very low notes.