Debussy: 'Estampes no. 1: Pagodes'

Structure:
How long is the intro to 'Pagodes'?

2 bars

Structure:
What is the overall structure?

Loose ternary form (ABA)

Tonality:
Describe the overall tonality.

NOT atonal

Tonality:
What keys are suggested from the key signature?

B major/G# minor (neither key is established)

Tonality:
What is the piece's tonal centre?

B

Melody:
What kind of scale is the melody based on (and what are the notes of the scale)?

Pentatonic scale/Gamelan Slendro scale (C# D# F# G# A#)

Melody:
Describe the main melody.

2-bar phrase making use of 4 notes of the pentatonic scale

Melody:
What other scale is present in the piece?

Whole tone scale

Melody:
What kind of motif appears in the 2nd bar of the piece?

3-note ascending motif

Harmony:
How is an ambiguous tone created through harmony?

Open 5ths

Harmony:
Describe the harmonic rhythm of the piece.

Slow harmonic rhythm - static harmony

Harmony:
Give some examples of types of chords that appear in the piece. (3)

Add 6ths, flattened 7ths, diminished triads

Harmony/Texture:
What kind of chords appear in the piece?

Parallel chords

Texture:
What kind of repetitive feature appears in the accompaniment?

Ostinato

Texture/Harmony:
How is tonal ambiguity/blurring created through texture?

Long pedal notes

Texture:
Give some examples of texture that appear throughout the piece. (4)

Contrapuntal texture, countermelody, contrary motion, 8ves

Texture:
Which term describes the overall texture of the piece?

Melody and accompaniment

Rhythm, Tempo & Metre:
How many times does the metre change (and what kind of change occurs)?

Two (4/4 to 2/4)

Rhythm, Tempo & Metre:
Describe the tempo of the piece.

Moderately fast (Moderement anime)

Rhythm, Tempo & Metre:
What tempo marking is used extensively in the piece?

Rit.

Rhythm, Tempo & Metre/Texture:
Describe how the rhythm and texture come together to add colour to the piece?

Crossrhythms

Rhythm, Tempo & Metre:
Give some examples of rhythmic features in the piece. (5)

Syncopation, tied notes, triplets, quintuplets, long note values

Sonority/Harmony:
How does the harmony allude to Gamelan music?

Gong-like open 5ths

Sonority:
Give two sonority features employed on the piano in this piece.

Crossing hands, wide range