Module 1: Fantasy Impromptu Op. 66 Frederic Chopin

Fantasy Impromptu Op. 66

Composition by Frederic Chopin from the Romantic Period

Romantic Period

An era in music emphasizing emotion, expression, and individuality

Time Signature

The number that tells how many beats per measure and what note gets the beat

Exposition Time Signature

2/2 (alla breve or cut time)

Middle Section Time Signature

4/4 (common time)

Reprise Time Signature

2/2 (alla breve or cut time)

Tempo

The speed of the music

Allegro agitato

Fast, with a restless and agitated character

Largo pesante

Very slow, heavy, with emphasis

Moderato cantabile

Moderately paced, in a singing manner

Presto

Very fast

Key Signature

Sharps or flats that indicate the key of the piece

Exposition Key

C# minor

Middle Section Key

Db Major

Reprise Key

Back to C# minor

Form

Structure of the composition

Fantasy Impromptu Form

ABA + Coda

Exposition Structure

Bars 1–4 intro; 5–12 main theme; 13–24 secondary theme (E major); 25–42 development

Middle Section (Trio) Structure

Bars 43–58 main theme (Db major); 59–70 secondary theme (Ab major); 71–83 repetition

Reprise Structure

Bars 83–118 repeat of exposition; Coda 119–138

Texture

Homophonic texture (melody + accompaniment)

Dynamics

Symbols indicating loudness or softness

sf (sforzando)

Forceful accent

f (forte)

Loud

ff (fortissimo)

Very loud

p (piano)

Soft

ppp (pianississimo)

Very, very soft

Crescendo

Gradually getting louder

Diminuendo

Gradually getting softer

riten (ritenuto)

Immediate reduction of speed

rit (ritardando)

Gradual reduction of tempo

a tempo

Return to original tempo

Sixteenth notes

Common note used in the treble clef

Sextuplet

Eighth notes grouped in six, commonly in the bass clef