1. Pulcinella Suite
Stravinsky

2. Learning Objectives
To revise the principal features of Neoclassical music
To learn about the background of the Pulcinella Suite
To study the orchestration of the Sinfonia and compare it with the original

3. Neoclassicism “Back to Bach” Emotional restraint; balance; clarity
Reaction against highly indulgent late Romanticism
Use of older techniques to organise 20th century harmonies and rhythms
Absolute music
Size of orchestra
Stravinsky, Prokofiev, Poulenc, Hindemith…
EBB much influenced by Stravinsky!

4. Neoclassicism 2 Prokofiev Symphony 1 “Classical” 1917
What are the “classical” features?
What are the 20th century features?
“I thought that if Haydn were alive today he would compose just as he did before, but at the same time would include something new in his manner of composition. I wanted to compose such a symphony: a symphony in the classical style”

5. Prokofiev Classical 20th century Classical orchestra
Antecedent-consequent phrasing
Sonata form!
Lovely perfect cadences everywhere
Unusual modulations
Some asymmetric phrases
Disjunct melodies
Highly detailed markings in score; instrumental techniques
“Wrong-note” harmony
Syncopation/jazzy rhythms
Short

6. Stravinsky Russian, lived in Paris
Wrote lots of ballets: Firebird , Petrushka 1911, Rite of Spring 1913, Pulcinella 1920
Orchestral suite of 8 pieces from the ballet 1922
Arrangements of 18th century pieces by Pergolesi
It turned out later that some weren’t by Pergolesi…

7. Sinfonia Based on a Sonata by Gallo
Double WW Baroque-style (no clarinets)
Solo string quintet Baroque-style (ish) – like a Corelli Concerto Grosso (what’s the difference?)
Listen

8. Gallo Compare: Harmony Melody Orchestration Markings in the score
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9. Sinfonia Questions What is the function of the solo string quintet?
How is the horn writing different from Baroque parts for horn?
How is Stravinsky’s writing for the double bass different from Gallo’s?
Give 3 examples from the score of string writing which would not be found in Baroque music.
Find 2 examples of “wrong-note” dissonant harmony.