Tma 02 Part 3

TMA 02     Part 3 Music 86%  
For this part of the TMA you will need to listen to Track 10 on the TMA
CD. You will hear the “First Tableau: The Shrovetide Fair” from
Petrushka by Stravinsky. Listen to the track a few times and then
answer the question below in up to 300 words on continuous prose.
How does Stravinsky combine the elements of music, introduced to you
in Unit 3, to establish the atmosphere of the fair?  
Stravinsky begins the piece with a high-pitched flourish of woodwind
instruments, such as the flute and clarinet and is then accompanied by the
strings which increase in volume   to meet with a fanfare of trumpets, it
sounds like the fair is opening. Rhythm plays a key role throughout the
entirety of the piece, fluctuating sounds are created as the fluttering of the
woodwind section meet with the loud sharp sounds of the strings. Stravinsky
manipulates this rapidly changing rhythm to establish the excitement and
commotion of the fair.  
The choice of instruments, and concentration on certain sections of the
orchestra in particular parts adds colour to the piece, perhaps representative
of the colours and vibrant images of the fair. In the same way, the fullness of
the orchestra may relate to the busy crowds at the fair and at the same time
sounds very grand.  
Full use is made of the orchestra, to create great noise and effect, where the
strings are concentrated on, the music is very grand and striking; whereas the
effect the woodwind has on the piece is fleeting and soft. The gradual
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change in tempo is marked by drum rolls which introduces adagio and
accelerando, the timbre of the drum is loud and echoes briefly creating the
feeling of suspense at the fair.  
Each movement brings its own highlight, from the strong trumpet blasts to
the precise beats of the triangle, which accompanies the softer woodwind
section at the end of the piece. The atmosphere of the fair is lively and
upbeat as...