MC 402: Late Romantic to Contemporary Music

Assessment 2: Analytical Listening

1. Date Due: Upload to Loop Friday 24th November 11:59PM

2. Format: Analytical Listening

3. Length: 650–700 words

4. Weighting: 25%

5. Subject: French Impressionism

French Impressionism

Debussy was inspired greatly by different cultural and artistic mediums and music of non-
western cultures.

Pagodes is a piano piece composed in 1903 that evokes the sounds of gamelan music, as
well as using pentatonic scales and various motifs to create imagery of Pagoda temples.

Debussy’s piano piece was orchestrated by Caplet in 1910. Listen analytically to both
recordings and evaluate the ways that different forces capture the mood and imagery that
inspired the work. The recordings are available on YouTube and Links are provided below.

Write a short paragraph (650–700 words) to give your own opinion on these two
interpretations, and debate whether the piano or the orchestra is better suited to creating
the impressionistic atmosphere in Pagodes.

Footnotes are not necessary, but they may be used if you wish.

Consider various musical aspects such as:

• The range of orchestral instruments involved and how they are used for portraying
themes and motifs.

• The use of the high and low registers within the range of the piano to evoke the
mood.

• Use of rubato, tempo, and dynamics in both performances.

• Is it easier to hear instances of pentatonic and unusual harmonies in the orchestra

or piano?

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• Is there a stronger sense of rhythm in the piano version or in the orchestral version?

• What do you think Debussy thought of the orchestral version?

Assessment Sources:

• Youtube Link 1:
Debussy: Pagodes Piano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lswHSnJ0Rlw

• Youtube Link 2:
Caplet: Pagodes Orchestration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZRxIF9ULg8

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