Lockdown Listening #12: Debussy - Cello Sonata

BRONZE

1. How do you think the cellist and pianist are able to play in time when the can’t see each other?

2. See if you can spot a moment in the first movement where the first idea that the cello plays comes back.

3. Why do you think the music slows down and speeds up so often? What effect does it have?

4. Can you name the technique that the cellist uses at the start of the second movement?

5. See how many times the cellist plays a small pattern over and over again. What does this do to the music?

SILVER

1. To what extent do you agree that the cello part is actually the more important of the two?

2. List 3 extended techniques used in the cello part which go beyond simple melodic playing

3. How would you describe the harmony in this music?

4. How far do you agree that the piece should be viewed as one continuous piece, rather than three separate movements?

5. In the video, the music is performed in the round, with audience on all sides of the performers. What benefits can you think of to this arrangement?

GOLD

1. People (not Debussy himself) have labelled Debussy as an impressionist composer. To what extent do you agree with this judgement? Use musical elements to back up your answer.

2. To what extent do you agree that this music is experimental?

3. Treating the music as one whole piece, draw a structure map which labels each melodic theme or distinct harmonic idea with a new letter of the alphabet. Record where each returns and make a note of any obvious variations.

4. To what extent do you agree that this piece would work just as well played on a violin or viola?

5. Compose a short duet for piano and another solo instrument. Make your aim that of balancing the two parts so that, overall, neither is more important than the other.