William Tell Overture
The William Tell Overture is the overture to the opera (therefore is an operatic overture) William Tell by Italian composer Gioacchino Rossini The overture is in four parts, each following without pause. Each part, or movement, has a title.
1; Sunrise in the Alps
2; The Storm
3; Shepherd on the mountainside
4; Revolution.
This oveture was composed in 1829 (19th Century), the Romantic era.
William Tell is a Swiss hero who possibly led a revolt against the Austrians in the 14th Century.This ia a great example of Programme music, music which tells a story, paints a picture or describes a mood.
1; Sunrise in the Alps
2; The Storm
3; Shepherd on the mountainside
4; Revolution.
This oveture was composed in 1829 (19th Century), the Romantic era.
William Tell is a Swiss hero who possibly led a revolt against the Austrians in the 14th Century.This ia a great example of Programme music, music which tells a story, paints a picture or describes a mood.
Music of the Romantic Era
In general Romantic music is more emotional, colourful and dramatic than the music of previous eras. Romantic doesn’t mean “love”. It is more associated with artist’s state of mind, expression of emotion……all emotions, not just love. This spirit of expression is the kernel of Romanticism.
Large Orchestra Very big when compared to Classical music. Each section was larger. (It’s assumed you know the sections of the orchestra!!) Instruments were of superior quality.
Brass and percussion sections featured.
Programme Music; This is one of the strongest features of the Romantic era, where the composer paints a picture, tells a story, or creates a mood through music.
Dynamics; are extreme and serve the purposes of the mood rather than being solely for contrast.
Harmony; is more colourful and chromatic.
Modulations to un-related keys
Structure; Although many composers use similar forms, they are free when compared to the rigid structural procedures of the Classical era.
In general Romantic music is more emotional, colourful and dramatic than the music of previous eras. Romantic doesn’t mean “love”. It is more associated with artist’s state of mind, expression of emotion……all emotions, not just love. This spirit of expression is the kernel of Romanticism.
Large Orchestra Very big when compared to Classical music. Each section was larger. (It’s assumed you know the sections of the orchestra!!) Instruments were of superior quality.
Brass and percussion sections featured.
Programme Music; This is one of the strongest features of the Romantic era, where the composer paints a picture, tells a story, or creates a mood through music.
Dynamics; are extreme and serve the purposes of the mood rather than being solely for contrast.
Harmony; is more colourful and chromatic.
Modulations to un-related keys
Structure; Although many composers use similar forms, they are free when compared to the rigid structural procedures of the Classical era.
The video below features the first 2 sections of the overture. Try to imagine the picture being painted as you listen/watch.
Sunrise in the Alps features solo cello playing the melody and a group of celli playing the accompaniment, before a quiet roll on the timpani, suggesting thunder in the distance prepares the way for the on-coming storm. Notice the pizzicato (plucking) of the double bass in the background, while the celli play arco (bowed).
As The Storm approaches, short staccato notes on woodwind, suggesting drops of rain, before an increase tempo, dynamics and instruments brings on the storm.Scale passages twisting and turning suggest swirling wind which is followed by Descending scales on strings, suggesting teeming rain, as loud Trombones and drum rolls and crashing cymbals are featured at the height of the storm, before it dies away, leaving the listener with drops of rain on woodwind as the storm disappears. Solo flute suggests a bird singing after the storm moves away.
Listen/watch for the following;
Arco - stringed instruments being bowed
Pizzicato - stringed instruments being plucked
Tremolo - quivering effect by playing a repeated note very fast. This is how a drum roll is played.
Trill - a type of ornamentation where 2 notes are alternated very quickly.
Crescendo - getting gradually louder
Diminuendo - getting gradually quieter
Staccato - detached short notes
Legato - smooth joined notes
Sunrise in the Alps features solo cello playing the melody and a group of celli playing the accompaniment, before a quiet roll on the timpani, suggesting thunder in the distance prepares the way for the on-coming storm. Notice the pizzicato (plucking) of the double bass in the background, while the celli play arco (bowed).
As The Storm approaches, short staccato notes on woodwind, suggesting drops of rain, before an increase tempo, dynamics and instruments brings on the storm.Scale passages twisting and turning suggest swirling wind which is followed by Descending scales on strings, suggesting teeming rain, as loud Trombones and drum rolls and crashing cymbals are featured at the height of the storm, before it dies away, leaving the listener with drops of rain on woodwind as the storm disappears. Solo flute suggests a bird singing after the storm moves away.
Listen/watch for the following;
Arco - stringed instruments being bowed
Pizzicato - stringed instruments being plucked
Tremolo - quivering effect by playing a repeated note very fast. This is how a drum roll is played.
Trill - a type of ornamentation where 2 notes are alternated very quickly.
Crescendo - getting gradually louder
Diminuendo - getting gradually quieter
Staccato - detached short notes
Legato - smooth joined notes
Shepherd on the mountainside features Cor Anglais and Flute alternating, almost talking to each other. They are accompanied by strings which are plucked (pizzicato). Also notice the triangle quietly in the background. As this movement continues, notice that these 2 instruments play two separate melodies at the same time, counterpoint. This could also be described as being polyphonic. The scene of the lonely shepherd on the mountain is illustrated by quiet dynamics, a small group of musicians with 2 solo instruments and a relaxed tempo.
A trumpet fanfare, brings on the last movement featuring the full orchestra, and the galloping horses rhythm.
The fast tempo, loud dynamic, "galloping" rhythm, trumpet fanfare at the start and the full orchestra all playing together give this section a feeling of charging into battle, hence the title, Revolution.
A trumpet fanfare, brings on the last movement featuring the full orchestra, and the galloping horses rhythm.
The fast tempo, loud dynamic, "galloping" rhythm, trumpet fanfare at the start and the full orchestra all playing together give this section a feeling of charging into battle, hence the title, Revolution.