a series of assertiveffchords for full orchestra (note the pierc-
ing dissonance in the 7th measure), which at once establishes
an atmosphere of headstrong defiance. The first theme, begin-
ning in measure 15 with its restless rhythm, is not meant to
be beautiful in the ordinary sense of the term—“a concourse of
sweet sounds”; rather is it a dramatic characterization, a picture
in terms of music, of the reckless energy and the fierce threats
which we naturally associate with Coriolanus. The theme is re-
peated and then the transition develops this masculine mood
in an impassioned manner—observe the frequency ofsf accents
and the crashing dissonances[169]—until a sustained note on the
violins, followed by a descending cantabile phrase, brings us to
the second theme,e.g.
[Music]
[Footnote 163: A complete account of this development may be
found in the first two chapters of Niecks’sProgramme Music.]
[Footnote 164: For an excellent description of this piece, as well
as others of the period, see the volume by KrehbielThe Pi-
anoforte and Its Music.]
[Footnote 165: A comprehensive and invaluable description of
the works and style of Couperin and Rameau may be found
in theHistory of the Pianoforte and its Playersby Oscar Bie.
For an early example of what is now called “poetic atmosphere”
everyone should know Couperin’s pieceLes Barricades Mys-
térieuseswhich is more suggestive when played on the claveçin
with its delicate tone.]
[Footnote 166: A favorite term of opprobrium is that the pro-
gram is a “crutch.”]
[Footnote 167: There are several essays which will help the stu-
dent toward clear thinking on this important subject: the valu-
able essayProgram Music in Newman’sMusical Studies, the
article on the subject in Grove’s Dictionary, and the exhaustive
volume by Niecks; some of his views, however, are extreme and
must be accepted with caution. Above all should be read Wag-
ner’s interpretation of Coriolanus in his essay on the Overture
(English translation by W.A. Ellis).]
[Footnote 168: Twenty-five years’ experience as a college teacher,
however, has proved thattoo muchmay be taken for granted!]