Classical Works

Instrumental Works

20. symphony – симфония

e.g. Tchaikovsky’s fifth symphony, Beethoven’s early/later symphonies

In formal style, for example, in advertisements and printed programmes, the following form is often used:

Tchaikovsky. Symphony №5.

Symphony is used adjectivally in the expressions symphony orchestra (meaning a large orchestra, as opposed to chamber orchestra), symphony concert (a concert given by a symphony orchestra).

Symphonic is used in symphonic poem, symphonic variations.

21. concerto (pl. concerti, concertos) – концерт (как музыкальное произведение)

Cf: I went to a good concert last night.

Gilels played a concerto by Mozart / a Mozart concerto.

Concertos are written for an orchestra with solo instrument(s) and the instrument is often specified as follows: a piano concerto, a violin concerto, Beethoven’s third piano concerto, etc.

In formal style we often read:

Beethoven: Piano concerto №3

Concerto №3 for piano and orchestra

22. overture – увертюра

e.g. The concert began with Beethoven’s “Egmont” overture.

They played the overture from “The Magic Flute” by Mozart.

23. suite [swi:t] – сюита

e.g. They played the ballet suite (from) “Romeo and Juliet”.

24. sonata – соната (a work for solo instrument, sometimes with an accompaniment)

e.g. a piano/violin sonata, Beethoven’s piano sonatas

On printed programmes we read, for example:

Beethoven. Sonata № 12.

25. duet, trio, quartet, etc.

These are works composed for two, three or four performers. Here also the instruments or type of instruments can be specified. The most common expression of this kind is string quartet.

The following terms are used of works for more than four instruments:

Quintet – for 5	Septet – for 7
Sextet – for 6	Octet – for 8

Trio, quartet, etc. are also used to denote a group of three, four, etc. players performing together.

e.g. There’s a recital by a trio from Prague tomorrow.

26. Movement, part

Symphonies, concertos and most other works mentioned above are divided into movements (части).

e.g. The symphony is in four movements.

I liked the first movement best.

Part is not appropriate here. It is used sometimes, however, mainly with reference to choral works and to some instrumental works which depart from the traditional form.

Part has two other meanings connected with music:

1. part of a concert (отделение),

e.g. I enjoyed the second part (of the concert) better than the first.

2. what a particular musician has to play or sing (партия)

e.g. The piano part was played by… // The tenor part was sung by…

27. Special names for musical works

Some works have special names connected with their theme or with the circumstances of their composition.

e.g. Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata / Emperor Concerto, Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony, Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony

On printed programmes the name is generally put in brackets.

e.g. Beethoven. Piano Concerto №5 (The Emperor)

Schubert. Symphony №9 (The Unfinished)

In conversation these names are often used in such sentences as:

I heard Richter play Beethoven’s Emperor concerto / the Emperor concerto.

(in a discussion of Beethoven’s symphonies) I like the Pastoral better than the Choral.