12
others have secondary, accompanying function. In this case parts having the same
function are equal with each other.
On the basis of analysis of mixed ensembles by L. van Beethoven (Sextet
op. 81b, Trio op. 11, Septet op. 20, Trio op. 38) several observations are made: a)
in large ensembles composer applies solutions stemming from divertissement to
compositional and dramaturgic
structure of the cycle; b) in ensemble writing of
large ensembles a significant influence of orchestral writing is present; c) in Sextet
op. 81b and Septet op. 20 two variants of ensemble writing with several soloists
are embodied; d) in small ensembles a mode with complete equality of the parts is
applied, characterised by intrinsic work on details of texture, more significant role
of the dialogues as well as by plentiful exchanges of textural and ensemble
functions between parts.
It is revealed that in Sextet op.35 and in Septet op. 88 by I. Moscheles two
modes of ensemble writing are embodied, in spite of the fact that both ensembles
include piano. In Sextet it is a mode with several instruments regarded as soloists
with variable degree of independence (piano is the most autonomous participant of
the ensemble from the standpoint of functional organisation; flute and violin are
quite close to it), in Septet mode with one soloist (piano) is used, that allows to
reveal influence of the concerto genre.
It is stated that F. Ries deftly uses different modes in his chamber
ensembles: a) mode marked by equality of parts is applied both to large and small
ensembles (Septet, op. 25, Trio op. 28 no2), achieved
by usage of dialogues
between different timbres as well as by parity in distribution of the thematic
material and interpretation of the instruments as soloists within the limits of their
orchestral range; b) Sextet op. 142 is a remarkable example of a work with
intermediate state between mode with equal participants and mode with several
soloists (harp and piano by their timbre are paired as doppelgangers, that act as
soloists, however, without diminishment of functional significance another
ensemblists) c) Octet op. 128 represents a mode, founded on idea of a piano being
on the top of hierarchy with other instruments being subordinate to it.
13
It is noted, that C. M. Weber uses strikingly different modes of ensemble
writing in Quintet op. 34 and in Trio op. 63. In the former one clarinet becomes the
main instrument, while the string quartet is understood as a miniature orchestra
supporting the soloist. However, in certain passages
some instruments rise up to
become equal companions to soloists, and certain degree of equality is achieved in
the 3rd movement. Conversely, in the Trio the idea of equality of the soloists is
materialised, with a single exception of 2nd movement, marked by dominant role
of flute.
Analysis of mixed chamber ensembles by L. Spohr allowed to draw several
conclusions: a) ensemble writing of Nonet op. 31 is an example of incarnating the
principle of complete equality of parts in spite of large number of participants. By
the same token, large ensemble places restrictions on the range of parts, on the
exchange of tessiture positions as well as on revealing
virtuoso potential of each
instrument; b) in Octet op. 32 composer applies mode of ensemble writing
incorporating two principles: of equality between the instruments and of
dominance of “the best among equal” (clarinet, French horn and violin); c) in
Septet op. 147 principle of equality of the parts is used, however, ensemble writing
is not so rich with solo phrases, more doublings are used, a device of integrating
the instruments in timbre combinations or groups and their juxtaposition is used
more extensively.
It is revealed that in three mixed ensembles by J. Brahms (Trio op. 40, Trio
op. 114, Quintet op. 115) different modes of ensemble writing with equal parts are
used. Such variety is caused by dissimilar qualitative and quantitative composition
of the ensemble as well as by individual artistic idea in each of these works.
Thus, approach to mixed chamber ensembles with or without piano from the
standpoint
of ensemble writing, presented in this dissertation, is adequate and
reliable for creating their classification into several separate modes. Principle of
combination of heterogenous timbres being chosen as genre-constructing factor
contributes to revealing of their genre peculiarity and to creation of their typology.