Question

Although his piano style emulates that of Chopin, he forged a distinctly Norwegian idiom in songs, short piano pieces, and orchestral suites. What are some of the nationalistic traits found in his music?

1) Modal turns of melody and harmony
2) Frequent drones in bass or middle register
3) Combination of 3/4 and 6/8 meters
4) All of the above

Answer 1

Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg incorporated nationalistic traits such as modal melodies, drones, and dance rhythms in his work, therefore the answer is all of the above.

Step-by-step explanation:

The composer being referred to in the question is likely Edvard Grieg, a Norwegian composer from the Romantic era known for incorporating Norwegian folk elements into his music. Nationalistic traits in his music often include modal turns of melody and harmony, which refers to the use of scales that differ from the traditional major and minor scales used in Western classical music. This can provide a distinctive 'Norwegian' sound. Additionally, frequent drones in the bass or middle register are also characteristic, mimicking traditional instruments like the Hardanger fiddle, which often uses a droning sound. Lastly, the combination of 3/4 and 6/8 meters is sometimes used in a way that reflects the rhythms of Norwegian dances. Therefore, the answer to the student's question is option 4) All of the above.