fionn Nov 23, 2010:

tightness/robustness I don't want to blow my own trumpet (sorry for the terrible pun...), but... Well, actually I think this input might back up the use of 'tightness', meaning that despite the fact they are short pieces they hold together very well (coherent) with nothing superfluous about them; they are solid despite their brevity. Besides, I found another reference which indicates the terms is used this way ("energy and structural tightness"):

"Classic style, up to and including Beethoven, is more about rhythm and time (note groupings and rests), dramatic tension, periodic phrases, and structure (sonata form). Beethoven's harmony is rather simple. I think it's his energy and structural tightness (as well as his position standing at the threshold of the romantic era, with the expansion of the pianoforte to an instrument simulating an entire orchestra) that make him great." (http://pianosociety.com/new/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=3601...

Robustness might work, but perhaps it sounds too punchy for the context?

Lorraine Buckley (X) (asker) Nov 23, 2010:

further clarificaton of 'solidità' I have received this input "Solidita' della scrittura beethoveniana, significa che la Serenata, pur composta di brevi pezzi, rimane coerente, scritta con maestria (come una solida architettura) e fluidita'.
E' un complimento al genio di Beethoven, insomma".
I am still short on ideas as to how to express in musically-acceptable terms, the 'fluidità/maestria/solidità/coerenza'. Any further suggestions/confirmation (perhaps of self-confidence?) much appreciated.

Lorraine Buckley (X) (asker) Nov 21, 2010:

genre sorry, classical - a serenata in re maggiore op. 8, to be precise!

dropinka (X) Nov 21, 2010:

genre? Lorraine, are we talking about classical or popular music?