Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Music

Audition 1: Beethoven's Symphony No. 5

Work and Composer

Symphony No. 5 by Ludwig van Beethoven. He was born on December 16, 1770, and died on March 26, 1827.

Genre

Instrumental and secular because it is a symphony.

Style

Between Classicism and a middle period called the Heroic Period.

Texture

Counterpoint: Musical phrases develop independently of one another.

Movement

Allegro

Rhythm

Short figures (predominantly)

Timbre

Orchestra with brass and percussion

Character

Nervous, intriguing

Context

To be filled with a mysterious story.

Text

No text can be found as it is an instrumental work.

Audition 2: Dvorak's New World Symphony

Work and Composer

New World Symphony by Antonin Dvorak. He was born on September 8, 1841, and died on May 1, 1904.

Genre

Instrumental and secular... Continue reading "Classical Music Analysis: Beethoven, Dvorak, Verdi, Vives" »

Medieval Music Essentials (400s–1400s)

Sacred Music: Plainchant

Plainchant, the music of the Church during the Medieval period, is characterized by its basis in modes, a free-flowing rhythm, and a single, unaccompanied melody line (monophony).

Modes: Building Blocks of Plainchant

A mode (from the Latin word manner) is a type of scale. Modes served as the fundamental building blocks of plainchant. There are seven distinct modes, each possessing a unique character or mood.

Neumes: Early Music Notation

Neumes were the earliest form of musical notation. These symbols, written above the Latin text, indicated basic pitch direction. They were developed as tools to support, not replace, the practice of oral tradition. Around 1029, Guido d’Arezzo significantly... Continue reading "Medieval Music: Plainchant, Troubadours, and Polyphony" »

Music Concerts

Yes, I usually go to large concerts but it depends on the concert and if I like the music or not.

For example, in my opinion, large classical music concerts are a bit boring, since it isn't my musical taste. But the concerts of rap, pop, etc., are more entertaining because I like that music.

In conclusion, going to a large concert depends on the tastes of each person, as they may be boring or not.

1. No, he doesn't, because according to the text writer, the performance may be a single musician.
2. Yes, I can, because concerts are held in a wide variety of settings

Eva Noblezada: Broadway Star and Singer

Eva Maria Noblezada is an American actress and singer, celebrated for her powerful vocal performances and compelling stage presence.

Notable Roles and Accolades

• Portrayed the lead role of Kim in the 2014 West End and 2017 Broadway revivals of Miss Saigon.
  • Won a 2015 WhatsOnStage Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
  • Received a 2017 Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical.
• Originated the role of Eurydice in Hadestown on Broadway.
  • Received her second Tony Award nomination in 2019 for Best Actress in a Musical.
  • Won the Broadway.com Audience Choice Award for Favorite Leading Actress in a Musical.

Early Life and Background

Birth and Family

Eva Maria Noblezada was born on March 18, 1996, in San Diego, California.... Continue reading "Eva Noblezada: Broadway Star and Tony Nominee" »

Medieval Music: Instruments, Forms, and Composers

A successful minstrel was an all-too-good storyteller, knowing how to play the drums and cymbals.

Medieval Instruments

• Hurdy-gurdy (Zanfona)
• Cornett (Cornetto)
• Citole (Citole)

What is an Organum?

It is a polyphonic form to make the second part of plainchant more interesting.

Composers in Ars Nova

• Guillaume de Machaut (1300-1377)
• Philippe de Vitry (1291-1361)
• Francesco Landini (1335-1397)

Matching Characteristics of Medieval Music

• Nawbas: Muslim kingdoms - secular songs
• A book copied in the 14th century with 150 pages: Llibre Vermell
• Visigoth chant: Sacred song
• 400 monophonic songs: Cantigas de Santa Maria
• Codex Calixtinus
• Codex Las Huelgas: Polyphonic music

A characteristic that does not correspond to Renaissance... Continue reading "Medieval and Renaissance Music: Instruments, Forms, and Composers" »

Fauxbourdon Techniques in Harmony

• A) Passing Interpolations

  These include:

  • Descending thirds progressions (IV6-ii6)
  • Descending fifths progressions (Haydn)
  • Sometimes descending fourths progressions (IV6-I6-ii6)

• B) Sorbet: Parallel First Inversion Triads

  In the key of G major, a passing connection from IV6 to I6 serves to break the cycle of recirculating harmonies. It's an extravagant way to connect IV6 to the ii6, but it leads to a normal cadence (ii6-I6/4-V-I). Make sure the parallel motion always leads to a recognizable destination (e.g., a strong dominant or a strong cadence). Think of fauxbourdon as a "thickened melody."

• C) I6 as a Neighbor to ii6

  Mozart's B-flat Piano Sonata ends with a ii6-I6-ii6-vii°6 progression. The I6 functions like a neighbor

Artistic Parallels and Statements

Artists and thinkers often share profound connections, expressing similar themes through diverse mediums. Consider these compelling parallels:

• Picasso and Bob Dylan: Anti-War Statements

  Both Pablo Picasso and Bob Dylan, through their respective artistic releases, powerfully conveyed that wars are always something terrible. Their work stands as a strong statement against conflict.

• Miró and Munch: Creating Fantastic Atmospheres

  Joan Miró and Edvard Munch both excelled at creating fantastic, evocative atmospheres in their art. This artistic approach finds a parallel in abstract music, where mood and texture often take precedence over traditional melody.

• Einstein and Architecture: Exploring Limits

  Just as Albert Einstein

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In music, a sound that has a definite pitch is called a

a.  noise.         b. dynamic accent.     c.  sound.        d.  tone.

2.  The vibrations of brass instruments come from

a.  the vibrations of a string                b.            a single reed.

c.  the right hand of the musician.       d. the musician’s lips.

3.  The ___________ belongs to the woodwind family

        a. trumpet                    b. flute

c.  violin                     d. organ

4.  Which of the following percussion instruments have indefinite pitch?

        a. Snare drum              b. Chimes

c.  Tympani               ... Continue reading "Music Theory Fundamentals: A Quiz" »

Ancient Greek Music

Time passed, and Mediterranean culture became dominant in the ancient world, particularly in Greece. Greek mathematicians and scientists discovered patterns and created formulae to define them. This explains how Greeks approached music, from a very mathematical perspective, but also a religious one.

• Apollo

  Music was originated from the god Apollo. Music influenced human actions and thoughts. It was believed that music could cure illnesses and modify behaviors.

• Discoveries

  Pythagoras discovered some basic intervals. Later on, they discovered different effects on the listener. The Greek world agreed that music should be an important part of education.

• Orpheus and Eurydice

  Orpheus was a poet and musician, a great master of the lyre,