How would you start this homework? I just need to be pointed in the right direction. Thank you.
The principles of unity & variety apply to all music, regardless of compositional style or historical period.
Now that you are familiar with the concepts in the first section of the course (Basic Musical Concepts), and you have seen how they work on different pieces of music, try your hand, mouse, and ears at how they operate in a music selection that you may not have heard yet.
Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White (4:08)
Your analysis should include:
The number of different musical ideas in the piece (for example, can we say that there are two ideas A and B? Or is there only one?)
The timings (start and stop times) of the different sections of the piece. (Hint: Listen for changes in musical ideas and timbre, for example, points when different instruments come in or give way to others.)
How unity and variety are exemplified in those sections through the use of:
a) Dynamics: Where does the music get louder or softer? Is there any apparent reason for those changes?
b) Timbre: Where do instruments take over the melody or a solo passage?
c) Pitch: What is the general pitch level of the piece? Are there wide variations in pitch level?
Although there are sections that feature one instrument over others, whether you think this is a piece for a solo performer or for an ensemble
A list of the characteristics of the musical style closest to the one this piece exemplifies. (Hint: Look at the last lecture in the first section of the course)
Whether you think this piece serves (or could serve) a specific purpose.
Whether or not it has any specific connotation(s) for you.
The principles of unity & variety apply to all music, regardless of compositional style or historical period.
Now that you are familiar with the concepts in the first section of the course (Basic Musical Concepts), and you have seen how they work on different pieces of music, try your hand, mouse, and ears at how they operate in a music selection that you may not have heard yet.
Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White (4:08)
Your analysis should include:
The number of different musical ideas in the piece (for example, can we say that there are two ideas A and B? Or is there only one?)
The timings (start and stop times) of the different sections of the piece. (Hint: Listen for changes in musical ideas and timbre, for example, points when different instruments come in or give way to others.)
How unity and variety are exemplified in those sections through the use of:
a) Dynamics: Where does the music get louder or softer? Is there any apparent reason for those changes?
b) Timbre: Where do instruments take over the melody or a solo passage?
c) Pitch: What is the general pitch level of the piece? Are there wide variations in pitch level?
Although there are sections that feature one instrument over others, whether you think this is a piece for a solo performer or for an ensemble
A list of the characteristics of the musical style closest to the one this piece exemplifies. (Hint: Look at the last lecture in the first section of the course)
Whether you think this piece serves (or could serve) a specific purpose.
Whether or not it has any specific connotation(s) for you.
1 Answer
Pick a piece of music and start with the technical aspects of analyzing the music.
Explanation:
I find that the easiest way to analyze music is to start by addressing the technical components and since this assignment also mentions some of these aspects (dynamics, timbre, pitch, timing, rhythm, etc.), I would start by focusing on these changes. I would suggest then moving on to the musical ideas and themes, unity, variety and other concepts that require more analysis and thought. Last but not least, reflect on what the piece means to you and others with the last two questions.
Good luck!
