Tonight, I went to Erica Kerr's Organ Recital in Pease. As I flipped through the program about halfway through, I realized that all of these compositions were from before 1750.
She opened with Prelude and Fugue in B minor and three Bach Chorale Preludes:
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland
Der Tag, der ist so freudenreich
Lobt Gott, ihr Christen
The Fugue was very light and dance like. Throughought this whole concert, I noticed heavy amounts of imitation. I am not a critical enough listener to trace key changes throughout the concert, but sometimes the program notes will help. The prelude of the Fugue is in b-minor, as the title suggests, but the fugue concludes in a huge B-Major chord.
B-Major is strongly colored, announcing wild passions, composed from the most glaring colors. Anger, rage, jealousy, fury, despair and every burden of the heart lies in its sphere. Because there are no words to this composition, I cannot completely verify that this is true, but I hear (and even the program notes depict) a "moody" scalar subject.
(Unfortunately, the program does not give the key of each of the prelude pieces.)
Antonio de Cabezon (1510-1566)
El Cavallero
This was extremely beautiful and light. It was not nearly as much of a big sound as the other pieces. There is a bunch of sustained notes, and the entire piece is registered very much in the higher range. The accompaniment is absolutely secondary to the beautiful melody. It's hardly there at all. There (surprisingly) is a ton of suspension-resolution in this piece. The program notes suggest that Cabezon was "ahead of his time" because of this composition. I might suggest that the reason for the registry being so soft and high is that it is a woman's voice singing to a messenger:
"Tell the gentleman
Not to complain,
That I give him my faith
That I love him.
Tell the gentleman
Of graceful body,
Not to complain
Secretly."
I suppose it is highly characteristic of the text to match the tone of the piece because of all of the tone painting in the Renaissance. I don't recall listening to any other Spanish Renaissance composers, so I don't have that much in my mental bank to draw on.
Francisco Correa de Arauxo (1584 - 1654)
XXXVI - Eieneo de Medio Rezistro
This composer is also Spanish. This piece was contrasting in sound to the Cabezon piece. This was much louder and more moving. I believe I'm seeing a correlation between loudness and complexity with how late the composer is. I'm also afraid that all organ sounds are starting to sound the same, and It's much more difficult to be critical with listening. There isn't much dynamic contrast, which I believe to be true to the period organ, which until recently I didn't even know existed in the Baroque, much less Renaissance.
Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (1562-1621)
Fantasia
Allein Gott in der Hoh sei Ehr
I scrambled my notes, so I don't know which notes apply to which piece, but at times the piece was so exactly imitative, it was antiphonal. The only change was which stops were pulled, where the pitch, rhythm, and register were all the same. This was exciting to me. It was the first antiphonal piece I've heard on the organ. It makes sense because the piece is known as the "Echo Fantasia". He's dutch. Because of this program note, I learned that a "manual" is one of the layers of keys on the organ, usually consisting of 66 notes.
Dieterich Buxtehude (1637-1707)
Danket dem Herrn
This is a theme and variations (very baroque).
Apparently J.S.Bach would travel behind Buxtehude around Arnstadt and Lubeck in 1705 just to hear Buxtehude play. He obviously was a big influence on Bach.
The next two pieces, Ten Pieces for an Organ Clock by C.P.E.Bach and Sonata in D Major by Felix Mendelssohn are from after 1750, but were very nice to listen to.
I can appreciate how she programmed her concert to move chronologically (with an exception of opening with Bach) by composer. It was nice to sit back and enjoy observing the development of organ music.
Holy cow my listening logs are getting too long...
Monday, December 7, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
From L'Orfeo Listening
This is one of the listenings that I wrote down instead of blogging because my computer was broken for quite some time.
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I see they have period instruments: Recorder, plucked instruments, perhaps a thorobough. I cannot tell if the violins and trumpets are from the period or modern. They have sackbuts for sure.
"Let us sing in sweet accounts so that our strains may be worthy of Orpheus" seems to be a refrain of that short scene in the beginning
There is a "charming nymphs" refrain between soliloques in the beginning.
Oh, Harpsichord!
I could be wrong, but when Sylvia comes in, she seems to be singing the same music with different words. This is right before she tells Orpheus that his love was bitten by a snake and is dead.
Baroque begins with Opera!!!
Le Nuove Musica!
... and lasts through Bach's death in 1750.
(Much like Elvis and King Arthur, I don't believe that Bach is actually dead, but is simply biding his time before he sees fit to reveal his majesty once again.)
--------------------------------------
I see they have period instruments: Recorder, plucked instruments, perhaps a thorobough. I cannot tell if the violins and trumpets are from the period or modern. They have sackbuts for sure.
"Let us sing in sweet accounts so that our strains may be worthy of Orpheus" seems to be a refrain of that short scene in the beginning
There is a "charming nymphs" refrain between soliloques in the beginning.
Oh, Harpsichord!
I could be wrong, but when Sylvia comes in, she seems to be singing the same music with different words. This is right before she tells Orpheus that his love was bitten by a snake and is dead.
Baroque begins with Opera!!!
Le Nuove Musica!
... and lasts through Bach's death in 1750.
(Much like Elvis and King Arthur, I don't believe that Bach is actually dead, but is simply biding his time before he sees fit to reveal his majesty once again.)
b minor Mass - Take two.
Gloria - Cum Sancto Spiritu - D Major
This was very melismatic, fast, and light.
It sounded like it was starting like a concerto form, but then turned into a vocal fugue. "With the Holy Spirit"
Credo - Credo in unum Deum - A Major
The style is like Stile Antiquo (from Renaissance)
A little big of gregorian chant is infused.
I like how the instruments inmitate the vocal line. I think this is like what they do in Da Chiesa style.
(Dr. Pierce's "Add-in": Bach used contrapuctal and ostinato figures when text meant "keeping the faith." It was one of Bach's tools.
Credo - Et in unum Dominum - G Major
"And in One Lord (Jesus Christ)"
Da Capo Aria love text
Soprano and Alto Duet, first introduced by two oboes.
Neapolitan Opera (from Naples) - Oboe D'Amore
Bach never wrote an Opera, but his text and music are very dramatic at times, and this piece was an example of that
Credo - Crucifixus - e minor
"The Crucifix"
I hear the low pulsating basso ostinato. The heavy minor tone really reflects the suffering of Jesus. I hear soprano sustane on a high pitch, which I interpret as the wailing of Mary and Mary Magdaline.
---
"weeping wailing breathing"
There is a long desent of tone and pitch until it reaches its lowest point. Then, as in the angels in heaven, there is an explosion of sound from everybody: Brass, strings, woodwinds, chorus... at a happy fortissimo. Again, Bach is very dramatic with his tone painting. Great job, Bach.
This was very melismatic, fast, and light.
It sounded like it was starting like a concerto form, but then turned into a vocal fugue. "With the Holy Spirit"
Credo - Credo in unum Deum - A Major
The style is like Stile Antiquo (from Renaissance)
A little big of gregorian chant is infused.
I like how the instruments inmitate the vocal line. I think this is like what they do in Da Chiesa style.
(Dr. Pierce's "Add-in": Bach used contrapuctal and ostinato figures when text meant "keeping the faith." It was one of Bach's tools.
Credo - Et in unum Dominum - G Major
"And in One Lord (Jesus Christ)"
Da Capo Aria love text
Soprano and Alto Duet, first introduced by two oboes.
Neapolitan Opera (from Naples) - Oboe D'Amore
Bach never wrote an Opera, but his text and music are very dramatic at times, and this piece was an example of that
Credo - Crucifixus - e minor
"The Crucifix"
I hear the low pulsating basso ostinato. The heavy minor tone really reflects the suffering of Jesus. I hear soprano sustane on a high pitch, which I interpret as the wailing of Mary and Mary Magdaline.
---
"weeping wailing breathing"
There is a long desent of tone and pitch until it reaches its lowest point. Then, as in the angels in heaven, there is an explosion of sound from everybody: Brass, strings, woodwinds, chorus... at a happy fortissimo. Again, Bach is very dramatic with his tone painting. Great job, Bach.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Bach B minor Mass
A component of the baroque era that is new and exciting to me is the idea of different keys being chosen for their "affective characteristics" of their individual sound, and each key having an entirely different feel. Not only does the text match the music, as in tone painting, first taken to the extreme by some Ars Nova composers, but even the very key that it is placed in has a special meaning.
I researched "Affective Key Characteristics" and pulled up a chart from a music theory class website at Western Michigan University. http://www.wmich.edu/mus-theo/courses/keys.html
1 a) Kyrie Eleison is in b minor.
b minor is as it were the key of patience, of calm awaiting one's fate and of submission to divine dispensation.
This is obviously an appropriate key, as the soprano is pleading, "God have Mercy" on us, our souls.
b) Christe Eleison is in D Major.
D Major is "the key of triumph, of Hallejuahs, of war-cries, of victory-rejoicing. Thus, the inviting symphonies, the marches, holiday songs and heaven-rejoicing choruses are set in this key."
This is also an appropriate key. First, it's the relative Major of b minor, but also, "Chrise Eleison," Christ have mercy, is a happier thought, as he was sent to earth to sacrifice himself on our behalf, so he is the "good guy" in the equation, thus inviting a happier feeling, and thus a happier key.
c) Kyrie Eleison is in f# minor.
f# minor is "a gloomy key: it tugs at passion as a dog biting a dress. Resentment and discontent are its language."
Bach doesn't seem to make this piece feel gloomy, but rather has a beautiful and different flow to it. It is different from the first Kyrie Eleison because it's in the style of Palestrina.
Gloria
a) Gloria In Excelsis is in D Major
Obviously, "Gloria in the highest" is going to be in a much happier key of victory rejoicing. The singers are singing along with the orchestra.
Ah. I see they are not using period instruments, (except for the vocalists) because i see a piccolo trumpet. This is an excellent performance by the brass section. I also like the cinematography. When the trumpets have a feature, they camera sometimes goes to them, and when the sopranos have a hit, they show them on camera. Sometimes I wish the choir were more in tune, especially during big choruses, but overall this is an pleasant performance to listen to.
c) Laudamus Te is in A Major.
It is with a soprano solo that is heavily melismatic. "And on Earth, peace." Bach probably used this texture because it's as if an an angel is singing to us from the heavens. A Major is b minor's Major Dominant relation.
A Major "includes declarations of innocent love, satisfaction with one's state of affairs; hope of seeing one's beloved again when parting; youthful cheerfulness and trust in God."
d) Gratias agimus tibi is in D Major
This is a highly fanfare-sounding piece, indicative of D Major. "We give thee thanks."
e) Domine Deus is in G Major
G Major is a related key to D Major, which is a related to b minor. So, G Major is the Major Subdominant of b minor. This part starts with a flute solo (how unfortunate) and features a tenor-soprano duet. This and the other soprano solo are Da Capo Arias. Cool. This is very Baroque.
f) Qui tollis peccata mundi is back to b minor.
"Who takes away the sins of the world," again "submission to divine dispensation"
g) Qui sedes ad dextram Patris - b minor.
"Who sits at the right hand of the father," with alto solo and oboe interlude. The outline says oboe, but the video seems to show an English Horn instead. Oh. Dr. Reed said that it's the Oboe d'Amore... Oboe of love? I would be curious to learn more about this. Ok. I did research. It is larger and more serene than the oboe. Great!
g) Quoniam tu solus sanctus in D Major.
HECK YES! BASS-HORN DUET! "For you alone are Holy." I see that Bach recognizes that the horn alone is worthy of holiness. Ah. This is excellent. It's very challenging to play horn that high so quietly and lightly, I can respect that.
Well, the Bach mass in b minor was wonderful to listen to. I approve. As have millions of others, I'm sure.
I researched "Affective Key Characteristics" and pulled up a chart from a music theory class website at Western Michigan University. http://www.wmich.edu/mus-theo/courses/keys.html
1 a) Kyrie Eleison is in b minor.
b minor is as it were the key of patience, of calm awaiting one's fate and of submission to divine dispensation.
This is obviously an appropriate key, as the soprano is pleading, "God have Mercy" on us, our souls.
b) Christe Eleison is in D Major.
D Major is "the key of triumph, of Hallejuahs, of war-cries, of victory-rejoicing. Thus, the inviting symphonies, the marches, holiday songs and heaven-rejoicing choruses are set in this key."
This is also an appropriate key. First, it's the relative Major of b minor, but also, "Chrise Eleison," Christ have mercy, is a happier thought, as he was sent to earth to sacrifice himself on our behalf, so he is the "good guy" in the equation, thus inviting a happier feeling, and thus a happier key.
c) Kyrie Eleison is in f# minor.
f# minor is "a gloomy key: it tugs at passion as a dog biting a dress. Resentment and discontent are its language."
Bach doesn't seem to make this piece feel gloomy, but rather has a beautiful and different flow to it. It is different from the first Kyrie Eleison because it's in the style of Palestrina.
Gloria
a) Gloria In Excelsis is in D Major
Obviously, "Gloria in the highest" is going to be in a much happier key of victory rejoicing. The singers are singing along with the orchestra.
Ah. I see they are not using period instruments, (except for the vocalists) because i see a piccolo trumpet. This is an excellent performance by the brass section. I also like the cinematography. When the trumpets have a feature, they camera sometimes goes to them, and when the sopranos have a hit, they show them on camera. Sometimes I wish the choir were more in tune, especially during big choruses, but overall this is an pleasant performance to listen to.
c) Laudamus Te is in A Major.
It is with a soprano solo that is heavily melismatic. "And on Earth, peace." Bach probably used this texture because it's as if an an angel is singing to us from the heavens. A Major is b minor's Major Dominant relation.
A Major "includes declarations of innocent love, satisfaction with one's state of affairs; hope of seeing one's beloved again when parting; youthful cheerfulness and trust in God."
d) Gratias agimus tibi is in D Major
This is a highly fanfare-sounding piece, indicative of D Major. "We give thee thanks."
e) Domine Deus is in G Major
G Major is a related key to D Major, which is a related to b minor. So, G Major is the Major Subdominant of b minor. This part starts with a flute solo (how unfortunate) and features a tenor-soprano duet. This and the other soprano solo are Da Capo Arias. Cool. This is very Baroque.
f) Qui tollis peccata mundi is back to b minor.
"Who takes away the sins of the world," again "submission to divine dispensation"
g) Qui sedes ad dextram Patris - b minor.
"Who sits at the right hand of the father," with alto solo and oboe interlude. The outline says oboe, but the video seems to show an English Horn instead. Oh. Dr. Reed said that it's the Oboe d'Amore... Oboe of love? I would be curious to learn more about this. Ok. I did research. It is larger and more serene than the oboe. Great!
g) Quoniam tu solus sanctus in D Major.
HECK YES! BASS-HORN DUET! "For you alone are Holy." I see that Bach recognizes that the horn alone is worthy of holiness. Ah. This is excellent. It's very challenging to play horn that high so quietly and lightly, I can respect that.
Well, the Bach mass in b minor was wonderful to listen to. I approve. As have millions of others, I'm sure.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
First Outline - Bib
History -
“While our knowledge of the tone of the hand-horn is on fairly safe ground because of the number of extant examples to which we may refer, we are still very much in the dark when it comes to the horn for which Bach and Handel wrote” (Fitzpatrick 47).
“Horn-playing as we know it came from Austria and Bo- hemia, not, as is commonly supposed, from France. It is abundantly clear from contemporary orchestral lists that the first hornists of any importance were Bohemians; and from both court inventories and from surviving specimens it appears that the first makers of orchestral horns worked at Vienna and Prague. The horn had indeed attained to a considerable degree of development as an instrument in France by the late seven- teenth century, and it was in the form of the cor-de-chasse of this period that the horn came to England, where it was known as the French horn” (Fitzpatrick 48).
With the change of attitude in hunting in society in Bohemia, particularly Saxony, the horn became more of an instrument, and less of a status symbol. Around 1706, bohemia saw its first stages of professional horn playing with Johann Theodorus Zeddelmayer, becoming the first court hornist. (Fitzpatrick 50-51).
In the 1740’s, the horn becomes a widely accepted solo instrument (Fitzpatrick 51).
A great challenge comes in the performance practice of hand horn in that they were made in different keys, and thus having different qualities. Mouthpieces of the instruments must also be taken into effect, as they had not been developed yet. (Montagu 427).
color –
“have broad rims similar to the trumpet mouthpieces of the time, a feature which bears out the fact that honists did double on the trumpet. Contrary to the commonly-held view, however, the cup of each is deep, straight-sided and conical, and produces a distinctly horn-like tone, even when the instrument is held upright” (Fitzpatrick 54).
“…and what instrument could better call up a picture of God marching into the world than the horn in the Quoniam of the B minor Mass?” (Fitzpatrick 55).
“The mouthpiece underwent a noticeable change as a result of hand-stopping as well. Because it was now not necessary to press the mouthpiece against the lips in order to obtain the altissimo register's chromatic scale, the broad rim gave way to a narrow rim which greatly increased the sensitivity of the lips and enhanced the now-characteristic dark, gentle tone“ (Fitzpatrick 57).
Thesis -
“Above all, the revival of the early horns would refresh our memory as to what the horn in its purest form actually sounds like. It would give players on the modern horn a tonal model upon which to base their concept of sound; and perhaps such a rebirth of the true horn would erect a firm barrier against the mechanised degeneration which daily threatens to engulf the horn completely. For if we were to lose the horn as we have known it, with all its risks and inimitable perfections, our musical life would be very much the poorer” (Fitzpatrick 59).
Works Cited
Fitzpatrick, Horace. "The Valveless Horn in Modern Performances of Eighteenth- Century Music." Proceedings of the Royal Musical Association (1965): 45-60. JSTOR. Web. 24 Nov. 2009..
Montagu, Jeremy. "Hand-Stopping Technique on the Horn." Early Music 5 (1977): 425- 27. JSTOR. Web. 24 Nov. 2009..
Things that I want to use that I haven’t yet acquired, but intend to:
Walshe, Robert C. "Hand horn Technique as a Teaching Tool." 73.
Walshe, Robert C. "Hand Technique and the Hand Horn." 57-61.
Danner, Gregory. "Heinrich Domnich's Méthode de Premiere et Second Cor: Lessons in Musicianship for Today's Student." 47-49.
Janetzky, Kurt. "Metamorphoses of Possibilities." 78-88.
“While our knowledge of the tone of the hand-horn is on fairly safe ground because of the number of extant examples to which we may refer, we are still very much in the dark when it comes to the horn for which Bach and Handel wrote” (Fitzpatrick 47).
“Horn-playing as we know it came from Austria and Bo- hemia, not, as is commonly supposed, from France. It is abundantly clear from contemporary orchestral lists that the first hornists of any importance were Bohemians; and from both court inventories and from surviving specimens it appears that the first makers of orchestral horns worked at Vienna and Prague. The horn had indeed attained to a considerable degree of development as an instrument in France by the late seven- teenth century, and it was in the form of the cor-de-chasse of this period that the horn came to England, where it was known as the French horn” (Fitzpatrick 48).
With the change of attitude in hunting in society in Bohemia, particularly Saxony, the horn became more of an instrument, and less of a status symbol. Around 1706, bohemia saw its first stages of professional horn playing with Johann Theodorus Zeddelmayer, becoming the first court hornist. (Fitzpatrick 50-51).
In the 1740’s, the horn becomes a widely accepted solo instrument (Fitzpatrick 51).
A great challenge comes in the performance practice of hand horn in that they were made in different keys, and thus having different qualities. Mouthpieces of the instruments must also be taken into effect, as they had not been developed yet. (Montagu 427).
color –
“have broad rims similar to the trumpet mouthpieces of the time, a feature which bears out the fact that honists did double on the trumpet. Contrary to the commonly-held view, however, the cup of each is deep, straight-sided and conical, and produces a distinctly horn-like tone, even when the instrument is held upright” (Fitzpatrick 54).
“…and what instrument could better call up a picture of God marching into the world than the horn in the Quoniam of the B minor Mass?” (Fitzpatrick 55).
“The mouthpiece underwent a noticeable change as a result of hand-stopping as well. Because it was now not necessary to press the mouthpiece against the lips in order to obtain the altissimo register's chromatic scale, the broad rim gave way to a narrow rim which greatly increased the sensitivity of the lips and enhanced the now-characteristic dark, gentle tone“ (Fitzpatrick 57).
Thesis -
“Above all, the revival of the early horns would refresh our memory as to what the horn in its purest form actually sounds like. It would give players on the modern horn a tonal model upon which to base their concept of sound; and perhaps such a rebirth of the true horn would erect a firm barrier against the mechanised degeneration which daily threatens to engulf the horn completely. For if we were to lose the horn as we have known it, with all its risks and inimitable perfections, our musical life would be very much the poorer” (Fitzpatrick 59).
Works Cited
Fitzpatrick, Horace. "The Valveless Horn in Modern Performances of Eighteenth- Century Music." Proceedings of the Royal Musical Association (1965): 45-60. JSTOR. Web. 24 Nov. 2009.
Montagu, Jeremy. "Hand-Stopping Technique on the Horn." Early Music 5 (1977): 425- 27. JSTOR. Web. 24 Nov. 2009.
Things that I want to use that I haven’t yet acquired, but intend to:
Walshe, Robert C. "Hand horn Technique as a Teaching Tool." 73.
Walshe, Robert C. "Hand Technique and the Hand Horn." 57-61.
Danner, Gregory. "Heinrich Domnich's Méthode de Premiere et Second Cor: Lessons in Musicianship for Today's Student." 47-49.
Janetzky, Kurt. "Metamorphoses of Possibilities." 78-88.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Machaut Station
Guillaume De Machaut The Mirror of Narcissus Rose, Liz, Rondeau For 4 Voices: Rose, Liz, Printemps, Verdure - Rondeau performed by: Gothic Voices
I believe we might have listened to this already in lecture or listening lab, as it sounds very familiar. I can hear some bold dissonances suspended for a couple of beats, which is neat. There is so much hocket in this piece it's just jumping out and biting me in the nose. The cadences of this time period seem so weak. I feel if it was not for the ritardando and silence afterward, it would be difficult even to identify the cadences. I can't say I prefer this piece to the Landini or the Dunstable.
Ah. Pandora is agian imperfect! This next piece on my Machaut station is labelled as Renaissance; I'm skipping that for a later date. Oh. and the next one is even by Dufay! What a goldmine! This is great evidence that Machaut is indeed one of the latest Medieval composers and Dufay is one of the first Renaissance composers.
Guillaume De Machaut: La Messe De Nostre Dame; Songs From Le Voir Dit performed by: Messe De Nostre Dame, Mass For 4 Voices: I. Kyrie:
This piece is quite smooth and soothing. The lyrics seem to be highly complicated. Just kidding. It's a Kyrie. It's difficult for me to pick out the chant line among four voices. I don't think I can do that yet. I don't really know what to say about this piece that's really unique except there seems to be a sort of refrain form. Agian, I'd love to go back and listen again to confirm that it is a rondo of sorts, but There is no rewind or back button, unfortunately. That is probably my biggest hesitation in these entries. I'm afraid to be wrong. These voices seem to move in a lot of oblique motion. The inner voices seem to have some parallelism to them. This must have been recorded in an acoustically wonderful venue, because when they cadence, the resonance goes on for days.
I believe we might have listened to this already in lecture or listening lab, as it sounds very familiar. I can hear some bold dissonances suspended for a couple of beats, which is neat. There is so much hocket in this piece it's just jumping out and biting me in the nose. The cadences of this time period seem so weak. I feel if it was not for the ritardando and silence afterward, it would be difficult even to identify the cadences. I can't say I prefer this piece to the Landini or the Dunstable.
Ah. Pandora is agian imperfect! This next piece on my Machaut station is labelled as Renaissance; I'm skipping that for a later date. Oh. and the next one is even by Dufay! What a goldmine! This is great evidence that Machaut is indeed one of the latest Medieval composers and Dufay is one of the first Renaissance composers.
Guillaume De Machaut: La Messe De Nostre Dame; Songs From Le Voir Dit performed by: Messe De Nostre Dame, Mass For 4 Voices: I. Kyrie:
This piece is quite smooth and soothing. The lyrics seem to be highly complicated. Just kidding. It's a Kyrie. It's difficult for me to pick out the chant line among four voices. I don't think I can do that yet. I don't really know what to say about this piece that's really unique except there seems to be a sort of refrain form. Agian, I'd love to go back and listen again to confirm that it is a rondo of sorts, but There is no rewind or back button, unfortunately. That is probably my biggest hesitation in these entries. I'm afraid to be wrong. These voices seem to move in a lot of oblique motion. The inner voices seem to have some parallelism to them. This must have been recorded in an acoustically wonderful venue, because when they cadence, the resonance goes on for days.
Landini Station Listening from oct 26
October 26th
Non Arva Mai Pieta, ballata for 3 voices. from the Codex Faenza by Francesco Landini
and
Preco Preheminencie, Isorhythmic Motet for 4 voices by John Dunstable
I think that it's interesting that I'm getting to the point where I can be clicking through some of the songs that come up on pandora and know which ones that I'm going to want to listen to because of the overall sound of a song. As I was flipping through, I came across these two songs that immediately struck me and said "I am medieval." It's relieving when the sonority of music finally comes through the thick noggin, and finds its way to a recognizable state. Prior to this year, even during music lit, it was significantly more difficult for me to identify any of the vocal recordings that were not accompanied by a period-instrument. I suppose this is an overall goal for the course, if not for the department, at least it is for me.
I hear parallel motion, and a few cadences that seem to have two notes decending instead of a double-leading tone motion or some other cadence. The unfortunate thing about pandora is that I have not figured out how to rewind, if possible at all to rewind, and I cannot go back to listen and really figure it out. Both of these pieces are a capella. This is something that I certainly not going to complain about. I love a capella music. I appreciate that in the time of Landini, we are finally getting to the point where harmonies are starting to be filled out instead of just featuring a solo voice with some contrapunctal motion. I also appreciate that the whole range of a male's voice is starting to be filled out. Bass notes are quite low, and the countertenors are soaring above the music in the stratosphere. They're truly wonderful performances, especially the Dunstable.
Mmm.
Good listening!
Non Arva Mai Pieta, ballata for 3 voices. from the Codex Faenza by Francesco Landini
and
Preco Preheminencie, Isorhythmic Motet for 4 voices by John Dunstable
I think that it's interesting that I'm getting to the point where I can be clicking through some of the songs that come up on pandora and know which ones that I'm going to want to listen to because of the overall sound of a song. As I was flipping through, I came across these two songs that immediately struck me and said "I am medieval." It's relieving when the sonority of music finally comes through the thick noggin, and finds its way to a recognizable state. Prior to this year, even during music lit, it was significantly more difficult for me to identify any of the vocal recordings that were not accompanied by a period-instrument. I suppose this is an overall goal for the course, if not for the department, at least it is for me.
I hear parallel motion, and a few cadences that seem to have two notes decending instead of a double-leading tone motion or some other cadence. The unfortunate thing about pandora is that I have not figured out how to rewind, if possible at all to rewind, and I cannot go back to listen and really figure it out. Both of these pieces are a capella. This is something that I certainly not going to complain about. I love a capella music. I appreciate that in the time of Landini, we are finally getting to the point where harmonies are starting to be filled out instead of just featuring a solo voice with some contrapunctal motion. I also appreciate that the whole range of a male's voice is starting to be filled out. Bass notes are quite low, and the countertenors are soaring above the music in the stratosphere. They're truly wonderful performances, especially the Dunstable.
Mmm.
Good listening!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Ars Nova/ Trecento/ Ars Subtilior Thursday Listening
Belle, Bonne, Sage
This is in a 3-4 feel for sure, and the division of the beat was duple.
This piece is loaded with double leading tone cadences. This secular music is a duet of a high voice and low voice, to be expected, as well as a droning string that crosses voices with the low voice. Looking at the meaning behind the piece in the translation, it seems to be a serenade about a serenade. Because this piece is secular, in combo with the fact that the pope was in France at the time, and not in Italy, where the Ars Subtilior was being made, the division of the beat does not surprise me to be duple, because they were moving away from the sacred 'perfect' divisions.
Che Cosa E Quest Amor (Ballata)
This piece starts with an instrumental section. I hear strings predominantly, but with what sounds to be a recorder-type instrument carrying the high voice. The solo high soprano voice enters after the introduction. I hear a mixture of duple and perfect divisions in her melismas, but overall, the division is duple. There are apparent leading tone cadences, and the instruments frequently have a hocket. This Landini piece certainly has big Landini cadences throughout.
Douce pleysence/ Garison selon nature (motet)
This piece actually sounds a little more like Ars Nova, honestly. It is three voices, a capella, and is a clear perfect division. Looking at the lyrics, however we know that it is secular. I think that I heard some hocket at the beginning.
Ma fin est mon commencement (rondeau) - My end is my beginning
This sound is so much more full than some other pieces. The harmony seems much more tonal and powerful than others. There are still only three voices, but it sounds as if there is more. This is definately a good example of jumping back and forth between perfect and duple divisions. The hocket is so subtle in this piece that you wouldn't be able to hear it if the singers weren't taking such tremendous breaths. and HA I KNEW IT! These artists are clever... 'My beginning is my end' is word painting to match the music coming back to the end. Someone mentioned that there might be some retrograde. I didn't necessarily hear that, but the music definately returns to where it started... which makes sense for a rondeau.
This is in a 3-4 feel for sure, and the division of the beat was duple.
This piece is loaded with double leading tone cadences. This secular music is a duet of a high voice and low voice, to be expected, as well as a droning string that crosses voices with the low voice. Looking at the meaning behind the piece in the translation, it seems to be a serenade about a serenade. Because this piece is secular, in combo with the fact that the pope was in France at the time, and not in Italy, where the Ars Subtilior was being made, the division of the beat does not surprise me to be duple, because they were moving away from the sacred 'perfect' divisions.
Che Cosa E Quest Amor (Ballata)
This piece starts with an instrumental section. I hear strings predominantly, but with what sounds to be a recorder-type instrument carrying the high voice. The solo high soprano voice enters after the introduction. I hear a mixture of duple and perfect divisions in her melismas, but overall, the division is duple. There are apparent leading tone cadences, and the instruments frequently have a hocket. This Landini piece certainly has big Landini cadences throughout.
Douce pleysence/ Garison selon nature (motet)
This piece actually sounds a little more like Ars Nova, honestly. It is three voices, a capella, and is a clear perfect division. Looking at the lyrics, however we know that it is secular. I think that I heard some hocket at the beginning.
Ma fin est mon commencement (rondeau) - My end is my beginning
This sound is so much more full than some other pieces. The harmony seems much more tonal and powerful than others. There are still only three voices, but it sounds as if there is more. This is definately a good example of jumping back and forth between perfect and duple divisions. The hocket is so subtle in this piece that you wouldn't be able to hear it if the singers weren't taking such tremendous breaths. and HA I KNEW IT! These artists are clever... 'My beginning is my end' is word painting to match the music coming back to the end. Someone mentioned that there might be some retrograde. I didn't necessarily hear that, but the music definately returns to where it started... which makes sense for a rondeau.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Program notes from 10/6
Christopher Grapis
Program Notes – Music History Writing Lab
October 6, 2009
Requiem Aeternam from Ego sum Resurrectio: Gregorian Chant for the Dead
Performed by: Aurora Surgit
Directed by: Alessio Randon
Soloist: Alessio Randon
This work is for masses for the dead. Sung in Latin, Gregorian Chant’s native language, this performance features a soprano section responded to by a solo male voice, with a return to the soprano section. This particular version of the Requiem Aeternam was written in the tenth century, according to Naxos Music Library. It is in the sixth mode, also known as the Hypolydian mode. This means that the piece starts and ends on F, and the range of the pitches extends above and below F. According to Wikipedia, mode six was typically used for devout, tearful, and pious works. This is quite appropriate for a mass for the dead.
The latin text reads and the English Translation (according to the Perish of Saint Matthew):
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, Grant them eternal rest, Lord,
et lux perpetua luceat eis. and let perpetual light shine on them.
Te decet hymnus, Deus, in Sion, You are praised, God, in Zion,
et tibi reddetur votum in Jerusalem. and homage will be paid to You in Jerusalem.
Exaudi orationem meam, Hear my prayer,
ad te omnis care veniet. to You all flesh will come.
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, Grant them eternal rest, Lord,
et lux perpetua luceat eis. and let perpetual light shine on them.
Works Cited
"About this Recording." NaxosMusicLibrary.com. Web. 06 Oct. 2009..
"English Translation of Mozart's Requiem." The Parish of Saint Matthew: The Episcopal Church in Pacific Palisades. Web. 06 Oct. 2009..
"Musical mode -." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web. 06 Oct. 2009..
Program Notes – Music History Writing Lab
October 6, 2009
Requiem Aeternam from Ego sum Resurrectio: Gregorian Chant for the Dead
Performed by: Aurora Surgit
Directed by: Alessio Randon
Soloist: Alessio Randon
This work is for masses for the dead. Sung in Latin, Gregorian Chant’s native language, this performance features a soprano section responded to by a solo male voice, with a return to the soprano section. This particular version of the Requiem Aeternam was written in the tenth century, according to Naxos Music Library. It is in the sixth mode, also known as the Hypolydian mode. This means that the piece starts and ends on F, and the range of the pitches extends above and below F. According to Wikipedia, mode six was typically used for devout, tearful, and pious works. This is quite appropriate for a mass for the dead.
The latin text reads and the English Translation (according to the Perish of Saint Matthew):
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, Grant them eternal rest, Lord,
et lux perpetua luceat eis. and let perpetual light shine on them.
Te decet hymnus, Deus, in Sion, You are praised, God, in Zion,
et tibi reddetur votum in Jerusalem. and homage will be paid to You in Jerusalem.
Exaudi orationem meam, Hear my prayer,
ad te omnis care veniet. to You all flesh will come.
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, Grant them eternal rest, Lord,
et lux perpetua luceat eis. and let perpetual light shine on them.
Works Cited
"About this Recording." NaxosMusicLibrary.com. Web. 06 Oct. 2009.
"English Translation of Mozart's Requiem." The Parish of Saint Matthew: The Episcopal Church in Pacific Palisades. Web. 06 Oct. 2009.
"Musical mode -." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web. 06 Oct. 2009.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Writing Assignment - Ordo Virtutum - Hildegard von Bingen
I was absent on Thurday, unfortunately, but I 'YouTubed' this assignment.
Ordo Virtutum - Hildegard von Bingen
1. Qui sunt hi, qui ut nubes?
2. Processional of embodied souls
3. O nos peregrine sumus
4. Anima processional
from : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbO8NXbgdbE
1. This starts out with parallel organum sung in two male voices. It is followed by a unison soprano line. This soprano line is quite melismatic. The male parallel organum makes another brief statement to conclude this movement.
2. Strangely, strange to me at least, this movement is instrumental. I don't hear any instruments that I recognize specifically, but I hear a bowed instrument, and what sounds like a tenor double-reed instrument, however I can't pick out specifically what it might be. This movement has a lot of call and response; often, it is a direct repeat of what happened before it.
3. Soprano unison line. This movement seems initially neumatic, but as it develops, it shows its true colors as a melismatic segment. As we proceed down the timeline, I'm noticing that high soprano features brilliantly sung by women and countertenore are evolving into more of a mezzo-sporano voice sung primarily by women.
4. This is also instrumental. There is a lot of drone strings. I hear a flute this time. I wonder if this youtube version is a modern interpretation of Hildegard von Bingen's work, because it has not been typical, yet, to hear instrumental works, especially solely instrumental works, in any music thus far. This is probably a secular move away from the norms of sacred music
Overall, this piece was calm and soothing. I liked it.
Ordo Virtutum - Hildegard von Bingen
1. Qui sunt hi, qui ut nubes?
2. Processional of embodied souls
3. O nos peregrine sumus
4. Anima processional
from : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbO8NXbgdbE
1. This starts out with parallel organum sung in two male voices. It is followed by a unison soprano line. This soprano line is quite melismatic. The male parallel organum makes another brief statement to conclude this movement.
2. Strangely, strange to me at least, this movement is instrumental. I don't hear any instruments that I recognize specifically, but I hear a bowed instrument, and what sounds like a tenor double-reed instrument, however I can't pick out specifically what it might be. This movement has a lot of call and response; often, it is a direct repeat of what happened before it.
3. Soprano unison line. This movement seems initially neumatic, but as it develops, it shows its true colors as a melismatic segment. As we proceed down the timeline, I'm noticing that high soprano features brilliantly sung by women and countertenore are evolving into more of a mezzo-sporano voice sung primarily by women.
4. This is also instrumental. There is a lot of drone strings. I hear a flute this time. I wonder if this youtube version is a modern interpretation of Hildegard von Bingen's work, because it has not been typical, yet, to hear instrumental works, especially solely instrumental works, in any music thus far. This is probably a secular move away from the norms of sacred music
Overall, this piece was calm and soothing. I liked it.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Liturgical Drama - Listening
Christmas Conductus (Conducti?)
Quem Quaeritis in Sepulchro?
This is a conversation between the Angel standing at the tomb (sepulchro, or sepulchre) and the three women that came to care for the body of Jesus. The music reflects this by a responsorial type where the angel speaks and is responded to by three female singers.
Beata Viscera
High Soprano singing of Mary's miracle of chrildbirth. This song contains a refrain, "O new wonder and new joy: the mother's chastity after childbirth." Conductus - sacred nonliturgical vocal composition. This song is solemn, and peaceful, much like the birth of Jesus.
O Maria of Felix
"O Maria" indicates that this song is about Mary. The song goes on poetically describing analogies of Jesus' purity and making allusions to past sacred stories of David, Solomon, and Jacob. There is actually a quote from Jonah 4:6-8! This song is also strophic.
Ave virgo virginum
It's interesting that we have a rhythmic mode. Sounds like 6/8. There are two singers in harmony.This is a Hail Mary. It seems as though, other than many parallel fifths, and the last cadence, that we have some contemporary leading-tone cadences. Sounds like we're nearing counterpoint, as we have lots of contrary motion.
Vetus abit Littera
This is the first time that I hear what could be mixed voices singing sumultaneously. There is still a ton of Perfect intervals. I also hear three voices from time to time, although I think it's primarily two voices. Also another 6/8. This song is quite joyful because it's an "out with the old in with the new" feel, where the new guys is liked a whole lot better. The title says 4-part conductus, although I didn't identify where that happened. It's strophic. It seems like at the end of the stanzas, it could be like a refrain, but the text does change.
Pia Mater Gratie
Another song honoring Mary. I would assume 'mater' being mother, and 'gratie' being a thanks to the 'mater'. This song has long melismas. It seems more fluid than the other examples.
Allelulia Pascha Nostrum
HUGE melismas. This song uses a lot of pedal in the bass. The bass line definately has rhythmic motives used.
Quem Quaeritis in Sepulchro?
This is a conversation between the Angel standing at the tomb (sepulchro, or sepulchre) and the three women that came to care for the body of Jesus. The music reflects this by a responsorial type where the angel speaks and is responded to by three female singers.
Beata Viscera
High Soprano singing of Mary's miracle of chrildbirth. This song contains a refrain, "O new wonder and new joy: the mother's chastity after childbirth." Conductus - sacred nonliturgical vocal composition. This song is solemn, and peaceful, much like the birth of Jesus.
O Maria of Felix
"O Maria" indicates that this song is about Mary. The song goes on poetically describing analogies of Jesus' purity and making allusions to past sacred stories of David, Solomon, and Jacob. There is actually a quote from Jonah 4:6-8! This song is also strophic.
Ave virgo virginum
It's interesting that we have a rhythmic mode. Sounds like 6/8. There are two singers in harmony.This is a Hail Mary. It seems as though, other than many parallel fifths, and the last cadence, that we have some contemporary leading-tone cadences. Sounds like we're nearing counterpoint, as we have lots of contrary motion.
Vetus abit Littera
This is the first time that I hear what could be mixed voices singing sumultaneously. There is still a ton of Perfect intervals. I also hear three voices from time to time, although I think it's primarily two voices. Also another 6/8. This song is quite joyful because it's an "out with the old in with the new" feel, where the new guys is liked a whole lot better. The title says 4-part conductus, although I didn't identify where that happened. It's strophic. It seems like at the end of the stanzas, it could be like a refrain, but the text does change.
Pia Mater Gratie
Another song honoring Mary. I would assume 'mater' being mother, and 'gratie' being a thanks to the 'mater'. This song has long melismas. It seems more fluid than the other examples.
Allelulia Pascha Nostrum
HUGE melismas. This song uses a lot of pedal in the bass. The bass line definately has rhythmic motives used.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Response to Embellishing the Liturgy
The Monk Notker of St. Gall was a known author of the lengthy hymns that have embellished the Liturgy following the Alleluia of the mass. My response to this article is that it seems that such embellishments were for purely practical reasons, to make segments more easily memorized by members of the church.
Why would anyone want to embellish the Liturgy? It's interesting, because the specific choice to use the word 'why' implies a judgement. This judgement, or assumption in this case, of course, is that the standard or 'the norm' is that people would not want to embellish the Liturgy. If the Liturgy is not broken, are you going to try to fix it? People go to great lengths to establish, and more importantly, preserve traditions of cultures. The Liturgy, specifically, is a very influential tradition of a highly significant culture, so changing it in any way at all, especially during times of communication rates very much slower than today, would be a near impossibility against the odds of those up in arms about maintaining tradition. As we hear in lecture, this is evidenced by the fact that from 700 A.D. to the 1960's, the Liturgy had never been truly reformed.
To answer the question at hand now, I would suggest that embellishing the Liturgy could be just as practical as replacing old, worn out lighting in a house with more energy and cost efficient bulbs, or as aesthetic as painting the house a different color. Over time, things change in abundance both practically and aesthetically, and sometimes modifications should be made.
Why would anyone want to embellish the Liturgy? It's interesting, because the specific choice to use the word 'why' implies a judgement. This judgement, or assumption in this case, of course, is that the standard or 'the norm' is that people would not want to embellish the Liturgy. If the Liturgy is not broken, are you going to try to fix it? People go to great lengths to establish, and more importantly, preserve traditions of cultures. The Liturgy, specifically, is a very influential tradition of a highly significant culture, so changing it in any way at all, especially during times of communication rates very much slower than today, would be a near impossibility against the odds of those up in arms about maintaining tradition. As we hear in lecture, this is evidenced by the fact that from 700 A.D. to the 1960's, the Liturgy had never been truly reformed.
To answer the question at hand now, I would suggest that embellishing the Liturgy could be just as practical as replacing old, worn out lighting in a house with more energy and cost efficient bulbs, or as aesthetic as painting the house a different color. Over time, things change in abundance both practically and aesthetically, and sometimes modifications should be made.
Week 2 Listening 3
Missa Assumpta Est Maria, For 6 Voices: Graduale: Propter Veritatem, by Palestrina
This seems like the typical chant. I'm not sure why Palestrina keeps popping up. I think that pandora has thrown some gregorian chant into the medieval station.
O Viridissima Virga, Antiphon: O Viridissima virga, Antiphon
This is a pretty, and solemn music. Females only. I'm noticing a trend that music of this period is either all male or all female. This piece in particular is not secular, I don't think, but it seems as though even the secular songs are not coed.
This seems like the typical chant. I'm not sure why Palestrina keeps popping up. I think that pandora has thrown some gregorian chant into the medieval station.
O Viridissima Virga, Antiphon: O Viridissima virga, Antiphon
This is a pretty, and solemn music. Females only. I'm noticing a trend that music of this period is either all male or all female. This piece in particular is not secular, I don't think, but it seems as though even the secular songs are not coed.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Week 2 Listening 2
Another Hildegard von Bingen. This time, "Voice of the Blood."
There is a pedal sustained note underneath, giving this a truly eerie and awesome feel. This singer is amazing. It has no harmony that I'm detecting, but it has a very strong modal melody line that takes care of the harmony itself. This song has a slow and solemn tempo. It is by far my favorite song of this era, thus far.
Philippe de Chancilier - Sol Oritur In Sydere
This is the highest countertenor that I've ever heard. His range is beyond that of most sopranos. I wonder why it was so popular to have the falsetto so mastered back in those times. It is definitely a beautiful sound, but it is so different than what we are used to today. I am entranced by his perfection of his instrument. It is entirely a Capella. There is no drone or any other voices to call or respond, and no instrument in sight, yet the singer is flawless. Truly, an impressive performance.
There is a pedal sustained note underneath, giving this a truly eerie and awesome feel. This singer is amazing. It has no harmony that I'm detecting, but it has a very strong modal melody line that takes care of the harmony itself. This song has a slow and solemn tempo. It is by far my favorite song of this era, thus far.
Philippe de Chancilier - Sol Oritur In Sydere
This is the highest countertenor that I've ever heard. His range is beyond that of most sopranos. I wonder why it was so popular to have the falsetto so mastered back in those times. It is definitely a beautiful sound, but it is so different than what we are used to today. I am entranced by his perfection of his instrument. It is entirely a Capella. There is no drone or any other voices to call or respond, and no instrument in sight, yet the singer is flawless. Truly, an impressive performance.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Week 2 Listening 1
I hopped on pandora.com and typed in "medieval," to which Pandora responded with "Sequentia Ensemble for Medieval Music, Cologne, Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstasy." So, that is the channel that I listened to.
The First song, "O Ignis Spiritus" featured responsorial content as far as I could tell. Because this music is in a different language, I couldn't tell if it was repeated material or if the texture just alternated between virtuosic high soprano and a group. This recording was of all women. I needed to look up the word, "Canticles" on dictionary.com, and it is defined as a nonmentrical hymn or chant.
The second song, contrary to the first, seems as though it is in a major tonality. This song is called, "Guillaume de Machaut." Pandora seems to agree, as it just popped up a comment box saying it featured another female singer but in a major tonality. I think this might not be totally correct because we have discussed nothing but modes thus far in class.
The third song seems much more modal, especially in the harmony. There is a droning harmony in the background and a moving line on top, as the soloist. This recording seems as though it is in a very, very large cathedral or monastary because its resonance provides an overwhelming echo. I wonder if this is accurate, as female singers were not allowed to sing sacred music in services, so why would it be in a monastary or cathedral? This is called, "Gregorian Chant 1000: A Mass for the End of Time," by Anonymous 4. I think that I remember from Music Lit that composers of chant usually did not indicate who they were on the composition, but the chants were in collections and they seem to be able to group many chants together under a single composer.
The First song, "O Ignis Spiritus" featured responsorial content as far as I could tell. Because this music is in a different language, I couldn't tell if it was repeated material or if the texture just alternated between virtuosic high soprano and a group. This recording was of all women. I needed to look up the word, "Canticles" on dictionary.com, and it is defined as a nonmentrical hymn or chant.
The second song, contrary to the first, seems as though it is in a major tonality. This song is called, "Guillaume de Machaut." Pandora seems to agree, as it just popped up a comment box saying it featured another female singer but in a major tonality. I think this might not be totally correct because we have discussed nothing but modes thus far in class.
The third song seems much more modal, especially in the harmony. There is a droning harmony in the background and a moving line on top, as the soloist. This recording seems as though it is in a very, very large cathedral or monastary because its resonance provides an overwhelming echo. I wonder if this is accurate, as female singers were not allowed to sing sacred music in services, so why would it be in a monastary or cathedral? This is called, "Gregorian Chant 1000: A Mass for the End of Time," by Anonymous 4. I think that I remember from Music Lit that composers of chant usually did not indicate who they were on the composition, but the chants were in collections and they seem to be able to group many chants together under a single composer.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Medieval Instrument - Listening
http://www.music.iastate.edu/antiqua/instrumt.html
Bass Crumhorn - double reed on the inside of the instrument
Cornamuse
The Dulcian - like a bassoon, literally "sweet". Can play softly or loudly, very versitile
Sacbut
Dulcimer - Strings across a hollow box, played with mallets. great for accompanying
Gamba - "viol da gamba" looks a lot like a cello. 6 strings. played with bow, fretted.
Gemshorn - made out of horn, flutelike.
Hurdy-Gurdy - you turn a wheel that turns to vibrate the strings, with reeds that pop up and act as stops. Also called an organ grinder. Has drone strings that play constantly.
Kortholt - "short wood" - double bore instrument. Also double reed. Suprisingly low pitch for its size
Zink - buzzing of the lips. aka "cornett"
Lizard - it's a lower zink. "tenor cornett", conical bore.
Serpent - "bass cornett"
Lute - tons and tons of lute music, more than piano.
Mute Cornett - conical. very soft sound. played with recorders, lutes, and viols because it was soft
Organetto - a small organ
Rauschpfeife - another loud reed-cap instrument
Psaltery - a plucked instrument. like the lyre, much like ancient instruments
Rebec - predecessor of the violin family. fretless
***FIRST LISTENING***
"A l'entrada del tens clar"
There is a lower voice and a higher voice. This sounds, because of its lilt, like an Italian piece. "eya" as a response at the lines to affirm the grace of this young girl. It is a lively, festive piece; very secular, due to its earthly pleasures in content.
We also listened to a darker, more rhythmic version.
***SECOND LISTENING***
"Reis Glorios"
Starts with a buzzing instrument, and a double reed, with a string drone. Perhaps a lizard or serpent is present, for the lower buzzed instrument. A high soprano enters. It sounds quite minor for "Glorious King," in my opinion. Ah, perhaps it is "...soon I fear the jealous one will attack you."
***THIRD LISTENING***
"Comtessa de Dia: A Chantar"
I believe we listened to this in lecture on Wednesday. It is about unrequited love. Obviously, this piece is secular, as a female is singing, and it is about human love. I hear a light and thin plucking string, as well as a bowed string to accompany.
Bass Crumhorn - double reed on the inside of the instrument
Cornamuse
The Dulcian - like a bassoon, literally "sweet". Can play softly or loudly, very versitile
Sacbut
Dulcimer - Strings across a hollow box, played with mallets. great for accompanying
Gamba - "viol da gamba" looks a lot like a cello. 6 strings. played with bow, fretted.
Gemshorn - made out of horn, flutelike.
Hurdy-Gurdy - you turn a wheel that turns to vibrate the strings, with reeds that pop up and act as stops. Also called an organ grinder. Has drone strings that play constantly.
Kortholt - "short wood" - double bore instrument. Also double reed. Suprisingly low pitch for its size
Zink - buzzing of the lips. aka "cornett"
Lizard - it's a lower zink. "tenor cornett", conical bore.
Serpent - "bass cornett"
Lute - tons and tons of lute music, more than piano.
Mute Cornett - conical. very soft sound. played with recorders, lutes, and viols because it was soft
Organetto - a small organ
Rauschpfeife - another loud reed-cap instrument
Psaltery - a plucked instrument. like the lyre, much like ancient instruments
Rebec - predecessor of the violin family. fretless
***FIRST LISTENING***
"A l'entrada del tens clar"
There is a lower voice and a higher voice. This sounds, because of its lilt, like an Italian piece. "eya" as a response at the lines to affirm the grace of this young girl. It is a lively, festive piece; very secular, due to its earthly pleasures in content.
We also listened to a darker, more rhythmic version.
***SECOND LISTENING***
"Reis Glorios"
Starts with a buzzing instrument, and a double reed, with a string drone. Perhaps a lizard or serpent is present, for the lower buzzed instrument. A high soprano enters. It sounds quite minor for "Glorious King," in my opinion. Ah, perhaps it is "...soon I fear the jealous one will attack you."
***THIRD LISTENING***
"Comtessa de Dia: A Chantar"
I believe we listened to this in lecture on Wednesday. It is about unrequited love. Obviously, this piece is secular, as a female is singing, and it is about human love. I hear a light and thin plucking string, as well as a bowed string to accompany.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Office and Mass on Easter Day - Listening
Introit - (Proper)
This recording is completely monophonic.
The singers were all male.
I liked the texture of the piece; it seemed to speed up and slow down enough to keep me interested. The range of pitch had the same large dynamic, which is refreshing for sometimes more monotonous chants that I've heard in the past.
The first half is neumatic and melismatic, where later in the piece where it seems to speed up and gain a more positive energy, it becomes syllabic.
Kyrie - (Ordinary)
This seems to be a call and response.
This is significantly more melismatic.
It seems to be more metered. Most of the phrases are a wedge (>) in that they always start higher in pitch than they end.
Gloria
This one, probably for obvious reasons, seems to be the happiest sounding thus far. Another call and response.
Agnus Dei - Ordinary (on Easter)
It's interesting to me that there are repeated triad-sounding motives at the end of the phrases.
Agnus Dei (2)
Seems as though it's nearly a pedal at the beginning (on F). This is a more beautiful rendition. No matter where the phrases go, it seems to find its way back to the same pitch (F). This is another call and response. The Agnus Dei recordings seem to be shorter.
Agnus Dei (2) (on Christmas)
This one started with a phrase ending in a leading tone and resolution. Seems almost tonal, like the second Agnus Dei.
This recording is completely monophonic.
The singers were all male.
I liked the texture of the piece; it seemed to speed up and slow down enough to keep me interested. The range of pitch had the same large dynamic, which is refreshing for sometimes more monotonous chants that I've heard in the past.
The first half is neumatic and melismatic, where later in the piece where it seems to speed up and gain a more positive energy, it becomes syllabic.
Kyrie - (Ordinary)
This seems to be a call and response.
This is significantly more melismatic.
It seems to be more metered. Most of the phrases are a wedge (>) in that they always start higher in pitch than they end.
Gloria
This one, probably for obvious reasons, seems to be the happiest sounding thus far. Another call and response.
Agnus Dei - Ordinary (on Easter)
It's interesting to me that there are repeated triad-sounding motives at the end of the phrases.
Agnus Dei (2)
Seems as though it's nearly a pedal at the beginning (on F). This is a more beautiful rendition. No matter where the phrases go, it seems to find its way back to the same pitch (F). This is another call and response. The Agnus Dei recordings seem to be shorter.
Agnus Dei (2) (on Christmas)
This one started with a phrase ending in a leading tone and resolution. Seems almost tonal, like the second Agnus Dei.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Do You Believe There is an Antisocial Music
I read Plato's Musical Idealism, and was asked to respond to what I read and was prompted the question, "Do you believe there is an antisocial music?" Immediately, Plato is slanted in that he opens with separating "Second-rate and commonplace people" and "men of worth and culture" as those who hire extraneous voices in their conversation with such nonsense and warbling, and those who can enjoy each other's company "without such frivolous nonsense." I responded to this with surprise as to the bluntness of Plato's words. At first, I didn't realize that music was a much more board encompassing idea that what I was used to.
Plato, when talking about law and society, which is on what I'll base the majority of this post, mentions that there were four distinct genres of music that were the norm: hymns, paeans, laments, and dithyrambs. He mentions that "...these and other types were definitely fixed..." and that it was not permissible to mix them. Plato parallels the uneducated mixing and misusing these types of music to those who mis
use and bring disorder to law. So, Plato believes that music can be 'antisocial' in that it will go against social order.
I believe that there is definitely music that contributes to social disorder. Some popular bands such as Green Day and Blink 182 are all about rebelling against authority and mixing what used to be inappropriate, and making old thin lines a little more blurred, as Plato suggests.
Plato, when talking about law and society, which is on what I'll base the majority of this post, mentions that there were four distinct genres of music that were the norm: hymns, paeans, laments, and dithyrambs. He mentions that "...these and other types were definitely fixed..." and that it was not permissible to mix them. Plato parallels the uneducated mixing and misusing these types of music to those who mis
use and bring disorder to law. So, Plato believes that music can be 'antisocial' in that it will go against social order. I believe that there is definitely music that contributes to social disorder. Some popular bands such as Green Day and Blink 182 are all about rebelling against authority and mixing what used to be inappropriate, and making old thin lines a little more blurred, as Plato suggests.
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