First of all...

GO TO THIS WEBSITE RIGHT NOW:

Comparing Musical Periods

OK, now that we are past that - 

I wanted to share a conductor that is kind of changing things up - Gustavo Dudamel, currently the Musical Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.  Oh yeah, and he's 31 years old.

So in case you are keeping score...

Fahnders - teaches at his old high school.
 Dudamel - one of the world's premier interpreters of instrumental music.

Here are some recordings of him conducting.


Symphony No. 9, New World Symphony, by Dvorak
(performed for the Pope)

Note how the beginning sounds ALOT like the music for the movie Jaws...

Symphony No. 5, by L.v. Beethoven

It's hard to pull off a nearly flawless performance.  Keep in mind that when symphonies record pieces, they tend to do it a couple of times, and then take the best one.  In live performance, you only get one shot.  And what a heck of a shot this was...

Bolero, by Maurice Ravel

Be patient, and watch the entire piece unfold.  (But think about the poor snare player!)

The 20th Century (1900-2000)

Since we haven't had much time to reflect on the 20th century as a musical period, it does not have a cool name like the others.  Maybe some day it will have a neat title, but for now it is just "20th Century Music."

The 20th century really got rid of all conventions previous to it, and really forced the music community to ask "what is music?"  Does organization really matter, or can music be derived from chaos?

The 20th century also allowed us to focus on what our minds allowed, particularly with the advent of radio, television and the internet.  You are no longer forced to listen to whatever your local orchestra is playing - you can simply turn on your computer and find whatever you want.  Furthermore, it has all been chronicled so that you CAN find it.

20th Century Music Examples 

20th Century History and Composers 

Adagio for Strings, by Samuel Barber

Barber's piece is so incredibly moving, and is always associated with sadness and despair.  (Just watch the video.)

"Mambo" from West Side Story, by Leonard Bernstein

The first time I hear this, I think - HOW AWESOME IS THIS PIECE!?!?!?

The second time I hear this, I think - HOW CRAZY MUST THIS MUSIC LOOK!?!?!?!?

Seriously - watch the percussion section earn their money.  And note how many more percussion instruments there are as opposed to some of the Baroque/Classical/Romantic pieces you've seen.

Suite "1922", Op. 26, by Paul Hindemith

Although he is mainly known for orchestral works, here is a fantastically dizzying piano composition.  Have fun following it.

"Classical Symphony" by Prokofiev

Even though it was written in the 20th Century, can you guess why it is called the "Classical" Symphony?

The Romantic Period (1825-1900)

Most musicologists (those who study music history) classify Beethoven's 9th Symphony (Ode to Joy) as the beginning of the Romantic Period in music.

Romantic Period Website

A concise description of all things Romantic

We'll begin with the work that really set the stage for the Romantic Period in music:

Symphony no. 9 (Choral), by L.v.  Beethoven

Although known for the fact that he added a CHOIR to a symphony orchestra (which had never been done before), this symphony is INCREDIBLY over the top, and absolutely sublime in its beauty.  Here is the entire work - about an hour long.

"Der Erlkoenig" by Franz Schubert

as performed by Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, one of the most recorded voices of all time

This is an example of Lieder (German art song).  The song is a conversation between a father, his sick son, and the Erlking (who has come to receive the son in death).  The father is riding with the son on a horse - presumably to the safety of a doctor or bed.  The father tells the son to hold on, but the son tells his father that the Erlking is nearer and nearer.  Eventually the Erlking enters the conversation, convincing the son to come with him.

Note how the accompaniment figure actually sounds like a horse riding in the night, how the melody changes for each character, and how the music creates the panicked mood.

"Prelude", Tristan und Isolde by Richard Wagner

Wagner considered Opera to be the Gesamtkunstwerk (german for "complete work of art"), in that it included every element of artistic medium and interpretation, and as a result, focused mainly on it.

This piece is so wonderfully chromatic.  Wagner does an amazing job of forcing dissonance, and resolving it differently each time to create unexpectedly beautiful results.  It just makes your heart want to jump out of your chest - hence the term, romantic.

It should also be noted that Wagnerian Opera is some of the more difficult opera to sing for a few reasons.

1) It never repeats.  Every time it does SOMETHING different, no matter how small.  So it can really be a bear on the brain.  But this was done in an effort to imitate our real existence... nothing is ever the same the second time around in the human experience.

2) His orchestration is INCREDIBLY full, and is basically a symphony orchestra in the pit.  This was difficult for singers to match, which is why it takes a certain freak-breed of singers to be able to perform this music without spitting up blood afterwards.  It is not recommended for those with lighter voices.

Also Sprach Zarathustra by Richard Strauss

Although made famous again in the 20th century as film music in "2001: A Space Odyssey", this piece was actually written in 1896 as a tone poem.

What is a tone poem?  I'm so glad you asked.

A symphonic poem or tone poem is a piece of orchestral music in a single continuous section in which the content of a poem, a story or novel, a painting, a landscape or another (non-musical) source is illustrated or evoked.

In this case, Strauss read a treatise by Friedrich Nietzsche of the same name, and based his work on what he read. I would summarize it here, but I am not smart enough to do this in less than 1,000 words.  

Google it.

The Classical Period (ca. 1750-1825)

Again, I would like to remind all parties involved that the dates behind each of these periods are not exact.  Composers all over the world didn't wake up on January 1, 1750, and begin writing new music - this was a gradual shift that occurred sooner in some places than others.

Classical PDF from UK

A Nice, Concise Website

And now, for a few good examples of Classical music.

"Eine kleine Nachtmusik" by W.A. Mozart

Mozart is a true master - you could scour a piece of his for years and still not completely understand the entire thing.  As far as noting its Classical characteristics, note how BALANCED it is.  The fast and furious is always followed by smooth and sustained.  The high is countered with the low.  Just amazing.

Piano Quartet in g minor, third movement, by W. A. Mozart

It is important to note that this piece is in rondo form, meaning that a repeated bit of material is seperated by other alternative sections of music.  An example would be ABACADA.

Symphony no. 94, "Surprise", by Haydn

Feel free to turn it up LOUD and guess where the surprise is.  :)

The Baroque Period (1600-1750)

To capitalize on one of our listening examples today, I have found a fantastic website filled with identifying characteristics of the Baroque Period.

Baroque Music Website

Also, I have posted some Baroque pieces which display those characteristics most evident during this time period.  (What a weird sentence... you know what I mean.)

"Spring" from The Four Seasons, by Vivaldi (Italian)

"Air (on a G String)" by J.S. Bach (German)

"When I am laid in Earth" from Dido and Aeneas by Purcell (English)

A quick note about this piece - this is an aria (italian for "song") from the opera Dido and Aeneas, which was the Prescribed Work for those testing in '09 and '10. 

0:00 - 0:48 - This section of the piece is a recitative of sorts.  The orchestra is only playing cadential figures, while the voice is free to go as fast or slow as needed to pull as much from the text as possible.  While it is not TOTALLY ametrical, it certainly isn't following a certain tempo.

0:48 - 4:06 - This is the aria proper, the song with the singable melody and recurring sections.  Probably one of the more beautiful melodies ever written.  Enjoy.

Coronation Anthem: Zadok The Priest by G.F. Handel

It is important to note that when William becomes the King of England, this will probably be played at his Coronation Ceremony.

"Happy Spring Break" Edition!

Hopefully this post finds you well - enjoying our beautiful Texas Spring.

Reminder - you have an assignment due the Tuesday you come back.  

And now, for some spring music... see you in a week!

The Rite of Spring, by I. Stravinsky, as performed in Fantasia (the original)

"Spring" from The Four Seasons by Vivaldi

A Medley from Spring Awakening, as performed at the Tony Awards

(be advised, there is some PG-13 stuff in here)

(also be advised, you'll see a few Glee people in here)

(and further be advised, this musical is awesome)

Great Music Thursday...

Here is some great music.  Because it's Thursday, that's why.

Helter Skelter, by the Beatles

Angie, by the Rolling Stones

The Star Spangled Banner, performed by Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock

What time do we have for music?

Wise men answer with this: All the time in the world.

Thanks for being awesome musicians.

Here is your reward:

"The Whole Enchilada" by Keb' Mo

"Liebestod" from Tristan und Isolde, by Richard Wagner

Symphony No. 9 (The New World Symphony), mvmt. 2, Largo, by Antonin Dvorak

A beautiful Saturday...

Hopefully you aren't spending this glorious day on your computer...

But if you are, here is some background music as you work.  :)

 

First up, a piece performed by Luciano Pavarotti, who is, in my opinion, THE tenor.  Like Michael Jordan, there were many before, and there will be many after, but none will stack up. Why?  For the love of goodness, listen to the melodic line he creates... and never mind the fact that he does it without looking like his brain is going to melt down.  Long story short - here is one of the kings of breath support and placement, a singer that rises above the genre and creates pure art.

"Una Furtiva Lagrima" from L'elisir D'amore, by Donizetti

Next - a piece we all know from Lexus commercials.  Why Bach's cello suites are used to sell Luxury items in commercials, I have no clue... but what I can tell you is that these pieces are incredibly hard to play WELL.  In essence, Yo Yo Ma is playing a 4 part chorale, but only selecting a few notes of each, which is what makes the treatment of these so difficult.  So don't be fooled when he makes it look easy... that's because he is a genius.

Cello Suite No. 1, by Johann Sebastian Bach

From Bach, jazz is not such a far leap... only about 250 years or so.  :)

The Canadian Brass, for many years one of the most premier Brass Ensembles, takes a fugue (#2) from Bach's Well Tempered Clavier, and adds a little swing to it.  And, honestly, it doesn't sound that out of place.  Was Bach a jazz genius?

"Fugue #2", Well Tempered Clavier (Book 1), Johann Sebastian Bach

Great Music Thursday...

Reminder - tomorrow Bach Chorales are due.  To get you in that mindset, here is a Bach Chorale.

"Jesu, meine Freude", mvmt. 1, 2, and 3

(movements 1 and 3 are the chorales we are working with)

Next, in honor of the orchestra playing at UIL tomorrow, a few musical offerings for "Great Music Thursday."

"Overture", Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Rossini - as performed by the King's Singers

Symphony no. 41, "Jupiter", mvmt. 4, W.A.Mozart

And one to grow on...

"Psycho Killer", by the Talking Heads

Sounds a lot like Maroon 5 to me... AND they seem to be wearing skinny jeans.  Hmm... is it all cyclical?

There and Bach again...

As I suspect questions about your homework assignment may begin creeping up sometime Thursday evening, I would like to take a moment to remind you of a few internet resources available to you pertaining to this issue.

www.musictheory.net 

- probably the greatest resource regarding music theory on the internet.  

It covers all of the basics.

DocStoc.com - How to Harmonize Bach Chorale Cadences (British)

- a British Powerpoint which outlines the approach of Bach Chorale Cadences

A different approach... a little wordy for me, but completely accurate.

MyMusicTheory.com

- a simpler site which offers "Grade 6" Music Theory Composition help - simply click on which lesson you would like to see.

Here is a good video covering some of the basics.

Here, the video composes in a minor key, which we have not talked about as much as Major.

And sometimes you just happen upon it...

Hopefully you've all heard that the President likes to sing...

Well, as I was flipping through the channels this evening, I came upon "In Performance at the White House: Red, White & Blues."  While the evening was filled with big names like B.B. King, Jeff Beck and Mick Jagger, there were two performances that knocked me on my side.

Gary Clark, Jr., performing "Catfish Blues"

Keb Mo performing "America, the Beautiful"

Encouraged...

We are starting to see better and better results in the listening examples we are receiving.  Here are a few of the pieces you listened to today, that you might reflect on them.

Gloria, Mvmt. 1, Vivaldi 

Can't Buy Me Love, The King's Singers

O Magnum Mysterium, Tomas Luis de Victoria

Spirit of the Radio, Rush

Beethoven, the composer's composer...

Aside from being deaf by the end of his lifetime, Beethoven is also known for doing a little composing.  We all know his symphonies, but for him, this was just the tip of the iceberg.  Beethoven's String Quartet No. 14 (actually his 15th quartet), is considered by many his greatest accomplishment, which I am thrilled to share with you now.

@ 0:00, Mvmt. 1, Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivo (C# Major)

@ 9:24, Mvmt. 2, Allegro molto vivace (D Major)

@ 12:34, Mvmt. 3, Allegro moderato (f# minor)

@ 13:32, Mvmt. 4, Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabile (A Major)

@ 29:31, Mvmt. 5, Presto (E Major)

@ 34:58, Mvmt. 6, Adagio quasi un poco andante (g# minor)

@ 37:20, Mvmt. 7, Allegro (C# Major)

There is also an analysis of this piece in the video.

 

Let's all breathe...

I feel like everyone had "one of those days."

Guess what?  Music is still awesome, and has an answer for that, too.

Here are three great works to soothe you.

"Maybe I'm Amazed" by Wings (Paul McCartney)

"Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley

"Creep" by Radiohead

TED Talks

Here is another great one, for those of you with a spare moment:

David Byrne, formerly of the Talking Heads, discusses performance within certain venues, and how those venues may have had more influence on the creative process than passion did.

Needless to say, this would be one heck of an Extended Essay.

Thoughts as we approach your exams...

As we get closer to test time, I think it is important for us to consider the end goal of this learning, and to reflect on what it is we are trying to do here.

At the end of the day, if you remember one thing, remember that all music is awesome, and incredibly/interestingly related.  Maybe it speaks to the fact that humanity, for all of its self imposed divisions, is not so different after all?  And this is where IB comes in.

Your Musical Link Investigation is simply a media script of less than 2,000 words that tests this theory.  Can you find two separate musical cultures that share something, in spite of the fact that they may be half a world away?  What is really impressive here is that there are a plethora of correct answers, and that you are allowed to pursue your own interests in an effort to more deeply delve into this matter.

Your Listening Paper is almost the exact same thing as the MLI, except that the format is different.  Again, we are searching for things that pieces share, no matter how different they might be.

I guess my point is, don't be boggled down by the fact that there are so many things to compare, and simply start with a few basics.  Music is a language that everyone speaks, but just because you can't speak the "jargon" fluently doesn't mean you should pack up and do your math homework instead. :)

Have a lovely evening.  To put it all into perspective, here is Pink Floyd.

And we're back!

Hope everyone enjoyed their Friday off - now back to work.

I'd like to share a piece with you that I heard at the Texas Music Educators Association in San Antonio this past week.  It is the perfect combination of music and text - a story that is conveyed wonderfully through music.  The story behind the text is:

While on duty in Iraq, Pfc. Jesse Givens wrote a letter to his wife and two children that he wished to be only opened in the event of his death. Unfortunately, Givens died in battle before his second child was born, and the letter was delivered to his wife after she had given birth.  Afterwards, his wife consented to American composer Lee Hoiby setting his letter to music.

An incredibly moving piece - the text is below the video.  Enjoy.

I searched all my life for a dream and I found it in you. I would like to think that I made a positive difference in your lives. I will never be able to make up for the bad. I am so sorry. The happiest moments in my life all deal with my little family. I will always have with me the small moments we all shared. The moments when you quit taking life so serious and smiled. The sounds of a beautiful boy's laughter or the simple nudge of a baby unborn. You will never know how complete you have made me. You opened my eyes to a world I never dreamed existed.

Dakota, you are more son than I could ever ask for. You have a big beautiful heart. I will always be there in our park when you dream, so we can still play. I hope someday you will have a son like mine. I love you Toad. I will always be there with you. I'll be in the sun, shadows, dreams, and joys of your life.

Bean, I never got to see you but I know in my heart you are beautiful.

I have never been so blessed as I was on the day I met Melissa Dawn Benfield. You are my Angel, soulmate, wife, lover, and best friend. I am so sorry. I did not want to have to write this letter. There is so much more I need to say, so much more I need to share. A lifetime's worth. I married you for a million lifetimes. That's how long I will be with you.

Do me one favor. After you tuck the children in, give them hugs and kisses from me. Go outside and look at the stars, and count them. Don't forget to smile. 

El Salon Mexico

A word to the wise - everytime a reputable musical organization puts on a concert, they typically include program notes.  These notes help to "frame" the piece, and the context in which it was written.

You can also use a computer to find these past programs and notes... why heck, if you typed in "El Salon Mexico Program Notes", I wonder what you would come up with...

http://www.barbwired.com/barbweb/programs/copland_salonmexico.html

I know, I know... I'm a genius.

And now, for your daily dose of culture: