Evaluating Western Classical Work - Essay Example

Their concerts are broadcast on BBC’s Radio 3, BBC Cymru Wales radio and television mad BBC Four making it the most televised orchestra in Britain.

Aside from having performed at various live concerts, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales also released several acclaimed CD recordings.

The band consists of 80 players, using instruments like First and Second Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Harp, Percussion, Timpani, Tuba, Bass, Trombone, Trumpet, Horn, Contrabassoon, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Clarinet, Cor Anglais, Oboe, Piccolo and Flute.

Although Guto Puw is the resident composer with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the 1812 Overture has been composed by Grant Llewellyn.

Friday, 16 February 2007 at Imperial War Museum – London.

Choirs – Chantage, Watford Philharmonic Choir, Parmiters School, Morley College Choir, Morley Singers, Jamey Davey Conductor.

Brass Banda – London College of Music, Watford Grammar School for boys, Cantre for Young musicians, David Mc Callum conductor.

French overture means opening and indicates the formation or introduction to performance. An overture is normally in three parts (fast-slow-fast). The 1812 Overture was about the battles between Napoleon’s French Army and the Russians. Within the piece, there is, therefore, the inclusion of anthems, gunfire, and church bells. Several performers, who took up the upper deck and the lower space of the venue delivered an amazing performance which was met with not only appreciation but also applause by the listeners.

The JOURNEY - The 1812 Overture is a classic that takes you through emotional ups and downs. Various instruments have been used to bring out this effect, a set of violins to bring out the lower and higher moods. Bass, bass clarinet, bassoon to depict drama and gunfire, trumpets to indicate rises and emotions, flute and piccolo to bring out calmness. The use of church bells to indicate the end.

The overture follows a stereotypical format which is the fast-slow-fast and the composer has managed to show both sides of the story, 2 marching armies whose troops were brimming with enthusiasm in defeating their enemy, thus motivated. The beginning of the clash between the 2 armies, the scenario of the war accompanied by gunshots, a drop in the music depicting a low mood or defeat, and the end of a war signaled by the ringing of church bells.

Evaluation of the performers – The BBC National Orchestra of Wales is renowned for its performances with resident composer, Guto Puw delivering mind-blowing original performances and pieces by other composers with immaculate brilliance. Grant Llewellyn, who is the music director of the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra and principal conductor of the Handel and Haydn Society is known for his exceptional charisma, energy, and easy authority in the music of all styles and periods. The performers who were 80 in number for this ensemble excluding the composers delivered an exceptional rendering of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 overture deserving recognition and applause.

For our analysis, we can choose the beginning of the composition. At approximately 4:00 minutes a drum roll comes on, and when comparing it to the theme of the composition, it signals the beginning of a war accompanied by trumpets and violins displaying vigor and intent of the marching army which is preparing for war. Since the style of an overture is fast-slow-fast, there is a drop in the tempo at 4 minutes and 50 seconds followed by a rise again at 5 minutes, where the violins are playing at a higher chord and the bass signaling suspense. This rise continues for about 2 minutes, slowing with a lower chord. At 7 minutes and 15 seconds, the focus shifts to the other side of the war, the opposing troops who are also marching towards the enemy, indicated by the horn blowing accompanied with violins. The entire story is well depicted with rises and falls showing both sides of the story, the war and the culmination making it an interesting experience.