Analyze a Piece of Music from a Concert Hall - Essay Example

?Ave Verum Corpes, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, conducted by Leonard Bernstein The symphony and choir preforming is the Bayerischen Rundfunks group and the piece is directed by Leonard Bernstein. The language is Italian which flows well and elucidates the feeling of completeness. The texture of the music itself is melodic, flowing and very harmonic. The voice is a compilation of over 30 persons in a choir this leads to many varying degrees of harmony and is beautiful. The thematic development of the piece stays relatively true to the original piece and utilizes the complete array of voice and music to complete the intentions of this short Eucharist hymn as it was meant to be completed. Several times through the rendition observed the major key D exudes positivity and the desire to simply lean back and enjoy is overwhelming. There is a full orchestra accompanying the verbal portion of this particular piece which is reminiscent of the full sound that can be seen in Claude Debussy’s La Mer. While relaxing La Mer had more significant changes in its harmonic rhythm than did Ave Verum Corpes. There was no unresolved dissonance within the recitation itself. As I believe Leonard Bernstein is one of the pre-eminent conductors of our time a small amount of bias may in fact exist from my viewpoint. This rendition was completed and recorded in 1990 and is grainy yet beautiful. Ave Verum Corpes was composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and reflects his rendition of the Eucharist hymn with the same title; this hymn dates from the 14th century and is frequently used during the Benediction of Blessed Sacrament. This particular hymn is attributed originally to Pope Innocent VI dating approximately 1362. In 1791 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote his rendition for a friend Anton Stoll and it was used to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi. (Ave Verum Corpus 1) With a small 46 bars of music this particular piece serves to introduce transition and end the piece. (Liu PhD 1) This piece would fall into the category of religious or sacred music which reflects the intent of the composer to satisfy the desires of the church. As with many religious hymns it is solemn and yet cheery in tone, elucidating a feeling of relaxed awareness. Mozart was himself the product of an advanced musical ability, musical heritage and training as a result of his father who was a well-respected violin instructor. When he was born in 1756 his given name was, Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart. He personally preferred Wolfgang Amede Mozart to the given name and the name he is known by today. The middle name spelled in that manner reflected his appreciation of French culture and language. Mozart never attended a formal educational facility to advance his abilities. (Mozarts life 1) When I listen to the piece I feel as though the very sky is around me, I feel relaxed, and as if I am floating on the clouds. I am also immediately transported to the past and religious services attended. I see robes, crosses, sunlight and clouds. This is a piece that is easy to enjoy and I am no exception to those who enjoy it. It is short, however, even in its relative shortness it is complete and lends itself to the easy listening sometimes required to relax. I enjoyed this piece simply because it allowed me to feel as though I was in another place if only for a few short minutes. By closing one’s eyes the full quality and beauty of the piece is made readily apparent. With the vibrant crescendo of sound from the full accompaniment in the background it is easy to find myself slipping from the now into the warmth and comfort provided by my imagination. Additional repetitions listening to the piece from a variety of composers lends credence to the idea that a well written musical number is hard to play or perform poorly. One of the more easily enjoyed renditions was the poorly recorded rendition performed by Diana-Marina Fisher in 2008. This particular rendition brought forth a variety of tonal qualities and did nothing to hinder personal enjoyment, in fact increased my personal appreciation of the musical number itself. Ave Verum Corpus, "Extended Definition: Ave verum corpus." Webster's Online Dictionary (2011): 1. Web. 24 Feb 2011. http://www.websters-dictionary-online.com/definitions/Ave+verum+Corpus?cx=partner-pub-0939450753529744%3Av0qd01-tdlq&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=UTF-8&q=Ave+verum+Corpus&sa=Search#938 Liu PhD, J. "Choral Music Notes - W.A. Mozart Ave Verum Corpus, K.618." Dr. Jimbobs home (2002): 1. Web. 24 Feb 2011. http://members.macconnect.com/users/j/jimbob/classical/mozart_k618.html Mozarts life, "Music in Vienna, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ." ‘Vienna Tourist information (2011): 1. Web. 24 Feb 2011. http://www.vienna.cc/e/music/mozart_biography.htm Read More