The Importance of Performance - Term Paper Example

The Importance of Performance In listening to the work of the madrigal singers who performed “Il et bel et bon” the facial expressions of the singers reveal the content of the music without a translation of the lyrics. There is a sense of flirtation that can be seen on the faces of the singers. The song appears to be of a joyous nature, with specific movements being done in order to convey meaning to the audience. Another version in acappella by The King’s Singers reveals that it is intended to suggest a group of women discussing their men and the ways in which the men treat them.

The idea is that they are gossiping. While this was not perfectly clear from the first rendition, the sense of humor and joy from women gathering to discuss their men can be seen once the theme is understood. The instrumental version of “Il et bel et bon” by The King’s Singers does not, however, translate the playfulness as well as the acappella versions. The sound of the clucking chickens that is translated through musical devices creates a sense of the theme as there is a general stereotypical analogy between clucking chickens and gossiping women.

Listening to the piece, “Clap Your Hands” by Voces8 was moving, with a sense of joy, but much more serious in nature. The individual voices could be heard, but the combined sound, with the fluid harmonies that moved up and down from one voice to the other, told more of the story than did the lyrics themselves. The work is beautiful, but the one soprano did dominate the work, creating a center focus of the piece. This did, however, distract from the other voices, rather than blending them into a cohesive work.

That, of course, is merely an opinion and the sound may have been compromised, creating a situation where one voice appeared to be too dominant. The voices are, of course, amazing as they weave the song, a complexity of tones that drive forward towards the end of the work. The piece titled Sicut Servus reveals the melancholy reverence that can be achieved through the use of well balanced harmonies. The dissonance is compelling and draws you into the work, creating a sense of the themes without understanding the lyrics or knowing what is intended.

The voices sound like they are pleading, begging in humility for that which they need. This piece also has a woven quality, creating a flow of music that surrounds the listener, touching upon the soul just as the lyrics suggest the theme of the health of the soul. The use of just the voice to create a multi-level piece allows for the solemn theme to become clear.