Creation of a Time Capsule - Essay Example

Time Capsule As a member of the time capsule selection committee it is a great honor to be able to present to you the selected playlist for inclusion in the time capsule. Significant consideration has gone into the selection of these tracks. The committee recognizes that the history of Western music could contain an endless degree of song tracks this committee has limited its selection criteria to the Baroque and Classical eras. These eras are rich in musical tradition and while it was a challenge to narrow the tracks down, the tracks that were selected were done so based on their historical importance, sonic qualities and continued and future relevance. The following six tracks selected are as follows. The Baroque era constitutes a significant shift in music style. One of the most notable composers of this era is Johann Sebastian Bach. While there were a great variety of Bach’s works the selection committee considered, Bach’s composition ‘Sonata no 1’ a characteristic example of his work. This track combines violin and harpsichord in a level of instrumental complexity and poignancy that at the time had not yet been experienced in the history of music. While ostensibly non-secular this music seemingly transcends such categorizations as it exhibits pure musical poignancy. In these regards, there is a sort of mysterious quality to the track that places it at a level of great interest and intrigue to listeners. In addition to these sonic qualities the committee considered that Bach has significant historical importance both for his power compositions as well as the tremendous influence he had on future musicians. His influential nature and iconic historical importance factored greatly into the committee’s selection of this composition for the time capsule. Furthermore, Bach’s harpsichord concertos are recognized by scholars as among the first concertos for the keyboard instrument ever written (Bukofzer 2008). Another notable Baroque era composer selected for the time capsule was Jean Baptiste Lully, with his ‘Symphonie’ the selected work. While Bach’s work was slightly subtle, this composition is highly bombastic with patriotic or nationalistic overtones in its upbeat melody; in these regards, it could fit perfectly in a state or crown sponsored event (Bukofzer 2008). There were a number of factors that led to the committee’s decision. In addition to Lully’s seminal historical importance to the Baroque era, this composition has withstood the test of time and its sonorous, yet patriotic qualities are believed to hold continued interests for contemporary and potential future audiences. In addition to Johannes Sebastian Bach and Jean Baptiste Lully, the committee selected Antonio Vivaldi from the Baroque era for inclusion into the time capsule. While Vivaldi’s work spans a wide array of selections, the committee ultimately selected his ‘Four Seasons,’ specifically the first movement, for the iconic status it has assumed as a Baroque era composition. From the very first instrumentation that is heard on this composition the listener immediately recognizes the sound. This opening movement has an upbeat and light-hearted aura of happiness that takes the listener to a new visceral experience. Its seminal importance, even centuries after its original composition, attests to the deeply powerful aspect of this song as reaching into and capturing the human soul. The Classical era in music is perhaps the most seminal era of composition in the history of Western culture. This era witnessed an explosion of musical talent and styles. The most seminal talent of this period and indeed in the history of Western music is Ludwig van Beethoven. While the committee struggled to choose only one of Beethoven’s works, ultimately the final movement – ‘Chorale IV’ of Beethoven’s ‘Symphony #9’ was chosen. With its cataclysm of ferocious internal emotions as expressed masterfully through orchestral expression places it on a level of artistic mastery as Shakespeare’s Hamlet is to literature. This composition contains a great amount of foreboding and dark melodies that are ultimately punctured by an uplifting sort of enlightenment. In addition to the sonic qualities this composition is perhaps the most recognized musical composition within the Western musical canon and constitutes a cornerstone element of the time capsule. While perhaps not as seminal as Beethoven’s ‘Symphony No. 9’, the work of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart constitutes some of the most powerful and lasting work of the classic era. It was difficult for the committee to narrow the list down, as Mozart is recognized as composing over 600 compositions during his lifetime (Rosen 1998). Ultimately, Mozart’s Jeunehomme Konzert’ was chosen for inclusion into the time capsule for a variety of reasons. This work is emblematic of the classical era, as well as Mozart’s particular style and complexity. This composition balances upbeat melodies with a level of somber experimentation. Listening to the work both historic and contemporary audiences are struck by its depth and level of poignancy. In terms of historical importance Mozart remains regularly performed by orchestras and has influenced countless musicians both historically and in the modern world. Another prominent Classical musician is Jan Dussek, whose composition ‘Sonatina Opus 20 no 1’ is a highly intricate and emotionally powerful composition. While largely minimal in terms of instrumentation, featuring a single piano, Dussek interweaves considerable musical intricacy within the context of this instrumentation. This composition is emblematic of the increasing emotional and philosophical complexity exemplified by the Classical era (Rosen 1998). Still, the tone is generally light and highly engaging, providing tremendous insight into the tastes and cultural milieu of the classical era. In conclusion, the selection committee has selected these six compositions for inclusion in a time capsule for future generations. In total six tracks were chosen. From the Baroque era the committee has included Johann Sebastian Bach ‘Sonata no 1,’ Jean Baptiste Lully’s ‘Symphonie,’ and the opening movement from Antonio Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons.’ From the classical era three compositions were included: ‘Chorale IV’ of Beethoven’s ‘Symphony No. 9,’ Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s ‘Jeunehomme Konzert,’ and Jan Dussek’s ‘Sonatina Opus 20 no 1’. Ultimately, it’s believed that these compositions are essential for future generations to gain an understanding an appreciation of the Western musical tradition. References Antonio Vivaldi ‘Four Seasons: 1st Movement’ http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/sofia-chamber-orchestra/album/antonio- vivaldi-the-four-seasons Bach ‘Sonata No. 1’ http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/igor-oistrakh-violin-natalya- zertsalova-harpsichord/album/js-bach-6-sonatas-for-violin-and- harpsichord-bwv-1014-1019 Beethoven ‘Symphony No. 9 Choral’ http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/daniel- barenboim/album/beethoven-symphony-no9-choral Bukofzer, M. (2008) Music in the Baroque Era. Von Elterlein Press. Jean Baptist Lully ‘Symphonie’ http://www.rhapsody.com/search?query=lully+symphonie Jan Dussk ‘Sonatina Opus 20 No. 1’ http://www.rhapsody.com/search?query=jan+dussek+ Rosen, C. (1998) the Classical Style. W.W. Norton & Company. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ‘Jeunehomme Konzert’ http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/mozart-festival- orchestra/album/wolfgang-amadeus-mozart---jeunehomme-konzert Read More