Music assignments - Assignment Example

of institute Music Assignment Questionnaire and Comparative Study of Music in the Romantic Era o [Pick the Contents Voice Parts for which this Motet written: 2Testure of Machaut Secular Motet: 3Difference of this secular motet from the sacred chants: 3Type of Program Music for Symphony Orchestra: 4Program for Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique: 4Instruments used by Smetana to evoke two streams joining, a hunting scene, moonlight on the water: 5References: 6Voice Parts for which this Motet written:This motet was written for the lead voice part that dominates the entire musical piece.

Considering that all other voices are background harmoniesTesture of Machaut Secular Motet:This musical piece has a polyphonic texture owing to the multiple lines or layers of voices following different note progressions that harmonise with one another and give rise to a splendid composite effect. At least 3 different vocal tracks can be distinctly identified in the composition intertwining amongst one another and following different musical routes. The voice layers show different meters (duple and triple and sometimes multiples or fractions of duple or triple meter).

Also the composition of the seconds and the thirds are quite unique in a way that they do not rigidly form a chord pattern or a rigid vocal orchestration. By rigid vocal orchestration it is meant the seconds and thirds are 3rd (Me i.e., 3rd note from the root note) and 5th (So i.e., 5th note from the root note) derivatives. Instead the vocal harmony is created by the creative blending of different note progressions altogether. This kind of vocal symphony is more predominant in instrumental presentations for example a violin line playing on the background while a main instrument or voice is reciting the main composition.

Towards the beginning of the piece and also much deeper into the composition 5th notes have heavy influence together with staccato note progressions.Difference of this secular motet from the sacred chants:This secular motet is in many ways different from the sacred chants that we have listened to in the past. It has a polyphonic texture and also a varying duple, triple meter. Rather it doesn’t strictly follow a particular meter just sticking to a metronome rather. It has complex harmony sections giving rise to minor 7ths and minor augmented chords.

It is also rich in melody and has a shifting root note, which means that not one root chord or root note can be identified, that stays as the reference throughout the song. It is less structured and more melodic having complex phrases, grace notes and touch notes. It easily falls under the category of sacred choir music rather than periodic and rhythmic chanting. The timbre is also quite different through the synthesis of multiple voices forming the instrumental base and giving the composition a reverberating and continuously flowing tonal background.

The composition also has chromatic note progressions and chromatic tonic change of chords.Type of Program Music for Symphony Orchestra:Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique is a Symphony Concerto involving the narration of a story musically through the drama and conversation of instruments created by different notes. Climax is brought out through the high pitched and rhythmic progressions of violins. The quick succession of notes or straight-through notes brings the effect of a drama and a peak of emotion.

Smetana’s The Moldau on the other hand is a Symphonic Poem meant for symphonic orchestra.Program for Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique:The program is an Episode in the Life of an Artist. (The Hector Berlioz Website 1) Berlioz expresses his obsession through the unparalleled and proportionate involvement of instruments in different frequency ranges for example: baritone cellos, violas, violins, saxophones, flutes, oboes, piccolos, cymbals and percussions. The obsession is brought out through the note patterns and sequences along with the supporting effects.

The intense attachment and passion towards music is brought out by subplots and an all-round characteristic in his composition symbolising sombreness, peace, stillness, restlessness, mirth, joy, sorrow, pain and pleasure. His compositions have undulating moods and feelings that accurately encompass man’s emotions and feelings experienced and harboured in the journey of life.Instruments used by Smetana to evoke two streams joining, a hunting scene, moonlight on the water: Violins and Cellos a combination of tenor and baritone sound is used to evoke the phenomena of two stream joining.

The hunting scene is represented by the brass section consisting of saxophones, trombones, trumpets etc. The terror, the fright, the horror and the feeling of anticipation is brought out by vigorous playing of a series of trumpets and the rapid bow strokes of violins, violas and cellos. The moonlight on the water scene is brought to life by harps and undulating rendition of violins, piano and brass instruments of a higher frequency range.What is the main difference between these two pieces and Brahms Symphony No. 3?Brahm’s Symphony is in F Major or is bounded by a rigid root note and a root chord that remains constant through the composition.

It is different in rhythm (structures and repetitive), structure (Binary), timbre (Polyphonic and Harmonic) and meter (Triple) and melody (wavelike) from the other two compositions. (Oracle Think Quest 1)References:1. Oracle Think Quest. The Symphony an interactive guide - Middle Romanticism. Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897) Symphony No. 3 in F.2010. Web. 9 May 2012Retrieved From: http://library.thinkquest.org/22673/brahms3rd.html2. The Hector Berlioz Website. Berlioz Music Score. Symphonie Fantastique (H 48). 2010. Web 9 May 2012.

Retrieved From: http://www.hberlioz.com/Scores/sfantastique.htm