THE NATURE OF MUSIC Consonance- absence of tension

or discord in music
MUSIC- AUDIBLE ART, something we cannot Dissonance – discord in music,
see, it is a product of creativity and suggests a state of tension
imagination of the artist that will give us a
psychological satisfaction.
 Texture in Music- has something to do
with combination of the sound; basically,
a way to describe how the music or
A. The Nature of Music sound is organized.
- is how the tempo, melodic, and
1. Sound- sound is produced by vibrations; harmonic materials are combined in a
any tone with characteristics such as musical composition
controlled pitch and timbre. - determining the overall quality of the
2. Vibrations- all sounds are created by it. sound in a piece.
3. Tune- where people love most and can (Medieval Period; Pope Gregory)
remember; a succession of musical
sounds forming an air or melody, with or
 Rhythm and Musical Expressions-
without the harmony accompanying it.
o Rhythm- it is when you combine
different notes of different durations
o how beat is broken down
B. Art Music vs. Popular Music o rhythm is a series of notes in a musical
piece - a pattern.
 Most art music is not played as loudly as o the actual flow of music through time
popular music. o (pattern/ flow of music)
 Art music- presented without theatrics, o Without notion, there is no rhythm,
flashing lights or gyrating performers. there is no music).
 Art music has no lyrics. (ex. Mozart)
 Most popular music consists of short  Tempo and Dynamics-
pieces that last only in few minutes.  Tempo is the speed of the underlying
 Popular music does not usually contain beat.
the development of themes or other  Dynamics- volume in music. How loud
sophisticated musical practices of art or how soft the sound is
music. o Piano- soft
o Forte- Loud
C. Musical Features o Crescendo- getting louder
o Decrescendo- getting loud
 Melody- theme or subject; repeated;
Additional:
trumpet (fanfare; nature of melody) it has
to be consonance w/ the subject, melody - theme and variation - specific kind of
should be present in art music; has its form in music
own direction; The actual tune of the - form - tells you how the music is
song. (rhythm + pitch ) organized
- theme - the main melody
 - variation - music that is similar to I. Orchestra- defined as being a large
theme ensemble of instruments
1. Strings- ( harps, violins, violas, cellos basses)
 Timbre or Tone Color- tone quality 2. Woodwinds- (flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoon)
- characteristic of an instrument or
voice 3. Brass- (horns, trumpets, trombones, tubas)
- is the term for the color, or sound, of 4. Percussion- (timpani, snare drum, xylophone,
music bass drum, triangle)
- (Loud, Soft, Brassy, Gentle, Natural,
Melodious, Strong, Smooth, Rich,
Deep, Thick, Mellow, Shrill, Reedy) POSITIONS

 Strings- Front of conductor (1st violin,

2nd violin, cello)
Brightest:
 Woodwind- Center
Soprano- brilliant, light  Brass- at the back
 Percussions- at the back
Tenor- bright, brilliant, rich, light
Alto- Dark, mellow, sound
A. STRING
Bass- dark, mellow
 Backbone- string section; without string
section its called symphonic.
 (Jazz Band)- different style, different  String Family- (violin, viola, cello,
rhythm. double bass, guitar)
Vocal Media
1. Monophonic Songs- consists of
one layer: a single melody;  soprano-violin
unison  cello -tenor
2. Polyphonic Songs- imitation if 2  alto -viola
parts; or 2 parts; can be  double bass- bass
instruments; all instruments; all  harp- string instrument
voices
3. Homophonic- here you can have
multiple different notes playing, B. WOODWIND- reed
but they're all based around the
same melody. - cylindrical or conical tube of wood; has keys
- some are reed-less like flute

2 Ranges in Music A. Flute- represents the soprano, reed less

1. Vocal - blowing, repeatedly vibrating air stream

2. Instrumental B. Piccolo- highest pitched woodwind

instrument of orchestras and military bands.
-The complement each other and create balance.
C. Clarinet- is a family of woodwind basically a tuba that coils around the performer's
instruments; represents the alto It has a single- body with a flared bell that faces forward
reed mouthpiece, a straight, cylindrical bore,
flared bell.

D. Saxophone- hidden in orchestra; made of IV. PERCUSSION

brass yet belongs to the woodwind; is a conical
- Instruments that have tone are produced by
bore; single-reed mouthpiece. striking the instrument.
- Pitched - tone is a definite pitch. A sound or
E. Oboe- represents tenor, soprano ranged; it has note of a definite pitch is one where a listener
keys; double reed instrument, The distinctive can possibly
oboe tone is versatile, and has been described as (or relatively easily) distinguish the pitch.
"bright".

F. Bassoon- Bass; the quality in sound is into

1. Definite Percussion Instruments- xylophone,
dark and mellow
piano; marimba; belle lyre; kettle drum; timpani-
mechanism is percussive, attached on hammer

Jazz Band- 2. Indefinite Percussion Instruments- have

different sound, tone color, do not produce
- saxophone – hidden; made of brass yet belongs specific pitches; yet it will complement to each
to woodwind. other (tambourine , cymbals, gong , drums )

C. BRASS FORMS IN MUSIC

- trumpet- soprano; it has no keys; has valves- Design- designed according to the organization
doesn’t produce speech. of ideas (writing)
- 2 valves; represents the bass 1. Through Composed Form/ Strophic Form-
common in folk songs; short compositions; that
does not contain any large repetitions. (If
How does brass play music: repeated with different lyrics— strophic)
- Brass players (hornists) - use their breath to 2. Binary- has a contrasting melodic ideas
produce sound, but instead of blowing into a reed, (stanza— chorus— refrain) (if chronic sings
you vibrate your own lips by buzzing them returns it will be ABA)
against a metal cup-shaped mouthpiece.
(Embouchure Technique- tightening or loosening 3. Ternary- when binary lines returns (Sonata
their lips). Form )

- Trombone - is on all brass instruments, sound

is produced when the player's vibrating lips cause
A- Exposition- Theme
the air column inside the instrument to vibrate.
B- Development- Fantasia
C- Recapitulation
Marching Band- Tuba is being replaced (
Sousaphone named after John Philipp Sousa- it is
4. Fugue- contrapuntal movement; 1 subject 19. String Section- The backbone of the
(Polyphonic) orchestra.
20. Swing- The basic rhythm of jazz music.
5. Theme and Variations- alter the sounds (
21. Polyphonic- In texture, imitation is a
Dandansoy- first variation was played in
concept of combining sound.
homophonic, focused on tune and melody ; it alter
22. Theme and Variations- Alteration is a
—- second variation focused in trimulo, beat and
concept of form known as...
melody are still there ; third variation- minor
23. Flute- An example of woodwind
instrument.
24. Rhythm- The organization of beat and
1. Triad - The simplest form of chord movements in music.
2. Trombone- The bass brass instrument 25. Alteration- The concept of theme and
that is purposely made for symphonic or variation.
marching band
3. Saxophone- A brass instrument that
belongs to the woodwind section
4. Violin - A musical instrument that
represents the soprano in the string
section
5. Sound- The basic material in music
6. Trumpet- The brightest and richest sound
instrument in the orchestra
7. Symphony Orchestra- The large
ensemble that consist of woodwind, brass
and percussion only
8. Tenor- The highest and brightest male
vocal range
9. Tempo- The movement of music is
decided by the
10. Piano- An example of definite percussion
instrument.
11. Soft - In dynamics piano means
12. Musical Form- The organization of ideas,
and design in music.
13. True- Musical texture describes the
nature of sound combination.
14. Hallelujah Chorus- Is an example of
strophic form of song.
15. Tempo- The speed of a composition or
music is called
16. Sonata Allegro - A musical form that
consists of exposition, development and
recapitulation.
17. Accelerando- To gradually becoming
faster.
18. Strophic form- A musical form that
consists of repetition of stanzas.
The Nature of Music
The Nature of Music
Sound
Vibrations
Tune
 Art music VS Popular Music
Most art music is not played as loudly as popular
music.
Most popular music consists of short pieces that last
only in few minutes
Popular music does not usually contain the
development of themes or other sophisticated
musical practices of art music.
 Art music VS Popular Music
Popular music does not usually contain the
development of themes or other sophisticated
musical practices of art music.
With exception of stage productions, art music is
presented without theatrics, flashing lights, or
gyrating performers.
 The Musical Features

Melody- theme or subject

Texture in Music
Rhythm and Musical Expressions- Tempo and
Dynamics…..
Timber or Tone Color
 MUSICAL FORMS
Through Composed Form/Strophic Form
Binary- AB
Ternary- ABA
(Sonata Form)
A- Exposition-Theme
B- Development- Fantasia
A- Recapitulation
Fugue- 1 subject
Theme and Variations
 HARMONY

Chords
Triad- 3rds
Diatonic Scale
Inversions
Triads
HARMONY
HARMONY
 BRIEF HISTORY OF MUSIC Secular Music – known as the “Estampie” the only survived unfolded the pomp and splendor of Baroque art; and art bold of
instrumental music in the medieval time began an integral part gesture and conception-vigorous, decorative, monumental.
Historical Background of Medieval court life, supplying the necessary accompaniment
The history of music can be divided into separate periods of for dancing, dinner, and after dinner entertainment. Music- The baroque witnessed one of the most significant
time, each can be identified by its own particular style. It is in changes of music in all music history; the transition from the
The Troubadors- An example of medieval songs sang by medieval church modes to major-minor tonality. The emergence
fact, musical ingredients are treated, balanced and combined
wandering musicians or troubadours sing music of instrumental virtuosity had its counterpart in the vocal sphere.
which brings to any composition the distinct “flavor” or style of
its particular period-and, at the same time, provides The rise of the opera saw the development of the phenomenal
The Renaissance (1450-1600)
characteristics “fingerprints” by which we identify the musical vocal technique that has ever been surpassed.
style of individual composers. Historical background – One of the most beautiful if misleading
names in the history of culture: beautiful because it implies The advance in vocal virtuosity was much encourage by the rise
Middle Ages awakening intellectual awareness, misleading because it suggest of castrato the artificial male soprano or alto who dominated the
First half of the millennium from 500 to 1000 often referred as a sudden rebirth of learning and art after the presumed operatic scene of the eighteenth century. Such singers were
the dark ages. In this period, Christianity triumphed over stagnation of the Middle Ages. “Rebirth” a revival of interests of castrated during their boyhood in order to preserve the soprano
paganism throughout Europe. The 2 centers of power, the philosophy and of human creativity of arts of ancient Greece and or alto register of their voices for the rest of their lives.
church and the state were bound to clash. The culture of this Rome. Musicians of this country were supported by the chief
period was largely shaped by the rise of monasteries. Therefore institutions of their society-the church, city and state. Characteristics: Highly Polyphonic, Major and minor tonalities
music of this age was largely religious. The high middle ages from were introduced, music was highly decorative,imitative
1000 to 1400 witnessed the building of the great cathedrals and Church Music polyphony (more than one line of music)still an extremely
the founding of universities throughout Europe. important factor in writing and playing.
Mass- The highest form of worship in the church.It is a
polyphonic choral compositioin made up of five sections: Kyrie, Fugue- Polyphonic composition based on one main theme called
MUSIC Gloria, Credo, Sanctus,and Agnus Dei. a subject. Throughout a fugue, different me;odic lines, or voices
Motet- is a polyphonic choral work set to a sacred Latin text imitate the subject. Ex. Organ Fugue in G minor by Johanne
Gregorian chant – (also known as plainchant) other than the ordinary of the mass. Sebastian
It consists of a single line melody. It is monophonic (a single line
melody) in texture and lacks the dimension of harmony. Secular Music Johanne Sebastian Bach(1685-1750) mark the high point of
Gregorian chant is generally free from regular accent. baroque music.bach came from a long line of musicians and
Renaissance Madrigal- were short poems in various languages passed on this musical heritage;four of his sons were also
Gregorian chants are categorized into three melodic types based composers.He was born in Eisench ,Germany and started as an
that were set to music. First madrigals are written in Italian then
on the number of pitches sung to each syllable. Syllabic- chants organist and later became a concert master then a composer.
later English madrigals are written.The characteristics of
have primarily one note per syllable. In neumatic chants, two or
madrigal are very contrapuntal,with much use of imitation.this
three notes per syllable predominate, while melismatic chants Antonio Vivaldi(1678-1741) A towering figure of the late Italian
makes all the voices equally important strands of music.
have syllables that are sung to a long series of notes, ranging baroque,was born in Venice.along with his musical
from five or six notes per syllable to over sixty in the more prolix training,Vivaldi prepared for the priesthood.he took holy orders
Thomas Morley- Now is the Month of Maying is an example of
melismas. Gregorian chant was compiles by Pope Gregory the at the age of about twenty-five,but poor health caused him to
ballet madrigal in strophic form which has a lighter in style then a
great. leave the ministry after a year. Because of his religious
madrigal proper.
background and his red hair, Vivaldi was known as the “red
Organum – the earliest kind of polyphonic music( 2 or more priest”
melodies sounding together) which developed when the custom Baroque Period (1600-1750)
arose of adding to the Gregorian melody a second voice that Historical Background- The term Baroque was derived from the
Portuguese barroco, a pearl of irregular shape. The period was Concerto grosso –came from Italian meaning “get
paralleled the plainchant at the interval of a fifth or a fourth together”.consists of contrasting two groups of instrumental
above or below the time of change and adventure. Empires clashed for mastery
of the world. appalling poverty and wasteful luxury, magnificent ensemble: a small group called the concertino against an
idealism and savage oppression against contradictions .These orchestra.Ex.Spring from the Four seasons.
 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) is one of the most Peter Illich Tchaicovsky (1840-1893) A Russian composer,started
Opera – It was first introduced in Italy.It is a secular musical amazing child prodigies in history.was born in his career as a government clerk and began to study music at the
drama that consists of 3 basic singing styles: Salzburg,Germany.He started his music career at the age of 6.He relatively late age of twenty-one.wrote overtures, piano music,
toured all over Europe and at the age of 15 worked for a Princce suites,ballets Piano Concertos.Listen: Dance of the sugar plum
Recitative (half sung and half spoken); Aria (asolo performance Archbishop. Listen:Eine Kleine Nachtmusik fairy
that expresses te feelings of the character and displays vocal
virtuosity.It is usually linked to a recitative; Chorus Ludvig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) was born in Bonn,Germany George Bizet- A French composer and wrote music for the
to a family of musicians.He is the bridge between classical and piano,voice,opera.Listen: Toreadors from Carmen
Libretto The text of an Opera/Oratorio romantic periods. He went to Vienna to study music and the
people there loved him because his music wasn’t mere Twentieth Century
George Frederic Handel (1600-1750) –A master of Italian operas entertainment but a moral force and reflects his
and oratorio,was born one month before J.S.Bach, in Halle, The story of the music in the 20th century is largely one of the
powerful,tortured personality.In his late 20’s Beethoven became
Germany. Handel started his music at a young age. When he was exploration and experiment,leading to a fascinating variety of
totally deaf. Liste: Symphony no.5 in C min.
twenty,one of his operas was successfully produced. new trends,new techniques and in some cases entirely new
Romantic Period (1825-1900) sounds. All of which make this one of the most exciting periods
Oratorio- Like opera, it is a large scale composition for chorus, in the history of music as “anti-romantic”.
vocal soloists and orchestra. Oratorio differs from opera in that it The new society based on free enterprise,emphasized the
has no acting, scenery, or costume.Most oratorios are based in individual as never before. The slogan “Liberty, Impressionism Period (prelude to Modern Music)
Biblical stories but usually not intended for religious service. Equality,fraternity” inspired hopes and visions to which few
Impressionism was an important musical style that emerged
Messiah has been for decades, the best oratio known and most artists failed to respond. This period is more on the emotional
during the 20th century.the whole idea started with French
loved.it is composed by Handel in just twenty-four day side unlike the classical which is more intellectual.
painter.Their paintings were blurry,and fuzzy.There are no clean
days.listen: Halleluia Chorus.
Musical Characteristics: hard outlines of edgesor shapes.The name is true with music of
Classical Period (1750-1825) this period.
Piano music was prominent in this period.Very high in dynamic
Eighteenth century thinkers idealized the civilization of ancient levels. It has longer melodies and highly emotional.It widen the Claude Debussy (1862-19180) A French impressionist composer
Greece and Rome. They viewed as “classical” meaning a style rage of musical materials,melodies are more passionate, became that linked to the romantic era with the 20th century.Debussy’s
which places importance on grace and simplicity, beauty of more lyrical and song-like with swfter, more adventurous evoked fleeting moods and misty atmosphere.Listen: clair de
line,shape,order and control. modulations.harmonies become richer and intensely emotioinal Lune
with more powerful discords. There was an enormous increase in
Musical Characteristics: Expressionism
both size and range of the orchestra expanding the brass section.
The increase range of the instruments and the invention of valve Expressionisn in music began as an exaggeration,distortion even
Melodies are short and clearly defined musical phrases with two
to brasses. of the late romanticism in which composers poured the most
or more contrasting themes.Texture is mostly homophonic with
one melody and accompaniment made up using notes of the intense emotional expressiveness of their music. Music in atonal
Frederic Chopin (1810-18490) Was the only great composer
chord. The orchestra is already arranged iin four sections. style is characterized by extremely dissonant harmonies,
who wrote almost exclusively for the piano. The son of a Polish
Rhythm is already strict, very defined and regular.Chamber music frenzied,disjointed melodies,including wide leaps and
mother and a French father, he was brought up in Warsaw and
is important. violent,explosive contrasts with instruments often played harshly
graduated in Warsaw conservatory.At twent-one, he arrived in
at the extreme of their range.
Paris, then the center of romanticism and the artistic capital of
Sonata Form (Sonata allegro Form)It is the most important form
Europe. Chopin wrote Polonaises,Mazurkas,Waltzes (Polish Arnold Schoenberg(1874-1951) was born in Vienna and an
introduced during the classical period. Sonata form movement
Dances),Nocturnes (evening music) very melodic piano etudes (A entirely self-taught musician, he acquired his music by studying
consists of there main sections: The exposition where the themes
study),fantasies and more piano music.He died of tuberculosis at scores,playing in amateur chamber groups and going to
are presented; The Development where themes are treated in
thirty-nine.Listen: Nocture in Eb. concerts. Schoenberg wrote atonal music.his musical language is
new ways; and the Recapitulation where the themes
return.These three main sections are often followed by a new but it had evolved from the past and eventually widely
concluding section coda (Italian for tail). adopted.