Aaron Copland and the American Sound

Yes, there are TWO pieces to listen to this time - both are short.

Click on the following link, scroll down to “Fanfare for the Common Man,” listen and answer the questions. This is a short piece – only about 3 minutes long.
http://www.rhapsody.com/aaron-copland Click on “Fanfare for the Common Man”
Why is the opening so dramatic and compelling even though it only uses two instruments?
What instrument family is primarily used throughout this piece?
What is it about the character of that particular instrument family that fits the mood and message of the overall piece? Would it had been as affective if Copland had used the stringed instruments (violins, etc.) instead?

Click on the following link, scroll down to “Simple Gifts from Appalachian Spring,” listen and answer the following questions.
http://www.rhapsody.com/aaron-copland Click on “Simple Gifts from Appalachian Spring” (about 5 minutes long)
The tune to “Simple Gifts” is taken from an old Shaker song from the Colonial period in America – roughly the mid-1600’s. How does this contribute to the “American” sound of this music? How is it unique from any of the music from European composers that we have listened to? Name three instruments you hear, one from the woodwinds, one from the strings, one from the brass.

Impressionism - Maurice Ravel

Maurice Ravel was a contemporary of Claude Debussy, whose music we heard in class. He lived from 1875-1937, was French and wrote for many genres of music. This piece is one for solo violin, the name of the piece, "Tzigane" meaning "gypsy." Listen and anwer the following questions.

http://www.rhapsody.com/mauriceravel scroll down to the piece entitled "Tzigane"

Describe impressionism in this piece - what elements of impressionism discussed in class to you hear?

What is your reaction to this piece based on the elements of impressionism you heard? Does is sound "normal" by today's standards or does it seem avant garde even today?

Sergei Rachmaninov - "Vocalise"

Click on the following link, listen and then answer the questions below:

http://www.rhapsody.com/-search?query=Rachmaninov%20Vocalise&searchtype=RhapKeyword

1. What is your reaction upon hearing this piece?

2. A "vocalise" is actually an song that a vocalist sings to exercise their voice. Why do you think Rachmaninov decided to call this piece "Vocalise"? (He actually originally wrote it to be sung but later re-wrote it to be played by an orchestra- why would he do this?)

3. It what ways could you use this music, such as soundtracks, background music, etc....?

The Moldau by Bedrich Smetana

“The Moldau” by Bedrich Smetana
Click the following link http://www.rhapsody.com/bedrichsmetana
Choose the second selection entitled “The Moldau” (This is a river in the Czech Republic. This piece of music is about what you would see if you were traveling down the Moldau River)
Listen and answer the following:
i. What instruments do you hear in the opening moments?
ii. As the stream broadens what instruments are added?
iii. There are two changes of character – can you describe each one and what you think the scene is?
iv. Do you hear the opening theme repeated? If so, where?
v. In the end, what happens to the river?

Chopin and the Romantic Era

Chopin Prelude No. 6 in B minor
Click the following link: http://www.rhapsody.com/-search?query=Chopin+Prelude+No.+6&searchtype=RhapKeyword
Choose the first track listed, “Chopin Preludes: No. 6 in B minor (Lento assai)”
Listen and answer the following:
i. Why is this piece an example of “absolute music?”
ii. If you had to title it, what would you call it? Really think about this one!
iii. What about this piece is uniquely “Romantic?”

Mozart Piano Concerto

Listening guide page 208 Mozart: Piano Concerto in G major, K. 453, First Movement
http://www.rhapsody.com/-search?query=Mozart%3A%20Piano%20Concerto%20in%20G%20major%20K.%20453&searchtype=RhapTrack
click on the above link, click on the first track listed, listen and answer the following:
i. Why do classical pieces tend to be long and popular pieces tend to be short?
ii. Why do you think the piano waits so long to come in at the opening of the piece?
iii. Describe the “cadenza” near the end of the piece.

Beethoven's Fifth Symphony

NOTE: This listening assignment is due by FRIDAY, October 3rd.


Listening guide pg 202 Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 in C minor Op. 67
http://www.rhapsody.com/-search?query=Beethoven%20Symphony%20No.%205&searchtype=RhapTrack
click on the above link, scroll down to the third track listed (Beethoven: Symphony No. 5:1, Allegro Con Brio) and listen, then answer the following:
i. There are two main themes in this first movement. Can you describe the character of each? Listen for when the music changes from minor to major and becomes more tranquil – this introduces the second theme.
ii. What instruments do you hear primarily during the second theme? True or False – there is a return of the first theme.