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Questions and Answers
Which composer decided to compose a completely new piece based on the bolero?
Which composer decided to compose a completely new piece based on the bolero?
- Enrique Fernández Arbós
- Expressionism
- Maurice Ravel (correct)
- Igor Stravinsky
Expressionism in music primarily focuses on conveying strong feelings.
Expressionism in music primarily focuses on conveying strong feelings.
True (A)
What prevented Ravel from initially orchestrating the movements that Arbós had arranged?
What prevented Ravel from initially orchestrating the movements that Arbós had arranged?
copyright law
The Rite of Spring is a ballet and orchestral concert work by the composer ___ .
The Rite of Spring is a ballet and orchestral concert work by the composer ___ .
Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
What is the primary focus of classical music impressionism?
What is the primary focus of classical music impressionism?
Dynamics refers to how fast or slow a piece of music is performed.
Dynamics refers to how fast or slow a piece of music is performed.
Name one characteristic feature of homophonic music.
Name one characteristic feature of homophonic music.
An __________ is a musical phrase that is repeated persistently.
An __________ is a musical phrase that is repeated persistently.
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Which scale contains five notes per octave?
Which scale contains five notes per octave?
Claude Debussy composed La Mer while frequently visiting the ocean.
Claude Debussy composed La Mer while frequently visiting the ocean.
What effect can dynamics have in music?
What effect can dynamics have in music?
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Study Notes
Impressionism in Classical Music
- Impressionism emphasizes mood and atmosphere through timbre, orchestration, and progressive harmonic concepts.
- Timbre refers to the unique quality of sound produced by an instrument or voice.
- Orchestration involves the arrangement of music for various instruments, particularly in orchestras.
- Dissonance is characterized by a lack of harmonious musical notes, creating tension.
- Dynamics pertain to the volume of music, highlighting emotional expression from soft (pianissimo) to loud (fortissimo).
- Tempo indicates the speed of a piece, while rhythm refers to the pattern and timing of sounds.
Homophony and Musical Texture
- Homophony is a predominant texture in popular music genres, defined by a clear melody accompanied by harmonies.
- The term originates from Greek, combining “homo” (same) and “phonic” (sound), indicating a unified musical voice.
Ostinato and Scales
- Ostinato is an Italian term for a persistently repeated musical phrase or rhythm.
- A pentatonic scale consists of five notes per octave, contrasting with the seven notes of a heptatonic scale.
Claude Debussy’s La Mer
- La Mer, meaning "The Sea," reflects atmospheric qualities rather than literal ocean representation.
- The work utilizes shimmering colors and a dynamic soundscape to evoke a sense of the sea’s tranquility and awe.
- Debussy's inspiration for La Mer came more from paintings and literature than from direct experiences with the ocean.
- The composition was prompted by a commission from dancer Ida Rubinstein for an orchestral transcription of works by Isaac Albéniz.
Maurice Ravel and Bolero
- Maurice Ravel was initially commissioned to transcribe pieces by Albéniz but pivoted to compose his own work, "Bolero."
- Ravel's decision followed a copyright issue revealing that another conductor had already orchestrated the pieces.
Expressionism in Music
- Expressionism prioritizes emotional expression in both composition and performance, responding to societal and personal issues.
- It emerged as a response to anti-Jewish movements in post-1848 German-speaking regions, serving as a personal expression of Jewish identity.
The Rite of Spring
- "The Rite of Spring," composed by Igor Stravinsky, combines ballet elements with orchestral music, marking a significant evolution in 20th-century music.
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