Music History Course Journal

Listening (Corigliano (The Ghosts of Versailles)

2009-11-23T15:02:00.000-08:00

I couldn't find the listening on Sakai, however the Opera was on youtube and I listened to "They Wish They Could Kill Me". I thought that the scene and song were very different. There seemed to be a lot of sarcasm in the piece. I liked how the actors didn't simply speak, they seemed to sing speak. I thought that this was more entertaining than stopping and starting between speak and song. I thought that it was neat how the Opera was based on a rewrite of history. I believe that it was done to save Maria Antionette. Overall I thought that the opera was different than others because it had a comical element.

Listening (John Adams, On the Transmigration of Souls (2002)

2009-11-23T14:52:00.000-08:00

I thought that this piece impacted me the greatest. It had such a profound impact because I live so close to New York City and experienced the tragedies of September 11th first hand. While I was only in the 5th grade I still have a vivid image of that exact day. I thought that it interesting how the child repeated "missing" constantly. This truly drives in the idea of a lost person. I liked how he uses some of the ideas from Charles Ives. Some similarities are the trumpet, and the constant strings. I also like the overall message of this piece--it helps us get through our feelings. I think that by reflecting on who we have lost it helps us accept what has happened.

Listening (John Tavener, Song for Athene (1993)

2009-11-23T14:43:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed this piece. My first impression was that it was relaxing. I also liked it because I enjoy large choir pieces. It was interesting how he composed the piece for Westminster Abby. I feel that the piece is sad, however there is a theme of remorse. Musically, I like how the basses hold out a tone so that a constant sound is heard. I feel that this sound gives the pitch an ominous sound. I think that it was exceptional how he based his composition on icons. This adds a visual aspect to the composition. Additionally, I thought that it was neat how he views the piece has a reflection of society. My favorite part of the song was at the end when the entire chorus moves to forte or double forte. I feel that this part signifies the resolve of a problem in society.

Listening (Kaija Saariaho, From the Gramm of Dreams)

2009-11-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

After listening to this piece I felt that Sarriaho was influenced by the government run electronic lab. Even though the piece doesn't have a larger electronic aspect I feel that the electronic sounds are replaced by the voice. I pitch of the voice goes up and down like those of synthesizer's. Also she says words that span over several measures and slide down from a higher pitch. I thought that it was interesting how the theme of this piece is death. I felt that it was very similar to George Crumb's work. It was similar because the voice seemed to be amplified and changed pitched rapidly.

Listening (Diamanda Galas, Plague Mass, "Were you a witness?" (1991)

2009-11-23T14:24:00.000-08:00

I thought that this piece was similar to John Schwantner's composition because they both had supported an idea. Schwantner's was MLK's, while Galas was supporting the fight on aids. I feel like this composition is very power. The sounds that Galas creates seem unnatural and personally scared me. I feel like with a piece so odd that it would gather alot of attention. I thought that it was interesting how she somehow used vocalization to speed up her voice to sound like chatter. I thought that this music was a creative way to support an idea. However, I would not listen to it in any other context. Also I thought that the lyrics were violently charged. In the beginning she speaks about battle and blood. I didn't like how she was so negative. I felt like she could have supported the fight against AIDS in some other more positive way.

Listening (Laurie Anderson, Home of the Brave)

2009-11-23T14:16:00.000-08:00

When listening to this music I feel that it would have been easily made into a music video. I thought this because most of the music seems very visual. To me, the music sounds very 1980's. It seems like these compositions are a mix of some of the elements in the 80s. The voice sounds like that from the B-52's, and the instrumental seem similar to Huey Lewis and the News. I also thought that it was interesting how Anderson's singing is similar to speaking. I felt like it was hard to distinguish between when she was speaking and singing. Furthermore, I thought the background vocals added a contrast between the lead vocal.

Listening (Joseph Schwantner, New Morning for the World (1982)

2009-11-23T14:10:00.000-08:00

I thought that this piece was a new way to advocate politics in music. This piece is an instrumental with voice over. The voice is reading a passage from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech. I thought that the reading and music fit together well. I liked how there was a passage from the reading then the theme of that passage was played in the music. An example would be when the reader says "I have a dream", and the music follows with one of the pieces largest climaxes. While I thought that the instrumental was well constructed, I thought that voice could have been better. I feel that actors such as James Earl Jones or Morgan Freeman would have been more qualified for the reading.

Listening (Annea Lockwood, A Sound Map of the Hudson River (1989),

2009-11-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

I feel like Lockwood brings up the debate between the limitation of music. I feel that this is not a musical composition. I strongly think that this falls more under the category of a philosophic idea. While I disagree with the musical aspect of the "piece" I feel that the idea is innovative. I like how she uses different spots on the river to show the difference in society. I like how the first site, Stuyvesant, is calm and slow. While the further you go towards the ocean the louder and more forceful the sounds get. Additionally, went getting closer to the ocean you get closer to the city. I feel that there is a similarity created in this venture along the river.

Listening (Toru Takemitsu, String Quartet No. 1: A way alone (1980)

2009-11-23T13:04:00.000-08:00

I liked how Takemistu combined eastern and western music. I feel that this idea was very innovative for the time. I understand how this composition was based on nature background. I think that it was perfectly matched James Joyce's book " Finnegan's Wake". Most of Joyce's works are dark and full of death and mystery. I could definitely tell that this piece was based on serialism, however I didn't recognize the jazz element. The serial element is easy to hear within the change of pitches. I think that the jazz phrase are those that slide up and down and move quicker. However I couldn't tell for sure.

Listening (Morton Feldman, Rothko Chapel (1971)

2009-11-23T12:57:00.000-08:00

I thought that Morton Feldman was an extremely influential person during the later half of the 20th century. His ideas towards art were different and new. I liked how he felt that art was going to die and he wanted to extend it's life. Additionally, I thought it was interesting how he thought of Rothko Chapel as a simple place were men and women could come to relax. I thought that his music was like Varese's were he wrote for space and sound. Throughout the piece phrases are separated by silence. I feel he wanted this to occur because it always each element of the phrase to be accepted. This theory coincides with his views on the chapel.

Listening (Sofia Gubaidulina, Pro et Contra, mvt. 3 (1989)

2009-11-23T12:50:00.000-08:00

It thought that it was interesting how the song starts low in pitch. It seems like she is trying to create tension early to create a impacting climax. She uses this technique throughout the piece--falling and raising. Generally, she moves from soft and low to high and loud. I feel that this is a natural progression. I think that this style has to do a lot with her background. She lives in Russia and was religious. I like how the piece has a USSR feel. There is tension and suspense. I would assume that's how most creative people lived during that time era, because they were not sure if their music would be accepted or not.

Listening (Arvo Part, Fratres (1983)

2009-11-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

This piece reminds me of an expansion on a minimalist piece. There are elements that are repeated, however they are not repeated as much as Violin Phase. I thought that it was an interesting element to include Tintinnabulation. The phrases for solo violin to a good job of sounding like a bell. The violin has a basic phrase, but changes one note each time. That note is the in same place in the phrase. This was an interesting way to represent bells. Furthermore, the quick violin lines seem similar to Philip Glass's work, while the piano part's seem similar to piano fantasy, with more organization. I like Part's philosophy behind his music--he feels like the sound is "moving through a prism, and it is different to all listeners".

Listening (Henryk Gorecki, Symphony No. 3, Op. 36, mvt. 2 (1976)

2009-11-23T12:33:00.000-08:00

It was interesting how Gorecki's composition felt religious. The singer's long and drawn out voice seemed like a preaching to the audience. Thus, I feel like he did a good job of constructing this piece. The composition is based on a lamentalon for Mary. Musically, I thought that it was innovative how the strings and singer had the same pitches and move together. Also I liked how the vocal lines were long and legato. Additionally, the main theme in the beginning seems to represent inspiration. I think this mainly because it is in a major key. I thought that the calmness of the piece is very pleasing to the ear, even during the harsh parts. Overall, I liked how the idea of Mary and religion tied into this piece.

Listening (Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, Symphony No. 1, mvt. 1 (1983)

2009-11-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

I thought that it was interesting how Zwilich composed music under the genre of "Later Neo-Classicism". It seems like she is taking styles from earlier generations and applying them to ideas in our current generation. I like how Zwilich uses strings in a serious moving line, while the flute moves up and down within notes. She also uses a lot of brass in this composition which also indicates the seriousness of the piece. I feel that the piece has a mysterious element to it, and this adds to the brass's dramatic effect. I thought that this piece was deserving of the Pulitzer Price in 1983. Also towards the end of the piece there is a softer section within the strings. It was interesting how the piece was so serious, and then seemed to end with a question, thematically.

Listening (Philip Glass, Koyaanisqatsi (excerpt) 1982)

2009-11-17T20:03:00.000-08:00

I thought that the film and musical compositions were a new way to show life. I like how the film in centered around the the music. I also like how the images in the movie move from nature and the organization of society to inner cities. This shows the development of society and how it changes. The music is a perfect fit for this movie because it is mostly minimalism. While the set of images change the music also changes. Additionally, I feel that the music is more important than the images. A story was once told me that if you turn the volume down on a horror film its not scary. I feel that if you turn the music down on this movie it loses most of its dramatic value.

Listening (Philip Glass, "Einstein on the Beach" (1976)

2009-11-17T19:31:00.000-08:00

Through my listening in class and my attendance of the Bruckner Orchester Linz performance in Wait Chapel I have become extremely interested in Philip Glass's compositions. I like how he uses minimalism and incorporates innovative ideas, like having the singers recite numbers while a women recites a monologue about consumption in society. I also feel that the title, "Einstein on the Beach" is very creative an symbolic. Einstein represents the scientific element of the piece, however the beach and Einstein don't really have anything in common. I think that lack of connection is symbolic. Also I like how he uses electronic music as well as strings.

Listening (Rihanna, Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded, "Disturbia" (2008)

2009-11-17T19:21:00.000-08:00

I thought that it was interesting how successful Rihanna is considering that she is only twenty one years old. I feel that much of her success is because of her dynamic voice. You can immediately recognize a Rihanna song by listening to the vocals. This composition I like how she uses her own voice at the same time. Towards the end she sings lyrics while at the same time providing a backing vocal line. I also thought that it was creative how she used auto tune in some of the vocals. This is a computer effect that takes the vocals and creates a sound when the singer changes pitch quickly. The sound is similar to a slide and you can hear each pitch as the singer moves up and down.

Listening (Phish, Tweezer 1992)

2009-11-17T19:00:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed listening to this composition for several reasons. I liked how Phish uses improv in their music. I thought that taking a riff or phrase and changing is very creative. The fact that they are creating most of their music on the spot is entertaining. Being in a rock band myself I can relate to their music. When my band "jams", meaning improv playing, I have a lot of fun. I like how one person in the band can alter the theme and then with talking other members will change their style or theme to match. I feel like this happens in great detail in this composition. I like how the bass goes from a slapping technique to a more laid back playing during the 6th minute. Also I like how they build up during this section. Overall this song does a great job of showing the improv work of jam bands.

Listening (Rap (Run-D.M.C.)

2009-11-17T18:48:00.000-08:00

To me Run D.M.C. is the first rap group. I feel that they are the trendsetters for the genre of rap. Many rap artists have used the simple techniques that Run D.M.C created. D.M.C. was the first rap group to use electronic beats in their music. I felt that the creation of rap placed along side with electronic beats is the basic formula for current rap. While rap today has marked with explicit lyrics and images, I feel like each song can be traced back to Run D.M.C.'s music. I feel that this is special because not all classical music has roots in Bach or Mozart. I felt like this musical selection was good, however "It's Tricky" or "Walk this Way" are two compositions that represent their diversity.

#6 Evan Ziporyn

2009-11-17T18:25:00.000-08:00

I thought that this article on Ziporyn, "Who Listens if You Care?" had an interesting take on the creation of music. I felt that his ideas were more similar to an innovative philosopher, than a musician. When he destroyed the "notion of musical property" he felt that it was terrifying. I feel that at first his change was not accepted causing it to be controversial. However, I feel as the article develops his ideas are more accepted. I thought that it was interesting how he mentions western music and it connection to mainstream ideas. I like how he makes a connection between new music and how its differences define it as a genre. Additionally, I liked how he feels that whether music is for fun or profit there is always the same end result--every type of music can be subsumed.

Listening (Crumb, George - Ancient Voices of Children (1970), "The child is finding his voice"

2009-10-28T00:10:00.000-07:00

In this piece Crumb uses a lot of singing into the piano to create that tense sound. Also he creates a sound that is very profound. The clicking she creates with her voice is a new style of music that I have only heard in African tribal music. Also the performance of this piece is seems very difficult because of the frequent change it pitch. In between phrases the singer goes from a low pitch a high with the sound resinating in the inside of the piano. I thought that this composition was innovative because it introduced the different effects that a human voice can create when played into a piano and through a microphone.

Listening (Schuller (7 Studies on Themes of Paul Klee)

2009-10-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

This composition is very stylistic of Arabic music is unique. The use of the flute in a minor key creates a sound of intrigue. Also the background sound of a light drum adds to the theme of the song. The strings also provide an important background sound. I thought that the piece does an interesting job of having singular instruments playing at different times. This allows for a more inspirational vibrato within the piece. In the Little Devil the use of the strings and the percussion almost seem like they are on different time patterns. This composition however has a more jazz element to it. Again the use of ride cymbal provides for a swing type of feel.

Listening Crumb, George - Black Angels, Thirteen Images from the Dark Land (1970), Image 4+5: Devil-music

2009-10-27T23:54:00.000-07:00

The creation of this composition is extremely innovative. Crumb used a violin bow and played in on the side of a cymbal to create a intense sound. He also would play that sound into the inside of a piano with the pedal down. This is interesting because it would alter the sound of the instrument. The sound would become muted. Also Crumb liked to mic all of his music up because he felt that the audience would get a different experience listening to it from speakers rather than from the stage. I feel that he could use the different position of the speakers to alter to direction of the sound. The music was very amplified, which created a more modern sound. I thought that this piece was a new way to demonstrate the several ways that an instrument can be used to create sound.

Listening (Penderecki, Krzysztof - Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima (1960)

2009-10-27T23:48:00.000-07:00

This musical composition is very representation of its title. I feel that the violins to a great job of representing the emotional chaos that the victims of Hiroshma experienced. Also the strings combination of sound also create the effect of a siren of a siren or an airplane flying over by. The music that I can relate this to music specifically is the music in the television show LOST. In the show the music uses the chromatic incline in strings to create an extremely tense sound that puts the audience on the edge of their seat. This music has the same affect on the audience. Again, the high pitch sound almost sounds like a scream of death. Overall the piece has a serious and tense sound that perfectly represents the emotions of the victims of a nuclear explosion.

Listening (Reich (Violin Phase)

2009-10-27T23:40:00.000-07:00

Violin phrase is a good change of pace from chance music, because the music can now be notated. The extensive us of repeats is an interesting alteration on conventional music. While the two violins seem to play the same thing they start out at different places and cycle in and out of time together. I thought that the use of violins to show a repetitive style of music is a good idea because the violin is a very demonstrative instrument. The gradual introduction of each violin adds an additional element to the composition. Also the intensity to perform this song must be very high. While the ability to play the phrase would be easy, playing the phrase over and over again within the same time would be extremely challenging.

Listening (Babbitt, Milton - All Set (1957)

2009-10-27T23:32:00.000-07:00

This is a combination of Jazz music in performing of a composition in a pitch class. I can tell how this music is representative of jazz. The instruments in the piece are very similar to those in a jazz band. There is a mallet, trumpet, sax, upright bass, snare and bass drum, and trombone. At times I can somewhat feel a swing in the music, even though it might be for a minute or two. The use of the ride cymbal is an example of the jazz element in the piece. I feel that Babbitt's combination of jazz music and pitch music was an interesting way of expanding the music of chance.

Listening ( Stockhausen, Karlheinz - Klavierstuck XI (1956)

2009-10-27T23:23:00.000-07:00

This chance music is interesting because of the way the score is notated. In this piece you look randomly at a part of the score and you have to play that idea and then you play another idea until you get to the first idea three times. Once you play the first idea three times then the piece is other. I feel that this is music for the sole fact that it involves the striking of keys on the piano. Like Cage's Music of Changes this piece is random and contains indeterminacy. I can see were this piece has some musical elements. I feel that random music is still a type of music.

Listening (Cage, John - 4'33")

2009-10-27T23:14:00.000-07:00

My feelings towards this composition in a musical aspect are negative. I feel that Cage is incorrect in calling this work a musical piece. There are simply instruction on when to open the lid of the piano and when to close it. However, I do feel that this composition is an philosophic idea. I think that by just listening to the sounds around you you are able to get a random collection of noises. While Cage thought that this was music I do not. I can see how he believes that it is music, because styles such as serialism sound like random notes to the untrained ear, however they are not. I also see how if you put pitches to these random noises during 4' 33" than that might be music.

Listening (Cage, John - Music of Changes (1951)

2009-10-27T22:59:00.000-07:00

Music of Change is a composition that is played by somewhat randomly playing keys on the piano. There is not notation to this piece, however I do consider this music. I only feel this way because there is a musical instrument involved in the composition. Also there is a dynamic contrast and articulation. While Cage was the first person to think of this idea I feel that anyone could do this. This is why I consider his music more of an idea than a musical composition. Within the piece there are changes from a high register to a low one. This is a musical device that can give the piece its small musical element. Otherwise I feel this is a collection of notes.

#14 Iannis Xenakis

2009-10-27T22:47:00.000-07:00

I liked the fact that Xenakis was one of the first composers to combine mathematics and science to the creation of electronic music. He used this scientific idea to develop a new musical structure. While he used science he also used indeterminacy, however it was not as extreme as Cage. Xenakis also does not agree with Cage and believes that his music was "unscientific". The music that Xenakis created was "stochastic" because it was related to the probability theory. I feel he did this because of his extensive involvement in math and science. Also he feels that this music is a collection of sequences. I liked Xenakis's innovative ideas with music composition and science.

#13 Karlheinz Stockhausen

2009-10-27T22:36:00.000-07:00

I thought that it was interesting how Stockhausen was a composer of integral serialism and analyzed electronic music. This combination was never done by any other composer. I also thought that it was extremely useful that he set guidelines for electronic composition. The aspect that I felt was the most important was the characteristic differentiation among degrees of intensity. I thought that this was important in electronic music because you can adjust the dynamic of the instrument, but you can also can the frequency. Altering the frequency is an important part of electronic music.

#5 Milton Babbitt

2009-10-27T22:24:00.000-07:00

The ideas that Babbitt proposes are very similar to John Cage's ideas. He believes that musical thought has changed tremendously and that music is open to any interpretation. He believes that serious music is only supposed to be for the small and elite public. I think that his theory that if music doesn't evolve that it will cease to live. This is an interesting statement, and I agree with it. If music didn't change than we would have nothing new to listen to. Additionally, I feel that people develop ideas off of other music, so I think that it is inevitable to stop the evolution of music.

#4 John Cage

2009-10-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

While Cage is considered the most controversial and most influential composer of his time, I feel that he was controversial. I thought that it was a valid point to talk about the development of recording process, however the development of his music doesn't correct to me. I feel that no one can limit what he does with instruments or the piano however he can't call it music. I feel that Cage was more of a philosopher rather than a musician. He explains how music can be unintentional sounds, however I disagree with his because than every sound every heard is music; that is not the case. To me I feel that Cage was a great thinker and one of the greatest innovators of sound in his time, just not music.

Listening (Stravinksy, Igor - In Memoriam Dylan Thomas (1954)

2009-10-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

I felt like Stravinsky spent a good deal of time on this piece to make sure that it was what he intended it to be. I think this because it was more his friend and colleague that he was going to collaborate with. Thomas died of alcohol poisoning, and I feel that this composition most accurately describes his memory. This piece seems somewhat serial because of the jumps from notes. The poem that the lyrics are not based on the rage of his death, however they are a struggle for his Thomas's father to work hard. Since his father was blind he doesn't want him to go dark into the night. I thought that this was interesting because the picture of Thomas and his incident with drugs seems like he wouldn't have this caring emotion.

Listening (The Rake's Progress (1951) Act I, last scene)

2009-10-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

I thought that it was interesting how Stravinsky used "Rake's Progress" by Hograth as the idea for his composition. This piece was created around Bach's time. I would have thought that Stravinsky would have chosen an art selection more recent. I like that this art selection has a lot of emotion because it provides for a more captivating piece. The scene that this composition is about is when Sarah is deciding between Tom and her father. This creates tension between to pulling forces. This tension can be seen when the piece graduates into a faster tempo. Stravinsky has written many compositions, and I feel that this one contains the most emotion.

Listening (Varese, Edgard - Poeme electronique (1957-1958)

2009-10-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

Well many don't consider this music I feel that it is an interesting an innovative way to use technology. The use of technology and synthesizers create completely new sounds that have never been experienced. I personally like how Varése changes the frequency of pitches to create a soft then loud sound. I also like how he uses many electronic pitches at different frequencies. I thought that it was interesting how he uses someone yawning and saying random pitches. Overall, I thought that this sound was interesting look on electronics. Additionally, since I have Bose headphones it was particularly evident how he moves pitches from speaker to speaker.

Listening (Copland, Aaron - Piano Fantasy (1955-1957)

2009-10-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

This composition shows the Copland's diversity when composing music. This piece might seem random, but Copland had great intentions for the piece. I like how he goes from high to low and then back to high. This creates a wide range of emotion when listening to the song. Changing the pitch level is an affect that he used to gather a reaction from his audience. I thought that it was interesting that when he was interview about this piece that he simply stated that it was an "A,B,A" format. This doesn't seem right because there are rules that should be applied to those types of compositions. Additionally, I like how Copland was not a fan of explaining his work; he let the audience determine his compositions.

Listening (Barber, Samuel - Knoxville, Summer of 1915 (1949)

2009-10-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

I thought that this composition had a neat way to connect the strings with the voice in the beginning of the piece. The voice was very smooth and easy going, however the piece transitions into a more serious and energetic section. I thought that composition told a story. During the more energetic section the orchestra has lines that are repeated several times back and forth. I thought that this created tension within the composition. This is an American Opera that had an impact on the influence of the music of its generation.

Listening (The - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967), "A Day in the Life"

2009-10-27T20:08:00.000-07:00

This selection by the Beatles is such an emotional song that has several creative ideas within it. The song's transitions with orchestra cresendos are very unique and were only added after the entire song was recorded. The piano chord at the end of the song also was added post recording. The song has an interesting choice of lyrical selection. Most believe that the lyrics were about Lennon and McCarthy's friend who died. Another think that I found interesting was that the ending E Major chord was played by three people simultaneously. I really enjoy this song and have listened to it extensively before entering this class. However now that I have entered the course I can see the somewhat expressionistic and modernists-tic in this piece.

Listening (Brown, James - "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" (1965)

2009-10-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

This song is a combination of soul music and rock. Similar to Elvis, James Brown was an innovator for his time. The use of brass section in a louder manner is an interesting twist on conventional jazz. Also the style in which Brown sings it makes it seem that he is almost yelling at the audience rather than serenading them. A unique feature that Brown uses is speaking over the sax solo throughout the piece. I liked how the song had a free feeling throughout it. It almost seemed that Brown was improving his singing.

Listening (Presley, Elvis - "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956)

2009-10-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

This song is extremely important to the development of rock music in the 1950's. Since this was the first type of music that made people scream to was accepted as innovative. The use of Elvis's suave voice and the harsh guitar playing was a new to the rock scene. Additionally, it is a combination of rock, blues, and gospel which was never attempted before this composition. I have a cover of this song by Billy Joel. I feel that Joel's more developed rendition of the song is slightly more enjoyable than the more basic one Presley wrote. Overall, this song is the most important compositions in the Rock and Roll era.

Listening (Jazz (Parker)

2009-10-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

I thought this piece sounded more new jazz than the works of Armstrong and Ellington. This composition contained a free sounding alto saxophone. The introduction of the sax provides a new element in the jazz scene. The sax is such an important element because it combines the sound of a brass instrument and the mobility of a reeded instrument. Additionally, this song seems to have only four members performing; a sax, piano, drums, and bass. This seems like a new jazz quartet with much of the song focused around improv solo.

Listening (Still (Afro-American Symphony)

2009-10-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

This composition by Still was a piece similar to Rhapsody in Blue because it combined Orchestra with a blues/jazz element. The song also uses a harmon mute with wah effect in the trumpet. This sound is very characteristic of jazz. I liked how Still composed the piece with a softer sound than Gershwin; it gives the song a more relaxed feel. Towards the first third of the piece with use of the strings and flute give the song a more romantic feel. These two separate elements go back and forth throughout the piece. At the end of the piece there is a balence between romantic elements and jazz. I enjoyed this composition's innovation an relaxed emotions.

Listening (Copland (Piano Variations, Appalachian Spring)

2009-10-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

While Aaron Copland has several different composition styles I thought that this piece was the most characteristic and influential. I felt that the themes he created were extremely patriotic, each time them I felt that I was in an American battlefield during the colonial era. While these time don't match up this was my response to the music. I thought that the trumpet fanfare in the seventh scene was demonstrative of this the American theme. Furthermore, the finale of the seventh scene had an epic and grandioso feel. This composition was very appeasing to the ear.

Listening (Gershwin (Rhapsody in Blue, Porgy and Bess)

2009-10-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

This composition by George Gershwin was my favorite piece to date that we have studied. I thought that its combination of piano solo, jazz, and orchestra was extremely effective and captivating. The main lick of the piece is repeated several times, however each time it is performed on a different instrument with a unique style. My favorite was when the solo trumpet had the line, and he played it with a harmon mute and wah effect. This effect was very interesting because the sound a harmon mute produces is very jazzy and intrusive. Additionally, I really liked the loud sounds of the brass with the backing of strings. Overall, a wonderful piece that I can say is one of my most influential songs of the 20th century.

#26 William Grant Still

2009-10-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

Still was an extremely important composer of the 20th because of his racial barrier accomplishment. I feel that it was important that he was the first African American to compose a symphony performed by a major orchestra. He credits most of his life to the learning under Varése. I thought it was interesting how he felt the music consumed his life. He believed that he became the music's servant rather than its master. I feel that this shows how devoted he was to music. His second great accomplishment was the creation of racial music. He found a great influence within his own community and race. While one would assume that his devotion would render Still as a narrow minded composer, he actually "remain[ed] receptive to all" forms of music(151).

#40 Nadia Boulanger

2009-10-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

Boulanger was an important influence on American Music, while providing an insightful look on the its development. During her two interview I felt that she was a person that had a clear understanding of what American Music had been and what it is now. She explains how everything in music is in "questions" and the those who create an answer for that question help develop a new type of music. Additionally, she cites an experience with Stravinsky that further proves the questioning of music. The story involves Stravinsky becoming upset at a colleague for agree wtih his ideas. Stravinsky was upset because the colleague agreed with him for the "wrong reasons". I thought that this was an interesting example of how everyone has a differing opinion on music.

#45 Carl Dahlhaus

2009-10-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

I feel that Carl Dahlhaus was an innovative thinker when organizing music within the 20th century. The idea that music is not a singular term is an idea that displays an "out of the box" theory. I agree with the idea that since that there are many different cultures there isnt a singular music, however several musics. I feel that this idea would be developed in the 20th century because of the advancement of technology. Dalhaus's example that a pop song does not belong with a 12 tone composition proves his idea that there should be several musics. I agree with Dalhaus that there are several types of cultural music, however I don't feel that there should be several musics. I feel that this would just cause confusion.

#42 Leonard B. Meyer

2009-10-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

I thought the ideas of Meyer were interesting because of his connection with the adaptation of stylistic music. I agree with his idea that music will change inevitably change. I feel that he believes that music is always adapting to its surroundings. His theory of "postmodern" was well developed, however it wasn't made famous until his book Music, the Arts, and Ideas. He feels that while there will be new methods and directions in the world of music these new developments will not alter the existing styles. I agree with this thought for many reasons. An example would be the guitar and the use of distortion. You can compose a song, however the only difference will be the sound that the guitar produces.

#38 Steven Connor

2009-10-12T22:57:00.000-07:00

Steven Connor's views on "live" performances has an elementary and profound outlook. The idea that artists over the last decades what been infatuated with providing a crowd with a energy driven performance. I thought that Connor's theory on Springsteen was extremely accurate. I feel that there is a connection between the performer and the audience and he does a good job of drawing this phenomenon. I can make a connection between this theory and my actual experiences. In my band we play modern rock music, however we pride ourselves on how "hard" we can rock out. We try to have a lot of energy when we perform. We do this because we feel that our emotions and mood will "rub off"on the audience.

#10 Edgard Varése

2009-10-12T22:43:00.001-07:00

I thought that it was interesting how Varése used his science background to create a new style of music. Modernist music is based upon new innovations, and the use of audio technology in music was a clever way to create a modern way to represent music. His description of trivium and quadrivium was an intellectual way to connect art and science in the middle ages to the ways Varése's music was being produced. Modernist music was extremely prevalent during the 2oth century because of the technological advances such as audio delays and distortion. I agree with his view that the increase in electronics is a "additive, not a destructive"(74). He furthers descibes how this innovation has been good because it has created a new medium for music.

Listening (The Unanswered Questions and Concord Sonata)

2009-09-28T00:49:00.000-07:00

I thought that Charles Ives was a composer that had a very determined look on composing music. While he was businessman as well as a musician he truly encapsulated American classical music with his work. In the Unanswered Question he used the strings in the background to provide a background that would change. However the change was always very slight. He put many layers over that background which gave the composition its unique characteristic. The use of the cornet/trumpet was an interesting way of giving a layer to his piece. In the Concord Sonata, a piece for the piano, there seemed to be a bright yet hidden message in the work. The tempo is slow, that the "planned silence" is very effective. Overall, Charles Ives was a man of both words and his compositions reflected that situation.

Listening (Crawford, String Quartet 1931, Mvt. 3

2009-09-28T00:39:00.000-07:00

Crawford's string quartet has a sound that is very combined. It seems like each player is about a beat behind each other. This sound gives the composition a dragging sound. While at times there are some melodic lines the piece tends to drag more and more. It almost creates a drone in the song because one player is always holding out a sustain note. This effect allows for the audience to get the true sense of the music. Additionally, the quartet is a good way to connect with the audience and give them a more personal experience.

Listening ( Cowell, Aeolian Harp (1923) and The Banshee (1925)

2009-09-28T00:27:00.000-07:00

Aeolian Harp has a very oriental sound to it that conveys a authentic player. The use of minor scales gives this affect to the piece. I thought that it was interesting how they used a very low key on the piano as the loud affect. The harp doesn't sound like a harp that is found in a regular orchestra; it does not have that sweeping quality. The sound that is created in this piece is very truncated and direct. There are no following chords or sustained bars. Every phrase is plucked vehemently. The Banshee uses some of the most creative sounds I have heard on a recording. It is almost like Cowell was instructing his orchestra to run their nails down the strings of their instruments to give the piece that shifting sound. The only comparison that I can draw to this piece is the music from LOST. Since I am a big fan I know the music of the show, and Honolulu Symphony performs their music and they use quick slides on their stringed instruments as well as their trombones. It creates a tangy, yet exciting sound.

Listening (Varese, Ionisation (1931)

2009-09-28T00:21:00.000-07:00

This piece is the definition of random work of musical art. I felt like I was in a dark alley way because of the recording and the way that the music was performed. While there was some sort of rhythmic driving sense, I thought that most of the piece was random free style. The use of the siren was a cool addition, because its sound is usually associated with horror and danger. I thought that it was clever that the siren was placed at the beginning of the piece and at the end. It was very similar to a police or ambulance comes and goes.

Listening ( Bartok, Music for Strings, Percussion, & Celesta Mvt. 1,3 (1936)

2009-09-28T00:11:00.000-07:00

Bartok is another composer that has changed between the wars. He has followed a different path in composing music. This is a big change from the folk like songs for piano that he composed before the war. The use of strings in the piece, especially the viola, gives the piece a more middle sound. The basses have a large effect when moving up and down the chromatic scale. The strings in this song seem to follow a some what serial pattern. While it might not be as intense as Berg's work he does use certain repeats when traveling up and down chromatic scale. Overall the piece was an interesting change from his earlier work.

Listening (Stravinsky, Symphony of Psalm (1930)

2009-09-27T23:57:00.000-07:00

After the war Stravinsky's compositions have changed into a more dramatic and dark style. In the Symphony of Psalms I thought that the addition of the choir was epic. It added an entire other element to the piece. Personally I think that the choir sound gave the piece a more cathedral like sound which thus enhanced the seriousness of the song. The use of the latin next did change Strawinsky's compositions, however I thought that it was a well developed change. The use of the fouge in the beginning of the second MVT created a very mysterious sound, and as the MVT carried on I thought that the addition of the singular trombone gave the song a much added bounce. Along the same note, I realized how he incorporated the use of high and low brass more than most of the other orchestral music of this time. My favorite MVT was the last; the use of the hallelujah was again very epic and dramatic. The shift from major to minor key was a large effect that gave the MVT its swagger.

Listening (Webern, Symphony, Op. 21 (1928), mvt. 1)

2009-09-27T23:46:00.000-07:00

Werben, another student of Schoenberg, had his own take on expressionism. His adaptations included the use of serial style composing in sonata form. This change helped provide for formulated way of writing. The way that the music is laid out seems like it repeats, however with slight changes in dynamics and rhythm. He also used a chamber symphony orchestra which adds another entire dimension. Having less players allows for a more intimate feeling when listening to the music. Like Berg's work I thought that it was much easier to listen to and enjoy. Overall, Webern's composition was a good change to the style of music that Schoenberg helped make popular.

Listening (Wozzeck (premiere 1925), Act III, scenes 3-5)

2009-09-27T23:34:00.000-07:00

While Schoenberg had much success with expressionistic style of composing, I feel that Berg did a better job of manipulating the music so that it can be broadcast to a larger audience. While there are differences between their works I think that Berg's music can be enjoyed more; Schoenberg was too intense in tonality. Furthermore, the 8-tonal style of composition is very interesting and allows for a more concise taught when expressing music. I liked how he used the rhythmic piano the third act; it added to the driving tension of the piece. This song does use sprechstinmre it is not as intense, and I feel that that change furthers the piece's ability to express to a general audience. I thought that if you express exactly what your feeling no one will have a connection with that piece. This is because no each individual has the feelings. I thought that Berg's fifth movement was very intelligently constructed. It had the correct amount balance of random expressionism with the driving ideas of a classical piece.

Listening (Variations for Orchestra, Op. 31)

2009-09-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

Schoenberg's post war composition is a big change from Pierrot Lunaire. I can clearly hear the use of the twelve tonal scale, and how it creates a completely different effect from his previous works. This piece seems to use the random sounding style in a way that actually has a pattern. While that doesn't seem to make sense it has an interesting effect to it. I feel that the song has many surprises, however there is a constant building tension. A major difference between this piece and Pierrot Lunaire is that this song is much brighter and not as ambiguously stringent. Overall, I like Schoenberg's post war work much more than his earlier compositions.

Listening (Woody Guthrie, "So Long, It's Been Good to Know You" (1940)

2009-09-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

This composition seems to be the beginnings of country music. The use of talking in the middle of piece and the iconic tunes are very prevalent. Furthermore, the lyrics are more geared towards a story telling than pitch and tones. Its almost if he was speaking the words rather than singing. The chord progression is very distinctive towards country of today. I thought that the development of the song is interesting because of the use of the guitar as the only instrument. This opens the door for other musicians to strictly use the guitar to compose.

Listening (The Carter Family, "Can the Circle Be Unbroken" (1935)

2009-09-17T16:08:00.000-07:00

"Can the Circle Be Unbroken" is a song that represents many of the issues that were happening during the 1930s and the depression. I liked the use of the vocal harmonies, it gave the song a richer and brighter sound. A new feature that this song has is the use of the guitar and banjo. These two instruments are the driving forces in the song that give the vocalists the beat. The song has a theme of family and unity, which seem to make sense because the piece is done by the Carter Family. I thought that song had an interesting take on the issues of the time.

#34 Alban Berg

2009-09-17T15:57:00.001-07:00

Coming from the understudy of Schoenberg Berg contains many qualities that Schoenberg possessed. Berg's creation of the Society for Private Music seems like an idea that Schoenberg favored immensely. Since the music was reproduced as purely as possible it gave a very natural impression. Additionally, the structured rules seem almost obsessive, which can either be good or bad towards the creation of music. The society seemed like it was very obsessed with the reputation or lack of that was formulated about their performances. I think that this is an innovative idea that could have become very effective, however I don't think that it would catch onto mainstream composers.

#12 Arnold Schoenberg

2009-09-17T15:24:00.000-07:00

Schoenberg's earlier was very seemed like it flowed right onto the score without thinking, almost a stream of consciousness. He was an advocate of compositions that came naturally to the creator. During the post war years he created his new Twelve Tone scale which helped him create a new sound. Personally, I don't really like Schoenberg's work especially Pierrot Lunaire. I thought that it was almost too innovative to the point were it made no sense. However, he does seem to care a lot about how his music is created. He mentions that he would spend days reviewing his work so that it captures the exact vision that he had planned out.

Listening (Ellington, "Old Man" Blues (1930)

2009-09-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

This up tempo piece introduces the use of the saxophone as an instrument in the jazz band. It also adds new sounds such as muted cornets and the use of flutter tonguing. I thought that this composition had many interesting ideas in the structure and performance. This is truly a piece that you can only learn by having a familiarity of jazz, because of the extensive improv. I liked how there would always be a solo while there was a backing syncopation. Additionally, the use of the cornet to add a more "raunchy" sound. It makes it seem like the cornets are almost yelling at you rather than serenading your ears.

Listening (Kern/Hammerstein, Show Boat (1927), "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man"

2009-09-16T17:20:00.000-07:00

The difference that this composition has between the rest is the accompaniment of a pit orchestra. This song is from a musical, and seems that there is more emphasis on the voice. This piece uses more strings than the previous two, and has a more dramatic effect. Furthermore, this song seems to have a larger message. The lyrics are about how a woman can't resist a man, which seems very masculine view. The new woman was supposed to have her own view on life and not be accompanied by a man for her entire life. On a more technical note, the voice in the piece seems to be almost whispering her lines rather than giving them full value. This style of singing quieter and adding a vibrato to the voice gives the piece a more delicate and intricate feeling.

Listening (Oliver, "West End" Blues (1928)

2009-09-16T17:09:00.000-07:00

The improv solo in the beginning of the piece is probably the most influential cornet solo in all of music. Louis Armstrong's innovative style of playing helped push the Jazz and Big Band era onto mainstream audiences. The use of call and repeat is again prevalent in this piece with the singer and the clarinet. I felt that the singer's use of sounds rather than words and the percussion in the piece resembled style's of African music. Generally, african music uses made up sounds and words, while adding a beat from simple objects. Additionally, I noticed that this sound has many solos. It starts out with a cornet, then a voice and clarinet, then a piano, and then cornet once again. Overall, I enjoyed the style and effect that this composition had.

Listening (Handy, "St. Louis" Blues (1914)

2009-09-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

St. Louis Blues is one of the first and most influential blues songs of its time. The chord progression of 3rds to 4ths and 5ths and Bessie Smith's style are very innovative. The use of the "swooping" voice and the cornet give the song an "improv" feeling. Additionally, the use of the 3rd and flat 3rd gave the song its blues feeling; without those notes in the progression the piece wouldn't have the same effect. I thought that this piece was a new way of music that revolutionized music in the next few decades from jazz to rock and roll. A signature feature that is displayed in this piece is the use of syncopation with the singer and the structured time. Bessie sings the "big hits" on the up beat of a phrase, rather than on the beginning of a measure.

#3 Igor Stravinsky

2009-09-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

While Stravinsky's style changed from the pre war era his ideas and philosophies did not change that much. Much of his ideas come from his good friend Souvtchinsky. He believed that there are two kinds of music: one that revolves around a certain circle, and the other is completely detached from any outside source. This theory of thinking allows for Stravinsky to develop a broader sense of musical composition. I thought that it was interesting that Stravinsky could move between two different time periods and still be an influential composer. Additionally, I liked how he used the idea of fantasy and related it to how he wrote music or created art. He believed that if he had a set of rules that it would help him become freer.

#41 Constant Lambert

2009-09-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

Lambert's views are almost the complete opposite of Landowska. He believes that the music of the past shouldn't be superior to the music of the present. I think that he has a valid point that the composers don't create their own ideas they use altercations of other's pieces. However, I believe that each era has its own type of music regardless of composers favoring the songs of the past. He comes from the line of thinking that people who favor past music have a very modern attitude. However, I listen to music of the 1970s, such has Led Zeppelin and The Who, and I regard them as better music than that of the present age. While Lambert believes that composers don't pride themselves anymore, I feel that composers can still have original ideas and attach them to older pieces; however if this is done throughout ever composers pieces the effect will become lost.

#31 Wanda Landowska

2009-09-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

The idea that Landowska brings up is interesting in the aspect that old music can become new again. I thought that playing older music of Bach and Mozart on instruments other than the piano was a clever way of giving the piece a new twist. I feel like Landowska is the Lil' Wayne of her time, because she does so many "remixes" of songs giving them a new popularity and intrigue. I liked how she mentioned that the older music was not a "mere flash in the pan", however "it is an eternal flame"(175). This is a good way a viewing the new types of music that she changed around. She knows that the older music holds its interest; it just has to be altered to fit a new generation. The idea of being innovative is the driving force behind the popularity of a composition, and Landowska clearly follows this tend.

Listening (Maple Leaf Rag)

2009-09-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

This composition is a change of pace from the pieces we have listened before. With the introduction of the ragtime genre into America Music there was a wide group of musicians that created pieces that followed the syncopated style. The interesting part of this song is the melodic lines that create the up-beat theme. I feel that there is a connection between this piece and the works of Stravinsky and Debussy. The rhythmic lines that have accent marks on off beats are prevalent in both pieces. While they are two different genres these composers can learn from each and adapt this style to fit into their own piece. I liked how Joplin pieces were broadcast towards a wider audience, rather than just to the wealthy educated.

Listening (“Ah, Love, but a day!” from Three Browning Songs, op.44, no.2)

2009-09-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

I thought that his piece was very majestic. The crescendos in the piece are an effective when the addition of the opera singer. I liked how the whenever the singer has a phrase the piano would play a somewhat trickling up and down part. I thought that the piece had avery happy and serious tone to it, while still having a very light atmosphere. A new element that his piece has from all the other listening is a lyrical part that I can understand. She mentions how the person should look into her eyes. This is interesting to the composition of the piece.

#9 Reading Charles Ives

2009-09-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

I thought that Ives's background is a very interesting aspect, which helped him shape some of his compositions. Since Ives's background was from the financial field his literature of "Music and Its Future" contained a economic and business-like style. He believed in expanding and exploring possibilities; this is much like a businessman or salesman would do when trying to make a profit. On the other hand, his musical thoughts were scientifically interesting. I liked his experiment between the two pianos and the door. The other demonstration that he used was with the sound of the brass band playing pianissimo across a street is a different-sound than the same playing forte a block away. I thought that his idea about the presentation of the music was very innovative. He mentions how he would place a player off stage to create a different effect on the audience.

Listening (Romanian Folk Dances)

2009-09-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

Bartók's Romanian Folk Dances follows a different style than his rhythmic composition of Allegro Barbaro. This piece contains more major chords, which create a lighter and happier feeling in the song. However, in the several movements he does adjust the chordal arrangement. In the composition's middle movement it seems very open and free, and then it quickly transitions into a finale ending. This part contains a folk style pattern in the right hand that seems to be repeated several times. I thought that this piece was cleverly constructed for a folk composition. It contained a variety of different themes that all had a light and free feeling.

Listening (Allegro barbaro)

2009-09-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed this piece because of its interesting driving and rhythmic features. Bartók wrote many phrases in this piece that seem like they would fit into the percussion part in an orchestral arrangement. The piece captured by attention because it had many accents on the up-beats, which created a very unpredictable feeling. This emotion that he created added to his composition because the audience was draw into the idea of, "what was he going to do next". He was drawing the audience in for more and more through his odd patterns. I thought that this was very affective. Additionally, when Aaron performed this piece in class I noticed that for many parts he had to cross his left hand on top of this right. This style of performing further supports the odd way that Bartók wrote his music and how it was displayed.

#29 Reading Béla Bartók

2009-09-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

I thought that Bartók was very instrumental for the development of folk music and the disconnection between the 19th century style of music. He was truly changed the focus of music in the 2oth century. I agree with his idea that the excess of Romantisists was becoming "unbearable" for many(168). This can easily be related to more modern music, such as disco in the 1970's. I thought that it was clever that Bartók tried to write music for the peasant class. I feel that this is a good idea because his music would be more accepted by a wider population of listeners. Additionally, I like how he views that simple melodies have very complex harmonies. In folk music this can be hard to create.

#7 Reading Ferruccio Busoni

2009-09-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

I thought that Busoni's idea that music is within the creator was a very valid point. I liked how he was accepting of all types of music and the differences between brighter sounds compared to darker sounds. His concept of "absolute music" is an interesting idea. The fact that composers dont have to follow the ideas of older composers however they can follow the ideas of nature in their compositions. Additionally, his theory that each composer must find their own rules when creating music is a innovative thought. I thought that it was creative to think that each creator should attempt to create music that is perfect, and when that is combined with individuality than the composers rule is created. Overall, I thought that Busoni was a very free thinker that accepted new styles are compositions.

Listening Schoenberg (Pierrot lunaire)

2009-09-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

While the piece is very cleverly constructed and created a very odd and mysterious sound. The use of language in the piece was effective towards creating the somewhat insane theme. The use of the solo in the composition added to the dissidence that gave the song a unique sound. Unlike Prokofiev, Schoenberg used the concept of planned silence very accurately. He natural pauses that he creates furthers the atmosphere that the composition creates. I think that there is a use of diminished minor chords that give the song that eery sound. Additionally, I didn't find the song very enjoyed and agree why Busoni thought that Schoenberg should change the way his song was constructed.

# 1 Reading Arnold Schoenberg

2009-09-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

The letters that Schoenberg wrote in response to Busoni's opinion to his works were very focused with the singular idea that Schoenberg wrote his composition correctly and he didn't need to change it. He felt that if he were to change the way his song was arranged or constructed than means that he, "could have done it better" (14). While he didn't feel that his songs were perfect if he allowed for another composer to alter his works than he would have declared his own work imperfect; he couldn't allow this. That would ruin his reputation in the community. It was interesting that he gave such mathematical responses. He does mention in the first letter that he would like to do "away with pathos" (13). I liked his logical example of the a=b b=c a=c property. Throughout his entire response he was very direct and thoroughly rejected Busoni's ideas.

Listening Prokofiev (Classical Symphony)

2009-09-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

The up tempo that song starts with brings a very warm invitation to the audience. The alteration between the low and high strings is very interesting. The phrases in the song are travel down scales in a repetitious way. It seems like the same phrase is played over and over again, however the root note changes as it moves along the in the song. The composition's string parts give the song a rich a large sound. The song doesn't have any intended silence, however there seems to be energy in every beat and movement. This can be attributed to the fact that Prokofiev wrote the piece without the help of constructing it on the piano first. Often it is hard to plan for silence in piece when you are writing out the arrangement on a score.

Listening Stravinsky (Le sacre du printemps)

2009-09-02T13:30:00.000-07:00

The use of the double reeded instrument act somewhat as a fanfare in the being of the piece with the addition of the trumpet. It was interesting how the piece had the idea of controlled chaos within the arrangement. The piece does seem very primitivistic, almost as him it were the national anthem for a planet of apes. The use of the driving drum theme throughout the strings gives the its unique shape and emotion. Additionally, the composition seems very repetitive. While this style was used by composers such as Bach and Beethoven this piece doesn't represent any of the stylistic sounds and ideas of those composers. Stravinsky tends to use an odd triade doublings. Furthermore, I liked how the composition was very sporadic and dark at times.

Listening (Gymnopédies Avant-derniéres pensées)

2009-09-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

In Gymnopédies I thought that the slow tempo and the simple shift in the left hand from a low register note to a chord is very affective. It almost seems like he leaves a little pause at the end of each chord in the left hand, which gives the feeling of a mysterious behavior. Addition of the right right hand gives the piece a very surreal feeling, almost as if you were lost in the clouds. I liked how the simple movement created such a tension free feeling in the music. In Avant-derniéres pensées is somewhat different from Gymnopédies because of the progression. In the piece the melody seems to travel along various chromatic scales and jumps from one to another. The use of the chromatic scale in this piece is very evident, which causes for the feeling of a change in feeling from low to high. I personally didn't like how his use of the chromatic scale in this piece. I felt that the there was no flow to the song, and that it was difficult to grasp the idea that he going for other than trips up and down the chromatic scale. Moreover, this goes with his theme of simple songs; the chromatic scale is one of the simplest forms of music.

Listening- Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune

2009-09-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

The opening of the song is very euphoric, it seems that the music is almost floating from phrase to phrase. The lower register used in the flute creates a warm and easy going feeling. I always like how he goes from a solo such as the flute and oboe and slowly includes more instruments such as the harp. While there is a dynamic contrast in this piece there are no surprises. The chords that the harp sporadically plays add to the "happy go lucky" theme of the song. The addition of the strings allows for the phrases to expand, which gives the pieces its ability to flow. The instrumentation of the piece is very unique in that only very warm and eloquent instruments are used, such as the french horn, harp, flute, strings, oboe, clarinet, etc. During my first listening of the piece I couldn't recognize the ABA format because of Debussy ability to keep his music so relaxing.

#39 Erik Satie

2009-09-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

I think that Satie is one of the most entertaining composers of this era because how he carried himself in society. He clearly was mocking most of the famous musicians of the time. I specifically liked how he began "Memoirs of an Amnesiac" with the phrase about his musicianship; I thought that it was extremely clever. The one modern connection that Satie reminded me of was Stephen Colbert; while Colbert is not a musician they both make create satire about the clever people around them. Furthermore, I enjoyed "The Musician's Day" because it was clearly poking fun at how he would organize his time to write music, when in reality musicians never organize anything. Half of the great minds of his time were crazy or couldn't even accomplish simple tasks. Additionally, I thought that it was comical how he scheduled time for "inspiration". He also mentions how he wrote music to poke fun at the boring pieces of Debussy. He mocked him with his own pieces that were erratic.

#2 Reading Jean Cocteau

2009-09-01T19:22:00.000-07:00

Cocteau seemed like a musician, a filmmaker, and philosopher that helped influence many people during his lifetime; he was instrumental in the influence of les six. I liked how in "Cock and Harlequin" he related the music to a house in which he can live in that is fit for men. This idea is very interesting because it shows how the music needs energy. I wasn't sure if Cocteau completely agreed with the ideas of Satie or Debussy. His writing style seemed to fit the ideas of Satie, very edgy and loud, however in the introduction he wanted a more "everyday" music. Furthermore, I liked how he didn't care what the public perception was of his ideas. This is why I feel that he belongs more with Satie than Debussy. He seemed more outgoing and didn't care how his newly constructed theories were viewed. Additionally, his influence on surrealism can support the fact that he was more progressive that the floating music of Debussy.

#28 Reading Debussy

2009-09-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

The three articles for music journals had an interesting take on how French music was influenced and how it changed music in the 20th century. I liked how Strunk used Jean-Jacques Rousseau to help explain how we don't need the boring aspects of theory that he created. Additionally, the underlying theme that music is mysterious was very clever. The idea that no one can truly define what French music, and music in general is really about. He says that, "there is no music school that holds the secret" (162). This clearly shows that not one place of music can say that they know the perfect way to teach or interpret music. Again in the third article they mention the "beauty of a work of art is something that will always remain mysterious" (166). I liked the idea that each person can have their own idea of how a piece of music flows. This relates to the works of Debussy because he compositions seem to float by taking away the leading tone.