.Questions:1. BIllie’s Blues – pg. 342 (2 pts)
a. When Billie Holiday starts singing, how does the music change underneath her?
b. Google words that describe timbre, then use two of them to accurately describe Billie Holiday’s voice:
c. Use two more of those words to describe the timbre of the solo clarinet at 1:21:
d. And two more to describe the timbre of the muted trumpet at 1:45:
e. This music was as likely to be danced to as it was to be just listened to. Do you hear it as a song for dancing or listening? Explain your answer:——————————————————————————————————————————–2. Take the A Train – pg. 345 (2 pts)
a. Which instruments are in this example that we haven’t heard in any other music throughout this entire semester?
b. Describe the timbre of the muted trumpet (starting at :50)
c. In general, where does the trumpet player use the most vibrato (vibrating air)?
d. What is the texture at 2:04?
e. Describe the dynamics from 2:14 – until the end:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. Suite for Violin and Piano – pg. 350 (2 pts.)
a. Find a moment that sounds similar to European art music. Note the counter time, and explain why you chose this section
b. Find a moment that sounds more influenced by blues or jazz. Note the counter time, and explain why you chose this section
c. Do you find this example to more ‘formal’ or ‘informal’? Defend your answer:d. Give your opinion on this blend of classical and American vernacular styles:———————————————————————————————————————————-4. Rhapsody in Blue – pg. 355 (3 pts
a. The clarinet at the very beginning does a glissando. Listen and describe what it sounds like:
b. Note the counter time when the pianist first begins to play:
c. In the first section you’re required to listen to, find a section that looks like only a professional pianist could perform, and note the counter time:
d. At 4:06-ish, what do you think makes this trumpet sound weird and vibrate-y here? What is the performer doing to alter its sound?
e. Why do you think artists like Lang Lang show expression in their face? Does it distract you from the performance, or does it enhance it?f. Describe the character/mood of the theme (starting at 11:48):——————————————————————————————————————————-5. Country Band March – pg. 360 (2 pts.)
a. After listening to the whole thing, please give me your impressions. This piece is out of the realm of ordinary classical music. Show me that you listened and have an opinion:
b. Now give me a reason why someone might write such a piece:
c. It is in the instructions for some of the musicians to play wrong notes or play out of tune. Can you find a spot in the music where you think this is happening? Note the counter time:
d. The quote in the book from Charles Ives is, “Stand up and take your dissonance like a man.” After listening to this example, what do you think he means by this (also keep in mind that he said it over 100 years ago)?——————————————————————————————————————————-6. Appalachian Spring – pg. 364 (3 pts.)
a. Close your eyes for the first 1:20 or so. What do you imagine?
b. Which instrument plays solo at 1:37 – 1:45?
c. What about at 1:57 – 2:07?
d. How would you describe the harmony in this section?
e. Which instrument plays the main theme of Simple Gifts (17:05)f. Of the 5 variations listed in the book, which variation is the most exciting, and why? (the counter times will be a bit off, but close)
g. Which of the variations sounds most ‘pretty’ or aesthetically ‘beautiful’, and why?h. Describe what happens between about 18:50 – 18:56 in the example:————————————————————————————————————————————7. Noche de jaranas – pg. 371 (2 pts.)
a. Which instrument is featured at 7:48 – 8:04?
b. Describe the overall mood/character of this movement:c. How does the conductor convey the mood/character of the movement?
d. What do you think is the most important element of music in this example, and why?e. Where do you think the dramatic climax of this movement is (counter time), and why?
Requirements: few sentences
