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Author Topic: Music Aural Resources  (Read 5460 times)  Share 

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Snew

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Music Aural Resources
« on: April 30, 2017, 01:25:38 pm »
+5
Hey fellow Music 1 students! I just wanted to share a really helpful website just in case people didn't know about it for aural. It has all the past hsc questions and the exact extracts that students listened to in the exam :)

http://www.musicconcepts.com.au/stage6_music1_analysis.html
HSC 2017:

Studies of Religion I
Advanced English
General Mathematics
Biology
Modern History
Music I

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Course Wanted: Bachelor of Nursing at UTS

jamonwindeyer

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Re: Music Aural Resources
« Reply #1 on: April 30, 2017, 03:08:46 pm »
+1
Hey fellow Music 1 students! I just wanted to share a really helpful website just in case people didn't know about it for aural. It has all the past hsc questions and the exact extracts that students listened to in the exam :)

http://www.musicconcepts.com.au/stage6_music1_analysis.html

Wow! Killer resource Snew, thanks for sharing!! ;D

georgiia

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Re: Music Aural Resources
« Reply #2 on: July 09, 2017, 04:28:37 pm »
+5
Here is a checklist I think about during aural exams :)

Duration/Rhythm
Spoiler
1. Beat/Pulse
Is it REGULAR or IRREGULAR?
Is it CONSTANT or CHANGING?
Is it REINFORCED? (strong, steady, definite, well marked) or is it SUPPRESSED? (weak, relaxed, unmarked)
Is it AGOGIC? (Are there accented notes which extend the duration of particular notes?)
Is there the existence of a SUB-PULSE?
Is there a CHANGE OF PULSE?
What is the PACE? (The level of activity in relation to the beat)
Is it STRICT and RIGID? Or is it FREE and INDEFINITE?

2. Tempo     
What is the SPEED of the piece? (this usually affects the mood)
Is there a RANGE of speeds?
Is the speed STRICT (static, remains the same) or FLEXIBLE (changing)?
Are these changes ABRUPT or SUBTLE?
Are the changes created through the use of RITENUTO (sudden slowing down), ACCELERANDO (sudden speeding up), RUBATO (freely moving with lack of pace) ?

These are the names of the different possible tempos:
Grave: very slow, almost solemn
Largo: slowly and broadly
Lento: slow, but only moderately so
Adagio: slowly
Andante: easy walking pace
Moderato: at a moderate tempo, neither fast nor slow
Allegretto: fast-ish
Allegro: fast
Vivace: very fast, lively and brisk
Presto: very, very fast
Prestissimo: very, very, very, extremely fast

These are the names of the different possible changes in tempo:
Accelerando: speeding up
Meno Mosso: there becomes less movement or it gets slower
Piω Mosso: there becomes more movement or it gets faster
Rallentando: slowing down
Ritardando: gradually slowing down, holding back

3. Metre & Phrasing:
This is how the beats are grouped, and they may be grouped in any combination
What is the TIME SIGNATURE?
Is it SIMPLE TIME 24 34 44  ?
Is it COMPOUND TIME  68 98   ?
Is it MULTIMETRE? (does the time signature change?)
Is there a HEMIOLA? (Is there the feeling of 3 in 2 or 2 in 3? e.g. “I want to be in A [mer-i-ca]” from Westside Story)
Or……. Is there a total ABSENCE of time signature? e.g. contemporary art music may have no feeling of consistency in the pulse.

4. Rhythmic Patterns/Note Values
Is there UNITY, CONTRAST, REPETITION of particular note values or phrases?
Is it METRICAL (with a regular pulse)? or is there SYNCOPATION (A shift of accent towards the weaker beat)?
Is there AUGMENTATION? (when a theme is repeated but is varied by increasing the note values e.g. doubling the length of each note, which makes it a lot slower)
Is there DIMINUTION? (when a theme is repeated but is varied by using notes with shorter duration then in the original e.g. the note values are halved, which makes it much faster)
Are there POLYRHYTHMS? (this is when there are several contrasting rhythms which are heard simultaneously)
Is the AVERAGE LENGTH of the notes SHORT (semi-quavers) or LONG (minims)?
What are the NOTE TYPES? Are they DOTTED, SUSTAINED or SLURRED?
Are there any RESTS or PAUSES?

5. Patterns
Is there an OSTINATO (a riff that is utilised repeatedly as the basis for the piece)? or a RHYTHMIC OSTINATO (same as obstinate but the rhythm is the same but the pitch is different)
If there is an ostinato, is there VARIATION and DEVELOPMENT? or does it remain UNCHANGED?
Are there CROSS-RHYTHMS? (two opposing rhythms which are heard at once)
Are there POLY-RHYTHMS? (many opposing rhythms heard at once). Are the different rhythms which are heard SIMPLE or COMPLICATED This may cause a DISJOINTED effect.
Is there RUBATO? (rhythmic freedom, often against a steady accompaniment)
Are there REPETITIVE PATTERNS?
Is there SYNCOPATION?
Is the length of notes longer in the melody than in the backing? or the other way around?
Are the rhythms COHESIVE and FLOWING? or are they FRAGMENTED and DISJUNCT?


7. Articulation
Are there ACCENTS (strong and short attack)? or TENUTO (slightly more drawn out attack)?,  or SFORZANDO (heavy and forceful attack)?
Are the notes STACCATO? (the notes are short and detached, creating shorter duration) or are the notes LEGATO? (the notes are smoother and therefore appear to have longer note value)
Are there SLURS?
Is there sounds of ATTACK and DECAY? Is there a QUCK and FORCEFUL attack? Do the notes stop SLOWLY or ABRUPTLY?
Is there VIBRATO? If there is, this creates the illusion of a seemingly longer note.
Is there SPICCATO? (short, bouncy, springy sounds on string instruments)

8. Unity & Contrast
Are the rhythms SIMILAR?
Is there repetition of the SAME rhythm with the SAME pitch
Is there repetition of a SIMILAR rhythm with DIFFERENT pitch
Is there repetition of the SAME pitch with DIFFERING rhythm
Is there CONTRAST of rhythms heard against the other e.g. POLY-RHYTHM to create a feeling of being disjunct and erratic, which thus creates contrast
If there is STATIC (unchanging) tempo, this breeds familiarity which in turn creates unity
If there is FLUCTUATING (changing) tempo, this creates instability and therefore contrast

Texture
Spoiler
General Type
MONOPHONIC – 1 layer
POLYPHONIC – multiple layers
HOMOPHONIC – 2 layers: same
HETROPHONIC – 2 layers: different
The number of lines – how many are there?

2. Motion
Contrary – moves in reverse direction
Similar – moves in same direction
Oblique – one is static, while the other moves around it
Parallel – the lines move in the same direction, with the same intervals
Imitative
Sequential
Continuous or Disjointed

3. Level of Activity
SPARSE or DENCE
Is it CLUSTERED and BUSY, or BARE?

4. Role
Is the role MELODIC, HARMONIC, or RHYTHMIC?
SOLO or ACCOMPANIMENT?
Does it reinforce the pulse/beat?
Is it COUNTERMELODIC? DOUBLING? BACKING?

5. Density of Sound
Is it RICH, THICK, FULL, DENSE?
Is it LIGHT, AIRY, SPARSE?
Is this because of the:
Number of instruments playing? Thicker texture due to number of instruments? Thinner texture due to less instruments?
Register and Range which affects the quality?
Unison or Doubling on particular sections?
Examine the effect of articulation, ornamentation and expressive techniques. It may affect the density e.g. SPICATTO — light and airy density. STACATTO: thick and dense due to the attack on the note and accenting.
Is it changing? Identify the sections. Gradual or Sudden?

Structure
Macro
BINARY — A/B
TERNARY —  A/B/A
RONDO — A/B/A/C/A
THEME AND VARIATION — Initial melodic idea is developed upon in subsequent variations.
Ways of creating VARIATION:
HARMONICALLY (changing harmonies around it)
RHYTHMICALLY (develop idea in the theme and accompaniment)
TONALLY (change of key e.g. major to minor)
REGISTER/TONE COLOUR (melody shifts to bass or accompaniment, etc
ACCOMPANIMENT (pattern is altered)
TIME (change of time signature/tempo)
Is it in CANON FORM?
Is it in STROPHIC FORM?
Is it THROUGH COMPOSED? (without repetitions of any major sections, the verse also having its own unique melody) e.g. Bohemian Rhapsody
12 bar blues

2. Micro
Examine the micro sections in regards to the other concepts:
Introduction, verse, chorus, bridge/transition
Motic (does it develop?)
Riff/repetitive pattern
Call and response
Theme and Variations – how do the variations differ?

3. Repetition
Is the material SAME, DIFFERENT or NEW?
Symmetrical repetition — repeating the same material
Variation/Development — repeating it with a difference
Digression — doing something else with the material
Recurrence — eventually repeating the material exactly

4. Unity (is created by)
Repetition of melody/phrase
Use of a rhythmic motif
Repetition of a harmonic pattern: ground bass, rhythmic/melodic ostinato
Drones/pedal point
Sequences or modified patterns
Modulation with the same material
Structural repetition: theme and variations
Instrumentation changing roles, though playing previously used material

5. Contrast (is created by)
Modulation
Conjunct versus disjunct
Introduction of new material
Change in metre/tempo/rhythmic patterns
Changes in accompaniment or in one part
Change of register
Tonality: major, minor, modal, pentatonic
Harmony: consonance/dissonance
Differing phrase lengths
Dynamic contrast

Tone Colour
Spoiler
Performing Media/Instrumentation
What FAMILY does the instrument belong to?
VOCALS: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass
STRINGS: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp
WOODWIND: Picollo, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon
BRASS: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Tuba
PERCUSSION: Cymbals, Side Drum, Timpani
ROCK: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums
CULTURAL: Didgeridoo, Sitar, Panflute, Bagpipes, Mandolin
ELECTRONIC: Synthesisers: Ondes Martenot
What is the QUALITY OF THE SOUND produced?
What is the ROLE of the sound source: MELODIC, HARMONIC, RHYTHMIC
How is the sound created: DYNAMICS, ARTICULATION, ORNAMENTATION
Is the sound AMPLIFIED or ACOUSTIC?
Effects:
STRINGS — acoustic, warm, sonorous, resonant. Can be plucked or bowed
WIND —  airy or reedy, thin, smooth
BRASS — vibrant, rich, strong
PERCUSSIVE — dominant or supportive, harsh or bland
ELECTRONIC — resonant, piercing
VOCAL — harmonies: dissonant or unified. Ornamentations, recitative, falsetto.

2. Ensemble
Is it a SOLO voice or instrument? or is it ACCOMPANIED?
Small ensembles: Is it a DUO, TRIO, QUARTET
Large ensembles: Is it a CHIOR, OPERA CHORUS, FULL ORCHESTRA
What is the effect of this? FULL and RICH IN UNISON, or SPARSE and THIN IN SOLO
Cultural groups: xylophone, gongs, bamboo flutes, blowed/plucked strings
Rock Band

3. Technique and Effects
Does it have GLISSANDO? (rapid ascending or descending of the scale, sliding)
Does it have STACCATO? (detached, separated, distinct manner)
Is it AGAGIC? (accenting through extending the duration of particular notes)
Does it SLIDE and BLEND?
Is there DOUBLE STOPPING?
Is it PIZZICATO? notes plucked with fingers as opposed to bowed (arco)
Are there HARMONICS? (overtones which are achieved through placing finger lightly on string)
Is there VIBRATO? (slight fluctuation of the pitch through vibrating finger slightly on string)
Is there SPICCATO? (short, springs of the strings)
Guitar effects:
STRUMMING
DISTORTION
WAH PEDAL
REVERB
DECAY
ECHO
Percussive effects:
ROLL
RIM SHOT
WIRE BRUSHES
Vocal effects:
FALSETTO
SCAT SINGING
RECITATIVE (½ spoken/sung)
Ornaments:
TRILLS
TURNS
GRACE NOTES
TREMELO
ARPEGGIO

4. Register
Is it in the UPPER REGISTER? This may have a thin, sparse, airy effect
Is it in the MID REGISTER? This may have a resonant and warm effect
Is it in the LOWER REGISTER? This may have a dense and thick effect
5. Quality
Describe the SOUND QUALITY
Is it dark, sombre, mysterious, penetrating, mellow, piercing, shrill, harsh, icy, distorted, sharp?
Is it warm, bright, clear, majestic, rich, flowing, sonorous, resonant?
Is it liquid, nasal, breathy, oily?

6. Unity and Contrast
Is tone colour used to DIFFERENTIATE between sections for CONTRAST?
Is tone colour used to SHOW SIMILARITIES between sections?

Dynamics and Expressive Techniques
Spoiler
Level
Are the DYNAMICS fortissimo, forte, mezzo forte, mezzo piano, piano, pianissimo, pianoforte?
pf (pianoforte) — soft, then immediately loud
fp — loud/accented, then immediately soft
sfz — loud/accented
Is there a relative CHANGE in the dynamics? Is it IMMEDIATE and SUDDEN? or is it GRADUAL?
Is there DYNAMIC CONTRAST? (difference between two usually extreme dynamics. The abrupt switching between loud/soft is a feature of Renaissance and early Baroque)
Are there GRADUATIONS? or TERRACED DYNAMICS?

2. Silence
Are there PAUSES? Are they LONG or SHORT?
Are there RESTS? (semibreve, minim, crotchet, semi-quaver)
Do they add textural definition?
Are the silences used to create TENSION? or used as a RESOLUTION MECHANISM?

3. Articulation
Are there ACCENTS? (strong, short attack) or TENUTO? (legato accent, slightly more drawn out attack), or SFORZANDO? (heavy, forceful attack)
Is there STACCATO?
Is there LAGATO?
Are there SLURS?
Is there VIBRATO?

6. Tempo
Is there a RANGE of speeds? Are they STRICT or FLEXIBLE?
Is the change ABRUPT or SUBTLE?
Is the change abrupt/subtle – ritenuto, accelerando, rubato, etc?

7. Stylistic Indications
Is it DOLCE? (sweetly and softly, with tender emotion)
Is it CANTABILE? (melodious and graceful, style full of expression)
Is it CON FORZA? (vigorously and forcefully)
Is it CON GRAZIA? (with grace, elegantly)
Is it TRANQUILLO? (tranquil, calm, quiet manner)
Does it have RUBATO? (rhythmic freedom)

8. Technique and Effects
Does it have GLISSANDO? (rapid ascending or descending of the scale, sliding)
Does it have STACCATO? (detached, separated, distinct manner)
Is it AGAGIC? (accenting through extending the duration of particular notes)
Does it SLIDE and BLEND?
Is there DOUBLE STOPPING?
Is it PIZZICATO? notes plucked with fingers as opposed to bowed (arco)
Are there HARMONICS? (overtones which are achieved through placing finger lightly on string)
Is there VIBRATO? (slight fluctuation of the pitch through vibrating finger slightly on string)
Is there SPICCATO? (short, springs of the strings)
Guitar effects:
STRUMMING
DISTORTION
WAH PEDAL
REVERB
DECAY
ECHO
Percussive effects:
ROLL
RIM SHOT
WIRE BRUSHES
Vocal effects:
FALSETTO
SCAT SINGING
RECITATIVE (½ spoken/sung)
Ornaments:
TRILLS
TURNS
GRACE NOTES
TREMELO
ARPEGGIO

Pitch; Harmony
Spoiler
1. Chords/Tonality
Is it MAJOR or MINOR?
Are there MODAL HARMONIES? (medieval sounding) or JAZZ HARMONIES? (7th, 9th, 11th) or ATONAL HARMONIES? (clashes) or CHROMATIC HARMONIES?
Are there POLY-CHORDS? (simultaneous use of two or more simple chords, common in 20th century music)
Are there TONE CLUSTERS? (simultaneous musical chord comprised of consecutive tones separated chromatically. It sounds very dissonant)
Are there OPEN FIFTHS? (the tonic and dominant note of the chord)
Is there PARALLELISM? e.g. through PARALLEL CHORDS (chords move in consistent intervals) or PARALLEL MOTION (two layers move in consistent intervals)

2. Pitch Organisation
Is there MODULATION? (changes from one key to another)
Is there a PEDAL POINT? e.g. a DRONE (a low, sustained tone) hat remains steady in the bass of a piece while other voices move about above it
Are there POLYPHONIC TEXTURES? (where several layers exist simultaneously. Does this create dissonance in the harmony?)
Are there PASSING/AUXILIARY NOTES? Is DISSONANCE created through these inessential notes?

3. Progression
Is there DISSONANCE or CONSONANCE? Does it give the piece a sense of HARMONIC DIRECTION?
DISSONANCE: major, minor, chromatic scales, chromatic notes, tone clusters, chords with added notes are at intervals that clash (2nd, 4th, 7th) — creates tension and unease
CONSONANCE: major, minor, intervals are pleasant (3rd, 6th), chords I IV and V, triads — creates resolution and stability
Is the piece REPETITIVE?
Are the cadences PLAGAL? (Amen, sounds Church-ey), PERFECT? (sounds final), IMPERFECT? INTERRUPTED?
Do the chordal changes happen at a SLOW or RAPID rate of harmonic change?
Are there OSTINATO patterns?
Is there 12 BAR BLLUES?

4. Voicing
Is there a SMALL or a LARGE range?
Is LOW or in HIGH register used?
Are the patterns:
ARPEGGIOS/BROKEN CHORDS?
TRIADS?
WALKING BASS?
ALBERTI BASS

5. Textural Emphasis
Is it MONOPHONIC? (1 layer)
Is it POLYPHONIC? (multiple layers)
Is it HOMOPHONIC? (2 layers that are the same)
Is it HETEROPHONIC? (2 layers that are different, there may be a countermelody)
Is there COUNTERPOINT? (combining 2 or more melodies to be performed simultaneously and musically. The melody is supported by another melody rather than by chords)

6. Rate/Rhythm
Is it RAPID or SLOW?
Are the rhythmic patterns REGULAR or IRREGULAR?

Pitch: Melody
Spoiler
1. Contour
Are the intervals CONJUNCT (moving in small steps) or DISJUNCT (moving in leaps)?
Are these steps or leaps SMOOTH? or are they JIGGERED?
Is the contour SYMMETRICAL or ASYMMETRICAL?
Is it a SCALIC MELODY? (It moves in steps as in the pattern of a scale), CHORD-BASED MELODIES? (mainly uses notes of the chord), or ARPEGGIO-BASED MELODIES? (takes the form of arpeggio-like runs)
Are there SEQUENCES or SEQUENTIAL MODULATION?
Are the intervals SIMPLE? (moves within the 8ve), or COMPOUND? (moves beyond the 8ve)
Are there MICROTONES? (pitch interval smaller than a semitone e.g. quarter-tone)
Is the shape of the sound ANGULAR? (rigid and stiff) or UNDULATING? (moves with a smooth wavelike motion)
Does the direction ASCEND? or DESCEND?
Is the predictability CONSISTENT (moves in small predictable measures)? or INCONSISTENT (uses erratic leaps)?
What are the HARMONIC IMPLICATIONS? Is there an ARPEGGIO? (notes of the chord are played consecutively), a BROKEN CHORD? (notes of chord played successively), or is there a TRIAD? (a chord made up of 3 notes)
2. Structural Divisions
Is the phrase SYMMETRICAL or ASYMMETRICAL?
  REGULAR or IRREGULAR?
  REGULAR or IRREGULAR?
  PREDICTABLE or UNPREDICTABLE?
  SHORT or EXTENDED?
  is there the existence of SUB-PHRASES?
  are they BALANCED? (regular 4 bar phrasing)
  CALL & RESPONSE?
  use of COUNTER-MELODIES? (a second but subordinate melodic line)

3. Structural Features
Is there a CLIMACTIC POINT of the piece? Is it represented by a FLUCTUATION in the pitch?
Is there CALL & RESPONSE?
Are there INTERNAL VARIATIONS?
Is there REPETITION?
Is there SUBSEQUENT CONTRASTS? Does this happen through DIMINUTION? (theme repeated with shorter note values), AUGMENTATION? (theme repeated with longer note values), INVERSION? (the tune is mirrored about fixed note, the melody is imitated by being played upside-down from original), or RETROGRADE? (the notes are played backwards)
Is there SEQUENCING? (the restatement of an idea or motif at differing pitch from the original)
Is there IMITATION? (vary the tune slightly)

4. Interpretation
Are PERFORMANCE TECHNIQUES used? e.g. melodic ornamentation such as trills, turns, grace notes, sliding, vibrato, glissando, tremolo, vocal melisma, improvisation, harmonics
How do they change the TIMBRAL EFFECT?

5. Pitch Dimensions
Doest it use the UPPER register, or LOWER register?
Is there FALSETTO? (high pitch male singer technique to reach notes outside usual range)
Is there DEFINITE pitch? (tuned sounds e.g. singing) or is there INDEFINITE pitch? (untuned sounds e.g. speaking)

6. Pitch Organisation
Is the TONALITY:
DIATONIC? (maj. or min. key)
MODAL? (Church Mode e.g. Gregorian Chant)
JAZZ SCALE?
BLUES SCALE? (has a flattened 7th )
PENTATONIC? (a scale of 5 tones, common in traditional Chinese music)
ATONAL? (12 tone, electronic. Sounds erratic)
Is there MODULATION? (change to another key) or SEQUENTIAL MODULATION?
« Last Edit: July 19, 2017, 08:07:24 pm by jamonwindeyer »

Fluffysama_

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Re: Music Aural Resources
« Reply #3 on: August 08, 2020, 09:30:11 pm »
0
Here is a checklist I think about during aural exams :)

Duration/Rhythm
Spoiler
1. Beat/Pulse
Is it REGULAR or IRREGULAR?
Is it CONSTANT or CHANGING?
Is it REINFORCED? (strong, steady, definite, well marked) or is it SUPPRESSED? (weak, relaxed, unmarked)
Is it AGOGIC? (Are there accented notes which extend the duration of particular notes?)
Is there the existence of a SUB-PULSE?
Is there a CHANGE OF PULSE?
What is the PACE? (The level of activity in relation to the beat)
Is it STRICT and RIGID? Or is it FREE and INDEFINITE?

2. Tempo     
What is the SPEED of the piece? (this usually affects the mood)
Is there a RANGE of speeds?
Is the speed STRICT (static, remains the same) or FLEXIBLE (changing)?
Are these changes ABRUPT or SUBTLE?
Are the changes created through the use of RITENUTO (sudden slowing down), ACCELERANDO (sudden speeding up), RUBATO (freely moving with lack of pace) ?

These are the names of the different possible tempos:
Grave: very slow, almost solemn
Largo: slowly and broadly
Lento: slow, but only moderately so
Adagio: slowly
Andante: easy walking pace
Moderato: at a moderate tempo, neither fast nor slow
Allegretto: fast-ish
Allegro: fast
Vivace: very fast, lively and brisk
Presto: very, very fast
Prestissimo: very, very, very, extremely fast

These are the names of the different possible changes in tempo:
Accelerando: speeding up
Meno Mosso: there becomes less movement or it gets slower
Piω Mosso: there becomes more movement or it gets faster
Rallentando: slowing down
Ritardando: gradually slowing down, holding back

3. Metre & Phrasing:
This is how the beats are grouped, and they may be grouped in any combination
What is the TIME SIGNATURE?
Is it SIMPLE TIME 24 34 44  ?
Is it COMPOUND TIME  68 98   ?
Is it MULTIMETRE? (does the time signature change?)
Is there a HEMIOLA? (Is there the feeling of 3 in 2 or 2 in 3? e.g. “I want to be in A [mer-i-ca]” from Westside Story)
Or……. Is there a total ABSENCE of time signature? e.g. contemporary art music may have no feeling of consistency in the pulse.

4. Rhythmic Patterns/Note Values
Is there UNITY, CONTRAST, REPETITION of particular note values or phrases?
Is it METRICAL (with a regular pulse)? or is there SYNCOPATION (A shift of accent towards the weaker beat)?
Is there AUGMENTATION? (when a theme is repeated but is varied by increasing the note values e.g. doubling the length of each note, which makes it a lot slower)
Is there DIMINUTION? (when a theme is repeated but is varied by using notes with shorter duration then in the original e.g. the note values are halved, which makes it much faster)
Are there POLYRHYTHMS? (this is when there are several contrasting rhythms which are heard simultaneously)
Is the AVERAGE LENGTH of the notes SHORT (semi-quavers) or LONG (minims)?
What are the NOTE TYPES? Are they DOTTED, SUSTAINED or SLURRED?
Are there any RESTS or PAUSES?

5. Patterns
Is there an OSTINATO (a riff that is utilised repeatedly as the basis for the piece)? or a RHYTHMIC OSTINATO (same as obstinate but the rhythm is the same but the pitch is different)
If there is an ostinato, is there VARIATION and DEVELOPMENT? or does it remain UNCHANGED?
Are there CROSS-RHYTHMS? (two opposing rhythms which are heard at once)
Are there POLY-RHYTHMS? (many opposing rhythms heard at once). Are the different rhythms which are heard SIMPLE or COMPLICATED This may cause a DISJOINTED effect.
Is there RUBATO? (rhythmic freedom, often against a steady accompaniment)
Are there REPETITIVE PATTERNS?
Is there SYNCOPATION?
Is the length of notes longer in the melody than in the backing? or the other way around?
Are the rhythms COHESIVE and FLOWING? or are they FRAGMENTED and DISJUNCT?


7. Articulation
Are there ACCENTS (strong and short attack)? or TENUTO (slightly more drawn out attack)?,  or SFORZANDO (heavy and forceful attack)?
Are the notes STACCATO? (the notes are short and detached, creating shorter duration) or are the notes LEGATO? (the notes are smoother and therefore appear to have longer note value)
Are there SLURS?
Is there sounds of ATTACK and DECAY? Is there a QUCK and FORCEFUL attack? Do the notes stop SLOWLY or ABRUPTLY?
Is there VIBRATO? If there is, this creates the illusion of a seemingly longer note.
Is there SPICCATO? (short, bouncy, springy sounds on string instruments)

8. Unity & Contrast
Are the rhythms SIMILAR?
Is there repetition of the SAME rhythm with the SAME pitch
Is there repetition of a SIMILAR rhythm with DIFFERENT pitch
Is there repetition of the SAME pitch with DIFFERING rhythm
Is there CONTRAST of rhythms heard against the other e.g. POLY-RHYTHM to create a feeling of being disjunct and erratic, which thus creates contrast
If there is STATIC (unchanging) tempo, this breeds familiarity which in turn creates unity
If there is FLUCTUATING (changing) tempo, this creates instability and therefore contrast

Texture
Spoiler
General Type
MONOPHONIC – 1 layer
POLYPHONIC – multiple layers
HOMOPHONIC – 2 layers: same
HETROPHONIC – 2 layers: different
The number of lines – how many are there?

2. Motion
Contrary – moves in reverse direction
Similar – moves in same direction
Oblique – one is static, while the other moves around it
Parallel – the lines move in the same direction, with the same intervals
Imitative
Sequential
Continuous or Disjointed

3. Level of Activity
SPARSE or DENCE
Is it CLUSTERED and BUSY, or BARE?

4. Role
Is the role MELODIC, HARMONIC, or RHYTHMIC?
SOLO or ACCOMPANIMENT?
Does it reinforce the pulse/beat?
Is it COUNTERMELODIC? DOUBLING? BACKING?

5. Density of Sound
Is it RICH, THICK, FULL, DENSE?
Is it LIGHT, AIRY, SPARSE?
Is this because of the:
Number of instruments playing? Thicker texture due to number of instruments? Thinner texture due to less instruments?
Register and Range which affects the quality?
Unison or Doubling on particular sections?
Examine the effect of articulation, ornamentation and expressive techniques. It may affect the density e.g. SPICATTO — light and airy density. STACATTO: thick and dense due to the attack on the note and accenting.
Is it changing? Identify the sections. Gradual or Sudden?

Structure
Macro
BINARY — A/B
TERNARY —  A/B/A
RONDO — A/B/A/C/A
THEME AND VARIATION — Initial melodic idea is developed upon in subsequent variations.
Ways of creating VARIATION:
HARMONICALLY (changing harmonies around it)
RHYTHMICALLY (develop idea in the theme and accompaniment)
TONALLY (change of key e.g. major to minor)
REGISTER/TONE COLOUR (melody shifts to bass or accompaniment, etc
ACCOMPANIMENT (pattern is altered)
TIME (change of time signature/tempo)
Is it in CANON FORM?
Is it in STROPHIC FORM?
Is it THROUGH COMPOSED? (without repetitions of any major sections, the verse also having its own unique melody) e.g. Bohemian Rhapsody
12 bar blues

2. Micro
Examine the micro sections in regards to the other concepts:
Introduction, verse, chorus, bridge/transition
Motic (does it develop?)
Riff/repetitive pattern
Call and response
Theme and Variations – how do the variations differ?

3. Repetition
Is the material SAME, DIFFERENT or NEW?
Symmetrical repetition — repeating the same material
Variation/Development — repeating it with a difference
Digression — doing something else with the material
Recurrence — eventually repeating the material exactly

4. Unity (is created by)
Repetition of melody/phrase
Use of a rhythmic motif
Repetition of a harmonic pattern: ground bass, rhythmic/melodic ostinato
Drones/pedal point
Sequences or modified patterns
Modulation with the same material
Structural repetition: theme and variations
Instrumentation changing roles, though playing previously used material

5. Contrast (is created by)
Modulation
Conjunct versus disjunct
Introduction of new material
Change in metre/tempo/rhythmic patterns
Changes in accompaniment or in one part
Change of register
Tonality: major, minor, modal, pentatonic
Harmony: consonance/dissonance
Differing phrase lengths
Dynamic contrast

Tone Colour
Spoiler
Performing Media/Instrumentation
What FAMILY does the instrument belong to?
VOCALS: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass
STRINGS: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp
WOODWIND: Picollo, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon
BRASS: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Tuba
PERCUSSION: Cymbals, Side Drum, Timpani
ROCK: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums
CULTURAL: Didgeridoo, Sitar, Panflute, Bagpipes, Mandolin
ELECTRONIC: Synthesisers: Ondes Martenot
What is the QUALITY OF THE SOUND produced?
What is the ROLE of the sound source: MELODIC, HARMONIC, RHYTHMIC
How is the sound created: DYNAMICS, ARTICULATION, ORNAMENTATION
Is the sound AMPLIFIED or ACOUSTIC?
Effects:
STRINGS — acoustic, warm, sonorous, resonant. Can be plucked or bowed
WIND —  airy or reedy, thin, smooth
BRASS — vibrant, rich, strong
PERCUSSIVE — dominant or supportive, harsh or bland
ELECTRONIC — resonant, piercing
VOCAL — harmonies: dissonant or unified. Ornamentations, recitative, falsetto.

2. Ensemble
Is it a SOLO voice or instrument? or is it ACCOMPANIED?
Small ensembles: Is it a DUO, TRIO, QUARTET
Large ensembles: Is it a CHIOR, OPERA CHORUS, FULL ORCHESTRA
What is the effect of this? FULL and RICH IN UNISON, or SPARSE and THIN IN SOLO
Cultural groups: xylophone, gongs, bamboo flutes, blowed/plucked strings
Rock Band

3. Technique and Effects
Does it have GLISSANDO? (rapid ascending or descending of the scale, sliding)
Does it have STACCATO? (detached, separated, distinct manner)
Is it AGAGIC? (accenting through extending the duration of particular notes)
Does it SLIDE and BLEND?
Is there DOUBLE STOPPING?
Is it PIZZICATO? notes plucked with fingers as opposed to bowed (arco)
Are there HARMONICS? (overtones which are achieved through placing finger lightly on string)
Is there VIBRATO? (slight fluctuation of the pitch through vibrating finger slightly on string)
Is there SPICCATO? (short, springs of the strings)
Guitar effects:
STRUMMING
DISTORTION
WAH PEDAL
REVERB
DECAY
ECHO
Percussive effects:
ROLL
RIM SHOT
WIRE BRUSHES
Vocal effects:
FALSETTO
SCAT SINGING
RECITATIVE (½ spoken/sung)
Ornaments:
TRILLS
TURNS
GRACE NOTES
TREMELO
ARPEGGIO

4. Register
Is it in the UPPER REGISTER? This may have a thin, sparse, airy effect
Is it in the MID REGISTER? This may have a resonant and warm effect
Is it in the LOWER REGISTER? This may have a dense and thick effect
5. Quality
Describe the SOUND QUALITY
Is it dark, sombre, mysterious, penetrating, mellow, piercing, shrill, harsh, icy, distorted, sharp?
Is it warm, bright, clear, majestic, rich, flowing, sonorous, resonant?
Is it liquid, nasal, breathy, oily?

6. Unity and Contrast
Is tone colour used to DIFFERENTIATE between sections for CONTRAST?
Is tone colour used to SHOW SIMILARITIES between sections?

Dynamics and Expressive Techniques
Spoiler
Level
Are the DYNAMICS fortissimo, forte, mezzo forte, mezzo piano, piano, pianissimo, pianoforte?
pf (pianoforte) — soft, then immediately loud
fp — loud/accented, then immediately soft
sfz — loud/accented
Is there a relative CHANGE in the dynamics? Is it IMMEDIATE and SUDDEN? or is it GRADUAL?
Is there DYNAMIC CONTRAST? (difference between two usually extreme dynamics. The abrupt switching between loud/soft is a feature of Renaissance and early Baroque)
Are there GRADUATIONS? or TERRACED DYNAMICS?

2. Silence
Are there PAUSES? Are they LONG or SHORT?
Are there RESTS? (semibreve, minim, crotchet, semi-quaver)
Do they add textural definition?
Are the silences used to create TENSION? or used as a RESOLUTION MECHANISM?

3. Articulation
Are there ACCENTS? (strong, short attack) or TENUTO? (legato accent, slightly more drawn out attack), or SFORZANDO? (heavy, forceful attack)
Is there STACCATO?
Is there LAGATO?
Are there SLURS?
Is there VIBRATO?

6. Tempo
Is there a RANGE of speeds? Are they STRICT or FLEXIBLE?
Is the change ABRUPT or SUBTLE?
Is the change abrupt/subtle – ritenuto, accelerando, rubato, etc?

7. Stylistic Indications
Is it DOLCE? (sweetly and softly, with tender emotion)
Is it CANTABILE? (melodious and graceful, style full of expression)
Is it CON FORZA? (vigorously and forcefully)
Is it CON GRAZIA? (with grace, elegantly)
Is it TRANQUILLO? (tranquil, calm, quiet manner)
Does it have RUBATO? (rhythmic freedom)

8. Technique and Effects
Does it have GLISSANDO? (rapid ascending or descending of the scale, sliding)
Does it have STACCATO? (detached, separated, distinct manner)
Is it AGAGIC? (accenting through extending the duration of particular notes)
Does it SLIDE and BLEND?
Is there DOUBLE STOPPING?
Is it PIZZICATO? notes plucked with fingers as opposed to bowed (arco)
Are there HARMONICS? (overtones which are achieved through placing finger lightly on string)
Is there VIBRATO? (slight fluctuation of the pitch through vibrating finger slightly on string)
Is there SPICCATO? (short, springs of the strings)
Guitar effects:
STRUMMING
DISTORTION
WAH PEDAL
REVERB
DECAY
ECHO
Percussive effects:
ROLL
RIM SHOT
WIRE BRUSHES
Vocal effects:
FALSETTO
SCAT SINGING
RECITATIVE (½ spoken/sung)
Ornaments:
TRILLS
TURNS
GRACE NOTES
TREMELO
ARPEGGIO

Pitch; Harmony
Spoiler
1. Chords/Tonality
Is it MAJOR or MINOR?
Are there MODAL HARMONIES? (medieval sounding) or JAZZ HARMONIES? (7th, 9th, 11th) or ATONAL HARMONIES? (clashes) or CHROMATIC HARMONIES?
Are there POLY-CHORDS? (simultaneous use of two or more simple chords, common in 20th century music)
Are there TONE CLUSTERS? (simultaneous musical chord comprised of consecutive tones separated chromatically. It sounds very dissonant)
Are there OPEN FIFTHS? (the tonic and dominant note of the chord)
Is there PARALLELISM? e.g. through PARALLEL CHORDS (chords move in consistent intervals) or PARALLEL MOTION (two layers move in consistent intervals)

2. Pitch Organisation
Is there MODULATION? (changes from one key to another)
Is there a PEDAL POINT? e.g. a DRONE (a low, sustained tone) hat remains steady in the bass of a piece while other voices move about above it
Are there POLYPHONIC TEXTURES? (where several layers exist simultaneously. Does this create dissonance in the harmony?)
Are there PASSING/AUXILIARY NOTES? Is DISSONANCE created through these inessential notes?

3. Progression
Is there DISSONANCE or CONSONANCE? Does it give the piece a sense of HARMONIC DIRECTION?
DISSONANCE: major, minor, chromatic scales, chromatic notes, tone clusters, chords with added notes are at intervals that clash (2nd, 4th, 7th) — creates tension and unease
CONSONANCE: major, minor, intervals are pleasant (3rd, 6th), chords I IV and V, triads — creates resolution and stability
Is the piece REPETITIVE?
Are the cadences PLAGAL? (Amen, sounds Church-ey), PERFECT? (sounds final), IMPERFECT? INTERRUPTED?
Do the chordal changes happen at a SLOW or RAPID rate of harmonic change?
Are there OSTINATO patterns?
Is there 12 BAR BLLUES?

4. Voicing
Is there a SMALL or a LARGE range?
Is LOW or in HIGH register used?
Are the patterns:
ARPEGGIOS/BROKEN CHORDS?
TRIADS?
WALKING BASS?
ALBERTI BASS

5. Textural Emphasis
Is it MONOPHONIC? (1 layer)
Is it POLYPHONIC? (multiple layers)
Is it HOMOPHONIC? (2 layers that are the same)
Is it HETEROPHONIC? (2 layers that are different, there may be a countermelody)
Is there COUNTERPOINT? (combining 2 or more melodies to be performed simultaneously and musically. The melody is supported by another melody rather than by chords)

6. Rate/Rhythm
Is it RAPID or SLOW?
Are the rhythmic patterns REGULAR or IRREGULAR?

Pitch: Melody
Spoiler
1. Contour
Are the intervals CONJUNCT (moving in small steps) or DISJUNCT (moving in leaps)?
Are these steps or leaps SMOOTH? or are they JIGGERED?
Is the contour SYMMETRICAL or ASYMMETRICAL?
Is it a SCALIC MELODY? (It moves in steps as in the pattern of a scale), CHORD-BASED MELODIES? (mainly uses notes of the chord), or ARPEGGIO-BASED MELODIES? (takes the form of arpeggio-like runs)
Are there SEQUENCES or SEQUENTIAL MODULATION?
Are the intervals SIMPLE? (moves within the 8ve), or COMPOUND? (moves beyond the 8ve)
Are there MICROTONES? (pitch interval smaller than a semitone e.g. quarter-tone)
Is the shape of the sound ANGULAR? (rigid and stiff) or UNDULATING? (moves with a smooth wavelike motion)
Does the direction ASCEND? or DESCEND?
Is the predictability CONSISTENT (moves in small predictable measures)? or INCONSISTENT (uses erratic leaps)?
What are the HARMONIC IMPLICATIONS? Is there an ARPEGGIO? (notes of the chord are played consecutively), a BROKEN CHORD? (notes of chord played successively), or is there a TRIAD? (a chord made up of 3 notes)
2. Structural Divisions
Is the phrase SYMMETRICAL or ASYMMETRICAL?
  REGULAR or IRREGULAR?
  REGULAR or IRREGULAR?
  PREDICTABLE or UNPREDICTABLE?
  SHORT or EXTENDED?
  is there the existence of SUB-PHRASES?
  are they BALANCED? (regular 4 bar phrasing)
  CALL & RESPONSE?
  use of COUNTER-MELODIES? (a second but subordinate melodic line)

3. Structural Features
Is there a CLIMACTIC POINT of the piece? Is it represented by a FLUCTUATION in the pitch?
Is there CALL & RESPONSE?
Are there INTERNAL VARIATIONS?
Is there REPETITION?
Is there SUBSEQUENT CONTRASTS? Does this happen through DIMINUTION? (theme repeated with shorter note values), AUGMENTATION? (theme repeated with longer note values), INVERSION? (the tune is mirrored about fixed note, the melody is imitated by being played upside-down from original), or RETROGRADE? (the notes are played backwards)
Is there SEQUENCING? (the restatement of an idea or motif at differing pitch from the original)
Is there IMITATION? (vary the tune slightly)

4. Interpretation
Are PERFORMANCE TECHNIQUES used? e.g. melodic ornamentation such as trills, turns, grace notes, sliding, vibrato, glissando, tremolo, vocal melisma, improvisation, harmonics
How do they change the TIMBRAL EFFECT?

5. Pitch Dimensions
Doest it use the UPPER register, or LOWER register?
Is there FALSETTO? (high pitch male singer technique to reach notes outside usual range)
Is there DEFINITE pitch? (tuned sounds e.g. singing) or is there INDEFINITE pitch? (untuned sounds e.g. speaking)

6. Pitch Organisation
Is the TONALITY:
DIATONIC? (maj. or min. key)
MODAL? (Church Mode e.g. Gregorian Chant)
JAZZ SCALE?
BLUES SCALE? (has a flattened 7th )
PENTATONIC? (a scale of 5 tones, common in traditional Chinese music)
ATONAL? (12 tone, electronic. Sounds erratic)
Is there MODULATION? (change to another key) or SEQUENTIAL MODULATION?


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Class of 2020: Advanced English, Japanese Beginners, Economics, Music 1, Visual Arts