I’m working on a Music exercise and need support.
In 200 words explain your understanding concerning each piece listened to, so comment on what you hear, how it associates with the video lectures and/or corresponding readings from the assignment text, your impression of what you hear, any of the questions listed to encourage deeper thought you feel appropriate, etc. Musical terminology gained from the vocabulary assignments are appropriate and expected to be used in the appropriate fashion, as well as the use of complete sentences, correct grammar, spell check, and other tools at your disposal, including proper use of valuable information in the accompanying descriptions. *I want to see evidence in your reports that the clips were viewed and the descriptions were read.* Listed here are some basic ideas on what to include in your journals to help get you started: https://musicedhighlights.wordpress.com/2011/06/09/getting-our-students-to-listen/
Example ONE: The first example in this grouping is simply so you’ll be familiar with the tragedy of Orpheus from Greek mythology. Born son of the King of Thrace & the Muse of poetry Calliope, Orpheus was therefore a demigod – like the famously strong Hercules, (only Orpheus inhuman gift was the power of music, further heightened by the gift of a lyre from the god Apollo). Because of music being a key component of this legend, it perfectly suits being set as an opera. (Watch from 31:00 minutes until 38:00 minutes) https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6nzymc (Links to an external site.)
In 1607 the first staged opera ‘Orfeo’ was composed by Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) for the court of Mantua. Watch the following mini-biography:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3p7l0YP4q8 (Links to an external site.)
This recitative (speech-like song that carries plot) is the scene where Orpheus swears to bring his beloved back from the land of the dead. Notice the use of instruments is limited to the continuo in order to maintain a focus on the voice, as well as continuing the Renaissance technique of word-painting (words such as ‘stars’ and ‘sun’ are set to high pitches, while ‘abyss’ and ‘earth’ are set to low pitches.) Since you know the story from the previous clip and subtitles are provided there is no need to include a translation from the Italian here…
“Tu se’ morta” from L’Orfeo by Claudio Monteverdi (Links to an external site.)
Henry Purcell is largely considered to be the greatest English composer to have ever lived, and while that may be a debatable opinion by some he was indeed the last English composer of international acclaim for nearly 2 centuries. Watch the following mini-biography:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PXX_UeULUg (Links to an external site.)His opera ‘Dido and Aeneas’ is the story from Vigil’s epic poem about the love between Dido, Queen of Carthage, the defeated Trojan hero and king Aeneas, and her suicidal despair when Aeneas after being cruelly tricked into abandoning her is forced to continue his search for a new home. A key feature of this aria (showy emotional song), is the use of a ground bass (constantly repeating bass line over which the melody and harmony progressively evolve and grow). Performed here by the incomparable Jessye Norman, this is the scene where Dido laments being abandoned, and succumbs to eternal despair…
“When I am laid in earth, may my wrongs create no trouble in thy breast.
Remember me, but forget my fate…”
Jessye Norman – A Portrait – When I Am Laid In Earth (Purcel (Links to an external site.)
