VCE+music+analysis+1

here is the score for you to read


=__(Please do not read the information below before you finish)__=

Here are some examples for you to read, think about: which one is based on music analysis? Which one describes the interpretation of the piece?

Please highlight key words in each of them.

a) The opening melody in Somewhere by Leonard Bernstein begins with a haunting upward Minor 7th leap followed by a Minor 2nd fall. These two intervals placed together immediately, and so  beautifully, capture the sadness and sense of longing between the two lovers, Maria and Tony.

b) The opening melody in Somewhere is marked with the dynamic mp. This melody is placed over a lovely counterpoint accompaniment in the Cello and Violin. This accompaniment is marked at p  and this should permit the melody to be clearly heard over it. The Cello and Violin are perfect  choices for the instrumental backing. Their warm expressive tone heightens the underlying theme  of hope between Maria and Tony.

c) The opening melody in Somewhere is cleverly constructed of some very simple rhythms, including crotchets and quavers, dotted quavers and semi‐quavers. It is scored in 4/8 at a slow tempo,  Adagio. This simple rhythmic structure of the main melody helps to compliment and give strength  to the beautifully simple theme of longing love between Maria and Tony.

d) The main melody in Somewhere is performed with a subtle amount of light and shade to it. The opening motif of the main melody‐where there is a large upwards leap followed by a small fall  downwards‐is played with a slight, yet tangible crescendo through it. This slight change in dynamic  contrast is very effective in giving the melody slightly more intensity.

**__Here are some detailed analysis on the interpretation, read them through, underline unnecessary information and highlight words that are related to interpretation perspectives.__**
Bernstein conducts this performance of Somewhere with great dynamic contrast. This contrast is cleverly matched against the varying emotions of the scene to heighten these for the audience. The opening scene between Maria and Tony, where there is genuine hope for their future together, is performed with a dynamic softness that beautifully underlines this message. This is juxtaposed with the dynamic harshness of the middle section of the work that is scored with a large dynamic range primarily around f and even up to fff throughout the entire orchestra. when Maria and Tony finally come to the realisation that there love is a hopeless dream, one that can never be realised.

Bernstein conducts the main melodies of Somewhere with a subtle, yet tangible change in dynamic contrast. Rises in the melodic contour and accompanied with a rise in dynamic volume, and as the contour falls it is followed by a natural tapering off of volume. This technique breathes life into each of the melodies and serves to engage the listener’s attention quite effectively. Bernstein is conscious at all times to ensure that the melody is clearly heard above the accompaniment. Bernstein uses a number of significant motifs in the construction of the opening melody of Somewhere. The minor 7th and the minor 2nd, the first two notes of the vocal line in the Ballad, form an important part of the harmonic and melodic structure for the rest of the work. They are repeated different instruments and are re‐invented again and gain in different formations and under new rhythmic frameworks. They are an important ingredient for much of melodic material to come.

Remember, you must be careful to avoid slipping into describing the elements in terms of the written score(a structural analysis) rather than exploring how these elements are interpreted in performance (exploring decisions of the conductor and performers). Always be conscious of the primary focus of questions of dealing with the interpretation of the elements: how they are interpreted in performance now please write 100 words for each of the question below:

> **Describe the rhythmic interpretation of the beginning section of one of the works you have studied this year.** > **Describe the interpretation of articulation found in the two versions of the set work that you have studied this Semester.**
 * 1) **Describe the interpretation of melody within the excerpt played.**

