Arsenal Report
Pinnacle Treasure
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Take 6
Now You Speak
Welcome back to another arsenal report! As we continue on with learning about the basic elements we will be utilizing for the sake of improvement. I’d like to encourage you to take the time to take a few minutes and decide if you are taking yourself serious. By the time you finish reflecting jump back in and let’s get started. Be as open and receptive for your own sake.
Let’s Jump in!
musical expressive elements:
1. Expressive Elements:
– These elements include dynamics, articulation, tempo, phrasing, and musical interpretation, which collectively shape the emotional and expressive qualities of a piece.
2. Dynamics:
– Variations in volume and intensity. The basic dynamic markings such as pianissimo (pp), piano (p), mezzo piano (mp), mezzo forte (mf), forte (f), fortissimo (ff), crescendo (cresc.), and decrescendo (decresc.).
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1. Nina Simone – “Feeling Good“:
– This iconic song by Nina Simone features dynamic contrasts between soft, introspective verses and powerful, soaring choruses. Listen and explore how the shifts in dynamics contribute to the message of empowerment and liberation conveyed in the lyrics.
2. Heatwave – “Boogie Nights”:
– “Boogie Nights” by Heatwave is a disco-funk anthem that incorporates contrasting dynamics to create a dynamic dance-floor experience. Listen how the interplay between softer verses and energetic, explosive choruses enhances the infectious groove and party atmosphere of the song.
3. Earth, Wind & Fire – “September”:
– “September” is a feel-good classic by Earth, Wind & Fire. The song features dynamic shifts between softer verses and catchy, high-energy choruses. Listen for how the contrasting dynamics contribute to the joyful and celebratory vibe of the song.
4. Stevie Wonder – “Superstition”:
– “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder is a funk-rock masterpiece that showcases a range of dynamics. Listen to the impact of the song’s alternating dynamics, from the quieter, more mysterious verses to the explosive, energetic chorus and instrumental sections. Explore how the dynamics enhance the song’s groove and create a sense of anticipation and excitement.
Think and take notes as to how the dynamics shape the mood and expression of the music. Share your interpretations and observations, while fostering a deeper understanding of dynamics in musical expression.
3. Articulation:
– refers to how notes are played or sung. Common articulation markings such as staccato, legato, accent, tenuto, and marcato.
Explore different articulation styles:
– Take notes on their impact on the overall character and expression of the piece:
1. Hip-Hop: “Lose Yourself” by Eminem:
– Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” showcases rapid-fire, intricate articulation with precise and rapid delivery. Listen to the song’s rhythmic patterns, wordplay, and how Eminem’s articulation enhances the intensity and urgency of the lyrics.
2. R&B: “Adorn” by Miguel:
– “Adorn” by Miguel features smooth and soulful articulation with melismatic vocal runs and expressive phrasing. Listen for how Miguel’s articulation adds sensuality and emotional depth to the lyrics, enhancing the overall romantic atmosphere of the song.
3. Pop: “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran:
– Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” combines pop and dancehall elements with crisp and clear articulation. Listen and focus on how Sheeran’s precise articulation complements the infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics, contributing to the song’s energetic and playful character.
4. Jazz: “Take Five” by The Dave Brubeck Quartet (Jazz):
– “Take Five” is a famous jazz composition with a unique time signature (5/4). Explore the instrumental articulation in this piece, especially the syncopated and staccato notes played by different instruments. Discuss how the specific articulation choices create a sense of tension, swing, and improvisation in the music.
Notate your observations and interpretations. The goal is to obtain a deeper understanding of articulation in music.
4. Tempo:
– the speed or pace of the music. Common tempo markings such as adagio, andante, moderato, allegro, and presto.
Explore different tempos and notate how tempo choices influence the mood, energy, and expression of the piece:
1. James Brown – “I Got You (I Feel Good)”:
– “I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown is an upbeat and lively song with a fast tempo. Listen how the brisk tempo contributes to the song’s infectious energy, creating a sense of excitement and joy.
2. Brothers Johnson – “Stomp!”:
– “Stomp!” by Brothers Johnson is a funky and groove-driven song with a mid-tempo feel. Listen for how the moderate tempo maintains a steady groove, allowing the song’s rhythmic elements and instrumental interplay to shine.
3. Prince – “Purple Rain”:
– “Purple Rain” by Prince is a powerful and emotional ballad with a slower tempo. Explore how the slower tempo of the song creates a sense of intimacy and allows Prince’s heartfelt vocals and guitar solos to be fully appreciated, intensifying the emotional impact.
4. Curtis Mayfield – “Move On Up”:
– “Move On Up” by Curtis Mayfield is an uplifting and soulful song with a moderate tempo. Listen how the mid-tempo choice contributes to the song’s sense of positivity and forward movement, allowing the layers of instrumentation and Mayfield’s smooth vocals to shine. Remember to notate your observations !
5. Phrasing:
– refers to the shaping and grouping of musical phrases. The concept of breathing points and natural musical phrases.
Explore how phrasing choices contribute to the overall expressiveness and musical flow:
1. Hip-Hop: “N.Y. State of Mind” by Nas:
– “N.Y. State of Mind” by Nas is a classic hip-hop track that showcases intricate and storytelling phrasing. Focus on Nas’ rhythmic delivery, use of internal rhymes, and how his phrasing choices contribute to the vivid imagery and lyrical flow of the song.
2. Jazz: “My Favorite Things” by John Coltrane:
– John Coltrane’s rendition of “My Favorite Things” is a jazz standard known for its distinctive and adventurous phrasing. Listen for Coltrane’s melodic improvisations, unique rhythmic choices, and how his phrasing adds depth and complexity to the musical conversation between the instruments.
3. R&B: “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston:
– Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” is a powerful R&B ballad that showcases her remarkable vocal phrasing. Pay close attention to Houston’s expressive and emotive phrasing, her use of dynamics, and how she shapes the lyrics to convey intense emotion and vulnerability.
4. Blues: “The Thrill Is Gone” by B.B. King:
– “The Thrill Is Gone” by B.B. King is a blues classic that features soulful and poignant phrasing. Listen to B.B. King’s unique guitar phrasing, bending notes, and use of vibrato contribute to the song’s emotional depth, capturing the essence of heartbreak and longing.
6. Musical Interpretation:
– Lets cover the importance of personal interpretation in music. Interpretations can vary between performers and that musicians have the freedom to express their own feelings and ideas through their performance.
Here are four songs originally performed by Dionne Warwick, but covered or remade by different artists and genres. These renditions can serve as examples for your notes to explore different expressive choices and interpretations:
1. Song: “Walk On By“
– Original by Dionne Warwick (R&B/Soul)
– Cover by Isaac Hayes (Soul/Funk)
– Cover by The Stranglers (Rock)
– Cover by Seal (Pop/R&B)
2. Song: “I Say a Little Prayer”
– Original by Dionne Warwick (R&B/Soul)
– Cover by Aretha Franklin (R&B/Soul)
– Cover by Diana King (Reggae Fusion)
– Cover by Glee Cast (Pop)
3. Song: “Alfie”
– Original by Dionne Warwick (R&B/Soul)
– Cover by Cher (Pop/Rock)
– Cover by Stevie Wonder (Soul)
– Cover by Burt Bacharach (Instrumental)
4. Song: “That’s What Friends Are For”
– Original by Dionne Warwick and Friends (R&B/Soul)
– Cover by Rod Stewart, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder (Pop/Rock)
– Cover by Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, and Patti LaBelle (R&B/Soul)
– Cover by Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, Shania Twain, and Carole King (Pop)
Explore the unique expressive choices made by each artist. Pay attention to how slight variations in dynamics, articulation, tempo, and phrasing can create distinct interpretations. Experiment with these expressive choices in your own playing or singing.
7. Listening and Analysis:
– Listen to recordings of various musical pieces and practice identifying and attempting the expressive elements present in each piece.
The use of dynamics, articulation, tempo, phrasing, and interpretation contributes to the emotional impact and overall expressive quality of the music:
1. Song: “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen (Various Covers)
– Explore different covers of “Hallelujah” by artists such as Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright, and Pentatonix. Pay attention to how each artist uses dynamics, articulation, tempo, phrasing, and interpretation to evoke different emotional responses and enhance the expressive quality of the song.
2. Song: “Moonlight Sonata” by Ludwig van Beethoven
– Analyze different interpretations of Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” performed by various pianists. Note how the pianists’ use of dynamics, articulation, tempo, phrasing, and interpretation shape the emotional impact of the piece, from the gentle and introspective moments to the more intense and dramatic sections.
3. Song: “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday
– Examine Billie Holiday’s rendition of “Strange Fruit” and the way she uses dynamics, articulation, tempo, phrasing, and interpretation to deliver a haunting and powerful message. Note how her expressive choices contribute to the emotional impact and social commentary conveyed in the song.
4. Song: “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
– Analyze Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and how the band utilizes dynamics, articulation, tempo, phrasing, and interpretation to create a dramatic and theatrical experience. Note how these elements contribute to the song’s emotional journey, from quiet and introspective moments to grandiose and powerful sections.
Actively listen to these songs, while focusing on the use of dynamics, articulation, tempo, phrasing, and interpretation. Discover how these elements contribute to the emotional impact and overall expressive quality of the music, and note your interpretations and observations. This analysis will help develop your understanding of how these musical elements shape the listener’s experience.
8. Practical Application:
– Apply your understanding of expressive elements in your own musical performances. Experiment with different dynamics, articulations, tempos, and phrasing choices to convey specific emotions or moods.
9. Contextual Interpretation:
– “The how” the expressive elements can be influenced by the style, genre, historical period, and cultural context of the music. Listen to understand how different musical traditions and historical periods have their own expressive conventions.
Expressive Elements influenced by style, genre, historical period, and cultural context:
1. Song: “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert
– Explore different renditions of Schubert’s “Ave Maria” performed by various artists. Notate how the expressive elements in this classical composition reflect the style and cultural context of the Romantic era, with its emphasis on emotional depth, beauty, and spirituality.
2. Song: “Naima” by John Coltrane
– Analyze John Coltrane’s composition “Naima” and its performance by various jazz musicians. Note how the expressive elements in this piece reflect the improvisational and soulful nature of jazz, as well as the cultural context of the mid-20th century African American experience.
3. Song: “Summertime” from the opera Porgy and Bess (George Gershwin)
– Explore different renditions of “Summertime” from the opera Porgy and Bess, composed by George Gershwin. Note how the expressive elements in this piece reflect the style and cultural context of early 20th-century American jazz and the African American experience. Analyze the use of blues-infused melodies, soulful vocal interpretations, and the influence of the operatic tradition.
4. Song: “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens
– Analyze Ritchie Valens’ rendition of “La Bamba” and compare it with traditional Mexican folk versions. Note how the expressive elements in this song reflect the cultural context of Mexican folk music, including rhythmic patterns, instrumentation, vocal style, and dance influences.
Listen to these songs with an awareness of the style, genre, historical period, and cultural context in which they were created. Notate how the expressive elements are influenced by these factors and how they contribute to the unique characteristics and conventions of each musical tradition. This exploration will help develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity of expressive possibilities in different musical styles and cultural contexts.
10. Reflect:
– Examine your notes and do your best to articulate your thoughts and feelings about the expressive choices you observed.
That was a lot to digest. Think about it, you have a lot to say. I think we can all agree it’ll be easier with the know how. Not just the awareness off the existent. Asking you to listen to these songs on top of what you already listen to isn’t just for mere content. It’s the research of the craft to share with other craft improvers, like yourself. Listen. Take notes. Try some new techniques on your art. Until next time…
This has been your Arsenal Report Take 6: Now You Speak
– CHVNGE THE WORLD