Listening Music Journal

Posted: September 10th, 2013

Listening Music Journal

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Listening Music Journal

Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (“A Little Night Music”) 1st mvt

This was a 1787 composition for the chamber ensemble developed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The title, which in German, is used to refer to little serenade, represents little night music in its literal meaning. This work was composed for an ensemble made up of two violins, viola and cello with the option of use of a double bass. This composition is usually performed by string orchestras. This composition has four specific movements, namely Allegro, Romanze: Andante, Menuetto: Allegretto, Rondo: Allegro.

The allegro of the composition is defined as the initial movement in the sonata allegro form, which belligerently ascends in the theme Mannheim rocket. The preceding second theme is relatively graceful and in the D major which is the dominant key of G major. This exposition concludes in D major and with repetition. The development section starts with a D major and explores the D minor and C major before a return to the G major for the process of recapitulation.

Beethoven: Symphony #9, 2nd Mvt

This is the final and complete symphony of Ludwig Van Beethoven. This used voices of symphony resulting in a choral symphony. This symphony has four movements outlined as follows: Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso, whose initial movement is in sonata form, and the mood are often stormy. The entire movement is driven by clarity and power resembling an orchestra.

Chopin: Etude Op. 10 #4

            It is a C sharp minor, which was composed by Frederic Chopin. It is an extremely fast-paced Presto con fuoco, which has continuous sixteenth notes in a perpetuum mobile fashion, which uses both sets of hands. This piece enables exercise of speed and lightness in both hands.

Copland: “Hoedown” from Rodeo

Hoedown is part of a ballet, which was composed by Aaron Copland and later choreographed by Agnes De Mille. This part of the ballet is part of an interpretation of the folk tunes. The theme proper is exercised after reprisal of the rodeo theme coupled by the playing of the horns as a counterpoint. It does not result in a climax but retreats into a “McLeod’s Reel” which is actualized by varied solo instruments. This is a high quality performance because of its climax in a grand fanfare.

Overture to “Candide” by Leonard Bernstein

Candide is an operetta with the inclusion of music, which is a composition of Leonard Bernstein. It is considered as high quality operetta because of its ability to grant performers with an opportunity to illustrate their skills. This operetta begins with an overture. It is considered as one of the best performances of the operetta class because of its influence in opera performances.

Rossini: William Tell Overture

This is part of an instrumental introduction to an opera titled William Tell, which was composed by Gioachino Rossini. An overture is achieved by the use of three trombones, piccolo, flute, two oboes, two clarinets, four French horns, two trumpets, triangle, bass drum and cymbals, timpani, two bassoons and strings.

Excerpt from “Symphonic Dances from West Side Story” (composed by Leonard Bernstein, conducted by:

This is an American musical, which was composed by Leonard Bernstein and subsequently conducted by Gustavo Dudamel. It is a license orchestration, which uses the instrumentation as follows seven Violins, four Celli, one Guitar, one Bass, five Woodwinds, 3 Trumpets, two trombones, two French horns and  four percussions. It is an outstanding performance having garnered numerous nominations as an outstanding performance.

Supplemental listening: Sergei Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf (narrated by David Bowie)

This is an orchestral composition by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. It is considered as a high quality performance because it is used as a means of introduction to the various instruments in an orchestra as the characters are represented by different instruments. Instruments used include woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings, which are representations of the characters in the orchestra. It is an exemplary performance, which aims at indicating the various themes of the story.

Gregorian chant (monophonic):

This is an example of a monophonic liturgical music in Western Christianity credited to Pope Gregory I. It is considered as vocal music as its syllables are sung as single tones. Can be sung as either recitatives or free melodies. Hence, the two categories determine the performance and speed of the music in church settings.

Bach: Prelude and Fugue in Bb

This is a collection of solo keyboard music, which was composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Consists of preludes, which are notable for their irregular numbers of measures in terms of their length, and phrases. Preludes are marked by voices while the fugues comprise of contrapuntal devices.

Barber – Adagio for Strings:

This is an arrangement for string orchestra based on the second movement in a string quartet. This work was composed by Samuel Barber. Adagio for Strings is initiated by soft sounds with a B-flat played by the initial violins while the lower strings follow in two beats subsequent to the violins. Performance comprises of a contrasting violent movement followed by music that is followed by music that is a reprise of the music from the initial movements. It includes orchestral instruments to provide the rhythm, which is sustained with compressed notes.

Dave Brubeck – Blue Rondo a la Turk

This jazz standard composed by Dave Brubeck, is written in nine over eight, and swung four over four. Comprises of a rhythm that is made up of measures 2+2+2+3 followed by a subsequent single measure of 3 + 3 + 3, and the cycle is repeated.

Mendelssohn: Overture to Midsummer Night’s Dream pt 1:

The performances are usually pure instrumental movements, which might be unified or separate. An overture is achieved in the performance using two horns, two flutes, two oboes, ophicleide, strings, two bassoons, two trumpets, timpani and two clarinets.

Gypsy song from the opera “Carmen”

It is a musical with music by Georges Bizet in his opera Carmen.

Vladimir Horowitz plays his version of Gypsy song from Carmen

This is a set of variations, which were composed by Vladimir Horowitz. They are all based on a gypsy dance from the opera Carmen. The piece has a constant theme, which has rapid tempo. The mood of the piece is playful after slowing of the pace, which requires an increased pianist technique to sustain the tempo.

Yuja Wang plays Horowitz/Carmen:

Grieg: Morning Mood

This is a composition by Edvard Grieg, which is incidental music that was used in a play by Henrik Ibsen. The instrumental sounds are from an alternating flute and oboe. The mood of the music is saddening because of the theme of the incidental music in the piece.

Beethoven: Sonata #13, 2nd movement

Piano sonata no. 13 was composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. The sonata is played without pause between the movements similar to majority of fantasias. The first second and third movements are slow in tempo while the last movement has a fast-paced tempo.

Gregorian chant:

Shostakovich

This part of orchestral works was developed by Dmitri Shostakovich. The orchestra composed usually has four movements namely moderato, allegretto, largo and allegro non troppo. It is actualized with a variety of instruments. They are piccolo, and two flutes, two clarinets and E-flat-flat clarinet, two bassoons and contrabassoon, three trumpets, timpani, piano, three trombones, tuba, triangle, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, glockenspiel, two harps, xylophone, two oboes, four horns, tam-tam, celesta and strings. The mood of the performance is an illustration of seriousness and precision.

Vivaldi: “Spring” from the Four Seasons:

This is a set of four violin concertos composed by Antonio Vivaldi. All are based on three movements, which is an incorporation of fast and slow and fast tempi. The four are made up of E major, G minor, F major and F minor all of which have the three movements, allegro, largo and allegro.

Bach: “Et Resurrexit” from B minor Mass:

This is a musical setting which is the complete version of the Latin mass composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Et Resurrexit is a five-part chorus, which is mainly fast-paced as it has fast tempi or a marked allegro.

Mozart: Piano Concerto #27, 3rd movement:

This is a work composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart for piano and orchestra. It comprises of three movements, allegro, larghetto in E-flat-flat major and allegro. The work is scored for a flute, two horns, two bassoons, strings and solo piano.

Holst: “Mars” from the Planets:

This is based on a seven moment orchestral set composed by Gustav Holst. The work is provided for large orchestra, which uses various instruments such as woodwind, brass, keyboards, percussions and strings. It has a fast tempo because of the need to complete the four movements in performance.

Palestrina: Gloria

This is an opera, which is based on the renaissance period and was composed by Hans Pfitzner. It focuses on the art of contrapuntal music or polyphony in the Church. It is composed of two independent melodies.

Scarlatti: Sonata in d minor

Sonata in D minor is a flat key in the keyboard sonatas. It produces a rustic mood

Schubert: Unfinished Symphony

Symphony number 8 in B minor was composed by Franz Schubert. It is comprised of two orchestrated movements, which are of the entire symphony. The first movement is the allegro moderato in B-minor followed by the second movement of andante con moto in E-major.

Beethoven: Scherzo from Sonata in Eb (live on piano)

Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong: Dream a Little Dream

This sonata comprises of four movements: allegro, Scherzo. Allegretto vivace, menuetto. Moderato e grazioso and Presto con fuoco. It has an unusual movement that it is fast-paced movement, which is a combination of scherzo and a minuet.

Handel: Arrival of the Queen of Sheba

This is an oratorio composed by George Frideric Handel.

Bach: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring

This work was composed by Johann Sebastian Bach and is part of the 10th movement of the cantata Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147. It has the recitatives added by Bach who also scored the chorale movements as from the Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben destined for the choir, violin, trumpet, viola, oboe, and basso continuo. I considered his performance as lowly exciting.

Mozart: Rondo Alla Turca

Mozart: Overture to the Marriage of Figaro

This a comic opera composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in four acts. This opera resulted in a relatively famous overture.

Saint-Saens: “Aquarium” from Carnival of the Animals

This is a comic musical set is made up of fourteen movements by Camille Saint-Saëns, a French Romantic composer. This work scored two pianos, xylophone, viola, two violins, flute, piccolo, cello clarinet, glass harmonica, and double bass.

Rimsky-Korsakov: Flight of the Bumblebee

This is an orchestral interlude by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in his opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan. It uses melodic instrument to provide the theme of the interlude.

Bonus listening: Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony (#3), 1st movement

The first movement is in the sonata-allegro form. The movement starts with two E-flat-flat major chords played by the entire orchestra, thus developing tonality. Harmonic tension is established in the piece, which is introduced by the cellos. The development, similar to the entire piece, is marked by amazing harmonic and rhythmic tension because of dissonant chords and long passageways of syncopated rhythm. It is interesting and influential in that it was composed as one of the last works of Beethoven.

Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony (#3), opening chords played by different orchestras:

This piece is longer than majority of symphonies such that the first movement is similar to other symphonies.

Bach: Toccata and Fugue in D minor

This is organ music developed and composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. The four-voice fugue’s subject is made of sixteenth notes. It is marked by an implied pedal point that is set against a short melodic theme that initially falls and then rises.

Bach: Air on the G-string:

This is the second movement of Johann Sebastian Bach in his orchestral set number 3, in D major. This set was played on one string, the G-string of the violin. In addition, it was marked by the transposition of the key of the piece from the original D major to a C major, which subsequently transposed the melody to an octave.

Scarlatti: Sonata in G (live)

Vivaldi: Four Seasons – Summer

This is a suite of four violins concertos, which were composed by Antonio Vivaldi. This is considered as his best work, and it is highly enjoyable to listen and witness. These concertos were E major, G minor, F major, and F minor all of which were marked by allegro, adagio, and allegro in terms of pace. It is a high quality performance given the range of movement exhibited in the violin concertos.

Duke Ellington: Take the A Train

This is a jazz standard, which was composed by Billy Strayhorn that was part of the signature tune of the orchestra of the Duke Ellington.

Mel Brook’s version:

Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition, Ballet of the Chicks:

This is a piano composition by Mussorgsky and is considered as the most famous works of Mussorgsky as it is used widely by virtuoso pianists.

(2’47”) Prokofieff – Romeo and Juliet:

            This is a ballet by Sergei Prokofiev that is based on Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. It considered as popular and equally fascinating ballet. The music in the ballet was extracted from three sets of orchestra and as a piano work.

Mozart: Andante from Piano Concerto #21

            This was composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart after completion of the D minor. It consists of three movements, allegro, andante in the F-major and allegro vivace assai. It concludes with the joyous theme coupled by melodies from the piano.

Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique, “March to the Scaffold”

            This is a program symphony composed by French composer Hector Berlioz. The score of this piece calls for the use of 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 4 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 cornets, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, 2 tubas/ophicleides, 2 pairs of timpani, cymbals, suspended cymbal, tenor drum, bass drum, bells, 2 harps, and strings. It is a fair performance of an average quality.

Duke Ellington: Satin Doll

            This is a jazz standard that was composed by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn using lyrics by Johnny Mercer.

Haydn: Trumpet concerto, 3rd movement

            This was composed by Joseph Haydn’s and is also known as Concerto per il Clarino. It was written for his friend Anton Weidinger. It was composed using a keyed trumpet. This instrument would play chromatically on all ranges available. The movement in this performance comprises of movements similar to a concerto, which are namely Allegro (sonata), Andante (sonata), and Finale-Allegro (rondo). It scored use of 2 horns, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 bassoons and 2 trumpets.

Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, 3rd movement

            The third movement is allegretto which is both a trio and minuet. The minuet is in the proximity of the key of the G major that is the contrasting trio in the dominant key of the D major. It is played repeatedly in pursuant of the trio.

Beethoven: String quartet in C minor, Fourth mvt (rondo)

            The fourth movement is defined allegro – Prestissimo. It is considered as the central movement in the quartet and is described as a set of 7 variations, of which six are complete, and one is incomplete.

Dave Brubeck Quartet: Take Five

            This is a jazz standard composed by Paul Desmond and subsequently performed by The Dave Brubeck Quartet.

 

 

 

Mozart: Clarinet concerto, 2nd movement:

            This was composed by Mozart on behalf of clarinetist Anton Stadler. It is made up of three movements assuming a fast-slow-fast pace, allegro, adagio and rondo: allegro. Considered as a significant piece before the death of Mozart and consists of the interplay of soloist and orchestra.

Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, 4th movement (Rondo)

            Sonato rondo is a repetition of the first movement, which entails a first theme, followed by a second them in the d major, which is a dominant key of the G major.

Mozart: Piano concerto in A, first movement:

            Allegro in A major and common time. The initial movement is positive with the occasional melancholic touches, which are usual of Mozart pieces in A major and sonata form.

Beethoven: Symphony #7, 4th movement:

            The fourth movement is in sonata form that contains an example in the coda. This is of the dynamic marking ƒƒƒ called forte fortissimo.

Chopin: Piano Etude Op. 10 #1:

            This is a study for solo piano in C major composed by Frederic Chopin. It focuses on enhancing flexibility of the right fingers.

Grieg: Death of Ase from Peer Gynt Suite:

            Provided incidental music for the play through the extraction of two suites of four pieces from incidental music, which translated to Opus 46 and Opus 55.

Bill Evans: Autumn Leaves (Jazz):

            This was a jazz standard composed by Bill Evans. Incorporates the use of the piano, other instruments and native to jazz music to create melancholic melodies.

Beethoven: scherzo from Piano Sonata #18

(at piano) Bizet: Carmen Overture

This sonata comprises of four movements: allegro, Scherzo. Allegretto vivace, menuetto. Moderato e grazioso and Presto con fuoco. It has an unusual movement that it is fast-paced movement, which is a combination of scherzo and a minuet.

Grieg: “In the Hall of the Mountain King” from Peer Gynt

            It is an orchestral piece, which is part of the concluding piece of Peer Gynt, Suite No. 1, Op. 46.

The orchestra, played initially by the cellos, double basses and bassoons. After recitations, the major theme is modified with a few different rising notes, but transposed to a perfect fifth.

Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gilespie – Hot House:

            This is classified as bebop because of the fast tempos and the presence of instrumental virtuosity as well as the improvisations, which are based on the combinations of both harmonic structures and melodies.

Beethoven 9th symphony, Finale excerpt (up till 3’00”):

            Used voices in a symphony resulting in a choral symphony. Words are sung in the concluding movement via four vocal soloists and a chorus.

Grieg: “Anitra’s Dance” from Peer Gynt Suite:

            Part of incidental music developed for the play. The orchestra, played initially by the cellos, double basses and bassoons. After recitations, the major theme is modified with a few different rising notes, but transposed to a perfect fifth.

Evelyn Glennie: Rosauro Marimba Concerto

            Inclusive of solos for marimba and multi-percussion instruments or setups. This is also inclusive of percussion ensembles and orchestras. Primary theme is the use of customary Brazilian melodies and keys to generate music based on Brazilian roots.

Oscar Peterson: Caravan, by Duke Ellington

            Caravan is a jazz standard that was composed by Juan Tizol and initially performed by Duke Ellington. Considered as a prominent orchestra because of its numerous versions by many exotic musicians.

Schubert – “Unfinished” Symphony, 1st movement

            This is a symphony composed by Franz Schubert. The initial movement is Adagio, 3/4 – Allegro, 2/2.

Schumann – Piano Concerto, 1st movement

            The first movement Nicht zu schnell (A minor). This is concerto scored to use two flutes, two horns, solo cello, two trumpets, two clarinets, two bassoons, timpani, two oboes, and strings.

Mendelssohn – Symphony No. 4, “Italian” (first movement)

Consists of short and melody piano pieces.

Herbie Hancock – Watermelon Man

This is a jazz standard, which was composed by Herbie Hancock..

Liszt – Hungarian Rhapsody #6, George Cziffra

            Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6 is classified in D-flat major and is the sixth work of the total 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies that were composed by Franz Liszt.

Chopin – Polonaise in Ab Op. 53

            This was composed for solo piano and written by Frederic Chopin. This piece provides the necessity for exceptional piano skills and high level of virtuosity.

Ella Fitzgerald – Round Midnight

Round Midnight is a jazz standard, which is considered as among the best jazz songs.

Thelonious Monk – Blue Monk

            This B flat blues are based on a jazz tune. It is an incorporation of all jazz instruments to ensure balance in melodies. It could be described as high quality performance because of its significance in the jazz music field.

Liszt – La Campanella

            This is part of the six etudes, which were composed by Franz Liszt. Its melody is derived form the final movement of Niccolò Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 2 in B minor, where the tune was modified by a hand-bell.

Chopin – Piano Sonata #2, Finale (4th movement)

            Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35 was composed by Frederic Chopin. The fourth movement of the piece is Finale: Presto.

Mendelssohn – “He Watching Over Israel” from Elijah:

            This is an oratorio written by Felix Mendelssohn and is based on the life of a biblical figure. It uses the styles of romanticism, which are mainly the use of orchestral and choral color.

Mussorgsky – Pictures at an Exhibition – The witch Baba Yaga and her wild flight:

Emerson Lake and Palmer’s take on Baba Yaga:

This are among then ten movements, which were composed for the practice of piano by composer Modest Mussorgsky.

Brahms – Paganini Variations:

            This is a work for piano composed by Johannes Brahms. Each variation has the characteristic of a definite study.

Brahms “A German Requiem”

How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place

It comprises of an approximate seven movements making it the longest works of the composer.

John Coltrane – My Favorite Things

            This is a jazz album composed by John Coltrane and includes the use of a soprano saxophone.

Yo-Yo Ma and Lil Buck perform “The Swan”

            Lil Buck performed with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Lil buck uses a dance style named “jookin” that originated from Memphis in the United States. The performance is exciting to show new styles of dancing and the aspect of multiculturalism.

Handel: Arrival of the Queen of Sheba

            This is an oratorio by George Frideric Handel based on biblical stories. Toe story is introduced with an overture with the incorporation of musical styles in the story.

Brahms: Intermezzo Op. 118 #2 (play at piano)

            Comprises of pieces that composer Johannes Brahms wrote for the solo instrument. The six pieces were outlined as Intermezzo in A minor. Allegro non assai, ma molto appassionato

Intermezzo in A major. Andante teneramente, Ballade in G minor. Allegro energico, Intermezzo in F minor. Allegretto un poco agitato, Romance in F major. Andante and Intermezzo in E flat minor. Andante, largo e mesto

Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture (finale):

            This is an overture written by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It is well known because of its, ringing chimes, climactic lob of cannon fire and brass fanfare finale.

Massenet: Meditation from Thais:

            This is a symphonic intermezzo from the opera composed by Jules Massenet. This piece scores for solo violin and orchestra.

Miles Davis: Autumn Leaves

            This piece has been used as both an instrumental work as well as singing by the composers. It has been redone in various languages because of its high level of popularity.

Verdi: Triumphal March from Aida

            This is a musical used to indicate the presence of victory or triumph. It was composed by an Italian opera composer Giuseppe Verdi to feature in one of his opera productions. It is similar to other compositions in classical music.

Puccini: Quando m’en Vo from La Boheme:

            This was composed by Giacomo Puccini and is an opera divided into four acts. Uses voice forms to create melody in tune with the orchestral equipment.

Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring

            It is a combination of a ballet and orchestral works which was composed by the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky.

Dizzy Gillespie (jazz trumpet): And Then She Stopped

            Dizzy Gillespie was Composer and iconic trumpeter in making jazz music. Considere4d as a as a trumpet virtuoso and improviser in that in his works he was able to actualize modification to produce better melodies.

Debussy: Prelude from “Suite pour le Piano” (play live)

            Suite pour le Piano is a suite that was developed and composed by a solo pianist named Claude Debussy. Consists of there movements Prélude, Sarabande and Toccata

Duke Ellington: Mood Indigo

            This was a jazz composition, which was composed by Duke Ellington  this piece is distinct in the use of muted trombone ,muted trumpet, and clarinet to produce a sound that is unified.

Miles Davis at 1982 Grammy Awards:

            Highlighted his skills and proficiency in playing instruments. The combination of instruments is an indication of creativity to modify melodies for the contemporary listener.

Also Sprach Zarathustra (another version):

            This is tone poem composed by Richard Strauss. The orchestral performance is an incorporation of numerous instruments classified as woodwinds, brass, percussion, keyboard and strings

Stravinsky – Firebird Suite (finale):

This suite is a ballet and orchestral suite, which was composed by Igor Stravinsky.

Bartok – Sonata for piano, first movement:

            It is considered as among the most difficult pieces in the repertoire. It is spread into three movements namely Allegro, Adagio—Presto—Più adagio and Allegro molto.

Bernstein – West Side Story, “Cool”

            This is an American musical by Leonard Bernstein. “Cool” is provided as a song, which is used to provide fugal treatment to a jazz figure. It is an entirely instrumental musical with intricate meaning as to the theme of the story.

Scott Joplin: Maple Leaf Rag

            This is an early ragtime composition musical which composed by Scott Joplin for use with a piano. Considered as among the most famous ragtime musicals. It has been influential in setting trends in composition of ragtime music. It usually has a slow tempo and high level of music sophistication.

Cecil Taylor: Free Improvisation #3

            Improvisation is providing as a piece which indicates the need to modify music to fit in the modern world in terms of audience preference as well as composer preference.

Gershwin: Piano prelude #2 Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers: Moanin’

This is among the three preludes of piano pieces, which were composed by George Gershwin. It was influenced by both American classical music and jazz music. Usually uses solo instruments, piano and small ensembles