Essays on Classical Music

Indian classical music influencing western music in 21st century

The concept that Indian classical music has influenced western music has gained so much weight in the recent years. Classical music is the considered to be the music of east. While hip hop, jazz, rock and pop music is associated with western culture.
Introduction: the influence of Indian music is very prominent on western music. There are various evidences that show how western music is inspired from the Indian classical music. When we see at the Jazz music, it’s played in clubs, concerts, and even in balls. In the beginning, it was played in few western countries but Continue reading...

Abstract

The influence of music on our personality and moods has never been denied. We have always had music around us and like to listen to our favorites. Whether it is classical music, new age music or music of any genre, it is known to be a powerful mood lifter and melt those blues away. Different studies have been done on various aspects of music and how it can influence our moods. The purpose of the essay is to look at a study on the stress beating techniques followed by students and compare the results.

Introduction

Music has been around for Continue reading...

Classical music, according to Giraldez (31) affects the ability and the brain’s organization through rhythm and melody. Giraldez (31) further notes that the levels of serotonin that are produced by the brain are raised by rhythms. In explanation, he defines serotonin as a neurotransmitter that transmits nerve impulses that aid in maintaining jolly feelings. Giraldez (31) adds that when the brain produces serotonin, so is tension eased. In keeping with, Giraldez (31) depression results from scarce production of serotonin hormone and it are only released when the brain is positively shocked. An example is when one looks at Continue reading...

Classic music era falls between 1730 and 1820 or more likely it is from 16th century to the 19th century. Romantic music era started in the late 18th century or especially in early 19th century. The exact century has yet not been found. Mozart and Beethoven are great composers of classical and romantic music with their own individual styles. Although most part of Beethoven’s music is considered in, the classical tradition of Mozart but his style is different from classical in many ways. Now, he evolved as a bridge between both classical and romantic music eras.
The most Continue reading...

As an art, music is very interesting and engaging. One of the most symbolic and imperative periods in music is the Classical and romanticism periods. The two periods are similar in one way and are also different in another way. A comparison of the two periods depicts that genres in music are very distinct and unique. To start with, the Classical period which took place between 1750 and 1820 entailed a variety of Western musical styles particularly from 17th to the 19th century. This period falls between the Romantic and Baroque periods. The renowned composers from this period include Continue reading...

What do you think of this music? Can you hear the difference between the romantic period and either the baroque or classical period?
Music that had written in different eras is referred to the period of romantic, baroque or classical. However, these musical era has been labeled as based on their historical dates. Such dates are defining the historical musical era like, baroque era was starting from 1400 and ended in 1600, whereas classical era took place from 1600 to 1700/60 and last era of a romantic period had taken place from 1730 up till 1820.
While, explaining the Continue reading...

Johann Sebastian Bach is one of the most renowned classical musicians whose works are popular even today. He is considered as one of the most important composers of the Baroque period. His nine symphonies have particularly been cited as some of the most brilliant western classical musical pieces of all time. Apart from symphonies, Bach is also recognized for his other compositions such as Cantatas, which are religious pieces of musical composition. Today, some of his works have been performed by various musicians, compiled and then sold in album format to millions of classical music lovers around the world. Continue reading...

Music of France is very rich and presents an array of styles. French music has a long history and available sources suggest the same started somewhere around 10th century. French music provides a number of variety and different styles that proves its opulence. French music has succeeded in earning a big reputation and has a long history of entertaining people over a period of time. French music is an integral part of French life and holds a very significant role in life French culture. This paper discusses French music and delves deep into history to examine French music and Continue reading...

What is the role of musical instruments in Indian music?

Pesch, Ludwig. The Oxford illustrated companion to South Indian classical music. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009. Print.

Summary

This book gives a comprehensive overview of the cultural and historical contexts of music, its composers, music, schools, and leading practitioners. It is presented I a simpler and approachable manner that simplifies difficult concepts. The book contains illustrations of more than 120 photographs and drawings of instruments discussed, bibliography, and biographical information on composers and musicians. This book will benefit students, interested amateur and experienced professionals.

Evaluation

This book is a revised version of “Illustrated companion to South Indian classical music” was published Continue reading...

If I had a large library of classical music files, and wanted to organize them into different sections or genres so I could keep track of them, it would be an extremely difficult job. There are so many different types of classical music, and the period of time in which they were created spans centuries. However, I think I would have to organize them by historical period in a large library, as that would be the most efficient way to go. I would divide my classical music files by Renaissance, Baroque, Classical (1750-1820 Classical Period), and Romantic. I would Continue reading...

“The Glory of Handel”
“The Glory of Handel”
After attending the classical music concert of Festival City Symphony named ‘Not an Irish Concert’ on 17 March 2013, I realised that classical music is not only worth listening to but worth appreciating with all heart. So, I decided to attend another concert based on same theme. The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra organised another wonderful music concert titled ‘The Glory of Handel’ on March 29, 2013 in Wisconsin in the Milwaukee School of Engineering University ( www.mso.org ). It was yet another great musical experience. Here’s a short summary of how the concert Continue reading...

Slide 1 - Utah Symphony and Utah Opera

Presenter notes: Introduce the subject of the presentation and what it aims to achieve at the end. Explain the scenario in which the merger is taking place as well as an overview of the opera and symphony.

Slide 2 – The Competing Values Framework

SPEAKER NOTES:
CLAN – This culture is focused on internal relationships and integration through collaboration. It relies on empowerment, communication and participation to achieve higher levels of commitment from internal resources and high morale among employees. The Utah Symphony shows several traits that belong within the clan culture, mainly because of Keith Lockhart’s style of leadership that emphasizes bonding with internal customers. Continue reading...

Compare and contrast the first movements of Beethoven’s 1st, 3rd, and 5th Symphonies

This essay will compare and contrast the first movements of Beethoven’s 1st, 3rd, and 5th Symphonies. Furthermore for a better understanding of the pieces, the research will focus on the musical path of the composer and on the way of how personal circumstances influenced his musical way of composing. For good comparisons and contrasts, I will approach in my analysis of the pieces instrumentation, harmonic development, length, and complexity of the structure.
Ludwig van Beethoven was one of the greatest composers of Germany and a predominant figure for the transition between Classicism and Romanticism. He wrote a lot Continue reading...

When it comes to classical music, the symphony and the concerto are two of the most recognizable genres. Classical artists like Wolfgang Mozart. J.S Bach, J F. Handel and Beethoven wrote countless symphonies and concertos that are still popular today. Mozart is generally considered a “genius” when it comes to musical compositions and in this essay, two of his greatest works are going to be analyzed and compared. The two works include a symphony and a concerto. The first is the symphony no.40 in G minor, K, 550, (first movement), while the second is the Concerto for Flute for Continue reading...

Ludwig Van Beethoven commonly known as Beethoven was a tone poet who created poems with musical sounds rather than words. Growing up as a kid was quite challenging for him; his father was an alcoholic who forced him to become the family’s breadwinner. Beethoven faced the greatest challenge in his life in his late twenties when he began to go deaf. This caused him great psychological pain and he even stopped performing in public. He He began planning for it in 1824 precisely after a decade hiatus Beethoven’s 9th symphony was by and large a curtain opener Continue reading...

Festival City Symphony- ‘Not an Irish Concert’
Festival City Symphony- ‘Not an Irish Concert’
Classical music shall never be old or out-dated. There is beauty in it, a melody which can soothe the listener’s mind. Usually, youngsters find it boring. But, they should earnestly try to give classical music a chance and listen to it for some times. Then, hopefully the rumour of it being boring can be put to rest. I attended a classical concert on 17th March 2013 by the professional musicians of Festival City Symphony. Named as ‘Not an Irish concert’, it comprised of some Continue reading...

Music is the art of arranging sounds that flows in a unified melody, taking into consideration rhythm and harmony. It is not something that can be seen, but rather is expressed and felt through the soul. For some, music is an expression of anger, love, melancholy, and other feelings and ideas of various cultures and societies. Gustav Mahler was one of the most celebrated composers during his time and was best known as an operatic conductor of symphonies and orchestras.
Born in Bohemia which was then part of Austria, Mahler descended from a family of Jewish origins. Soon after, Continue reading...

Music performance by Mozart and Schubert

On 10/22/2011, I attended a music performance. This is therefore a paper outlining my classical reaction about the performance. Three symphony parts made up the performance. These parts are “Symphony No. 5 in B Flat, D. 485,” “Concerto for Clarinet,” and “Le Tombaue de Couperin.” My reactions are therefore, going to be on each of the symphony. Eventually, I will list the pros and cons of each.

Starting with the symphony of “Le Tombaue de Couperin” I realized that its performance was exactly like the description it had been given to it in the program notes. The performance was Continue reading...

PERFORMANCE NOTES FOR MY PIANO RECITAL

Composition 1:

Nocturne Op.9 No.1

This is a romantic Nocturne composed by Chopin Frederic, He was born in 1810 and he concentrated more on composing piano Nocturnes. He was born in the year 1810 in Poland, he made his first composition at the age of 17. He however left for Paris at the age of 20 never to return. He is considered the greatest polish composer, he died in 1849 at the age of 39 years. The following is a discussion of the main techniques Continue reading...

Question 1Neue Mozart Ausgage, Series 4: Orchestral Works, volume 7 for Sinfonie in D nach de Serenade KV 204.

Question 2
A. Measures 1-9 are organized in the form of a small ternary. This is explained where the exposition section is modulating period that ending with an authentic cadence in A major. The development section modulates back to the D major and ends with a half cadence (Eisen, 1).
B. In measure 9, there is a repetition of the cadential idea. In measure ten to 20, there is an 8 note motive measure 21, on the other hand, is an augmentation of the 8 note motive (Eisen, 1).
C. The tone is low at measure 9 the 16th Continue reading...

Symphony Nr 39 in E flat major, KV 543

This symphony begins the trilogy of final symphonies for which Mozart has remained justly famous. Although not as frequently played as its successors it is a work in the grand manner and has some especially original touches in the second movement marked Andante con moto as well as in the Finale.
The Symphony Nr 39 was written in the summer of 1788 when Mozart was forced to move to slightly less expensive lodgings and also to borrow money, an issue which was to continually annoy him in the last three years of his life. What was different in this Continue reading...

Introduction:

Although the symphony as we know it today has a wide remit in terms of structure and organization, this was not always so. Initially the symphony started off as an overture to an opera or a piece of incidental music but this eventually changed to a rigid four movement symphonic structure which was then perfected by the giants of the classical symphony, Haydn and Mozart.

The first symphonies:

The first symphonies which came out of the New Viennese School were short pieces generally in three short movements lasting under ten minutes. One of the most famous composers of these types of symphonies Continue reading...

Institutional affiliations:

Leading and Managing Individuals
1) How Bill Bailey, chairman of the board of the Utah Opera Organization, might use one theory of motivation to oppose the merger
As the chairman of Utah opera organization’s board, Bill Bailey can use the Adams equity theory of motivation to oppose the merger and base his arguments on fairness to Opera in the merged organization. The theory explains the satisfaction of different groups in terms of fair and unfair sharing of resources between the groups (Spector, 2008). The different groups will try to uphold equity between what they bring to the group Continue reading...

Music has greatly evolved through time, it defines one aspect of the arts cultivated in all cultures around the world, but one of the most distinct music genres had established the epitome of supreme musical character. Beethoven’s eight symphony embodied the 1st movement that combines both the romantic and classical era. The Oxford dictionary of music defined classical as term applied to the type of music that has specified meaning. From 1750 to 1830 which is known to be the post-baroque transitioning to pre-romantic period covered the classic concerts and symphony. This is kind music that combines qualities Continue reading...

Gustav Mahler’s Symphony Nr 8, ‘Symphony of a Thousand’

Gustav Mahler’s symphonies are considered to be some of the most important pieces of music in the whole classical repertoire and the ‘Symphony of a Thousand’ is certainly no exception. It is definitely a work which transgresses humanity and in Mahler’s own words seems to describe ‘the planets and suns revolving’. Although it is truly on a massive scale lasting almost 90 minutes its message is short and succinct and definitely regulates one’s mind and places the person in the centre of the universe. It uses texts from Goethe’s Faust in the Second Part and Continue reading...

How has classical music evolved from the time of Beethoven through the early 21st century? What are some of the style features, genres, and formal structures seen in the major historical periods covered since midterm? How did each era treat the elements of melody, harmony, texture, form, and rhythm? Include in your discussion at least one representative composer and musical work from the textbook and CD’s for each of the following four stylistic periods to support your arguments:1) Beethoven and the Early Romantics; 2) the Late Romantics;3) Early Modernism (1900-1950); 4) Classical music since 1950. 

Introduction:

Beethoven is Continue reading...

Introduction

Music therapy is an evidence-based clinical use of musical interventions to achieve individual goals within a therapeutic relationship by a certified practitioner. Music therapy may sound not like a very much practiced medical procedure but that is not true. In fact, music therapy dates back as early as ancient civilizations like Egyptian, Indus valley and old Chinese civilization. Music combined with various dance forms was used at that time to treat various illnesses. Even today music therapy is used to address physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs of an individual. After assessing the problems of a patient, a certified Continue reading...

The first movements of piano concertos by J.C. Bach and W.A. Mozart
Mozart’s piano concertos are said to among his best compositions. The Piano Concerto in A Major, K. 488 is testament to this. This graceful composition has three movements and uses small orchestra comprised of instruments from all four classes. The instruments are two flutes, two bassoons, two clarinets and two horns as well the instruments from the string section like the violin.
One significant difference of Mozart’s concertos was refusing the harpsichord and clavichord. He started to compose sonata concertos only for piano with orchestra, Continue reading...

Introduction

The Pre-lude and Fugue in C major, BWV is a composition written by J.S Bach. It appears in the book “The Well-Tempered Clavier” as the first prelude and fugue. This book comprises of a set of 48 preludes and fugues that were authored by J.S Bach. The prelude part of this keyboard piece consists of 35 bars and is also characterized by broken chords. It ends with a single C major chord. However, some artists over time have added extra bars inside the piece in order to add a personal touch to the piece or to alter its progression. Continue reading...

Introduction

There are many different musical eras, which have influenced music to be composed the way it is now. The eras are the baroque era, the classical era, the romantic era and the modern era. There have been a number of notable famous musicians and composers of music from various countries across from Europe and the United States of America. These composers came from different periods and have influenced one another in their music. In looking at the composition from all the eras, it is very clear that there is a difference and some similarities of the music.

Baroque era

The baroque Continue reading...

MUSIC PIECE ONE

A symphony is a type of work done by an Orchestra which more often than not has three to four movements. Classical symphony is a determined and extended work of art composition typically taking a period of time of between 20 and 45 minutes, uses a variety of tone color and dynamics of the classical orchestra (Evan, 2001). When we look at Dmitri Shostakovich - Symphony no.5 4th movement, the most vital aspect of the symphony is that the movements have some balance and harmonize each other both dramatically and musically. In this symphony, it consists of different emotions Continue reading...

The Purcell theme is clearly shown in the orchestra at the outset and there is also a great set of interesting variations which have been stated section by section. At the end, there is fugue which is an overlaying of the initial Purcell theme just before the last coda. There is terrific fugue and fantastic variations. Benjamin Britten has used theme and variations while Bach has used fugue. Theme and variations simply indicate after the theme, the composer utilizes the different elements of music in various ways for each variation . For example, the composer can vary the meter, tonal Continue reading...

Day 1. I started almost right away to feel more relaxed as I listened to the music. I listened to the piece being played with period instruments. Beethoven wrote the piece almost 240 years ago (Jander). I wanted to hear how it may have sounded during his life the first time I listened. There was a part when my spirits were lifted and I felt almost like dancing at about 9:30 when more instruments joined and the fuller sound.

The Symphony is known as the Pastoral Symphony. It is a “program piece” which means that the piece was written Continue reading...

In this essay, I will talk about my perspective on the relationship between human and nature in the Symphony No. 6 by Beethoven. In order to support my arguments properly, I will start by listening to the Six Symphony in the interpretation of London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Herbert von Karajan. Furthermore, I will divide the work in separate parts, in the same way in which the composer had created it and I will approach each movement separately, by connecting music and the main themes with the relationship between nature and human, by searching elements that are correlated or Continue reading...

Introduction

In 1724, Johann Sebastian Bach composed a widely acclaimed cantata for Christmas day celebrations. It contained a narrative of words that praised Jesus Christ, and was supported by instrumentals and vocal codes. The cantata is a follow up on the famous hymn by Martin Luther, ‘Praise is to you, Jesus Christ ‘, and that was composed in 1524. The composition was inspired from readings that are located in the bible such as the Gospel of Luke, the book of Isaiah and Titus, which contained readings about the birth and salvation of Jesus Christ.

The composition

The narration uses aspects of repetition in Continue reading...

Part I

Monody – This style is particularly associated with Italian songs in 17th century, specifically from 1600 to 1640. The main composers of Monody were Vincenzo Galilei, Emilio de Cavalieri, and Claudio Monteverdi. Sacrae cantiunculae tribus vocibus of 1582 is the major work in Monody by Claudio Monteverdi. The style grew in Italy as the response to the 16th century contrapuntal style vocal genres like motet and madrigal.
The Messiah – Messiah is the work of George Frideric Handel and reached the peak of its popularity in 19th century. It uses text painting and is segregated in three acts. The Continue reading...

The first movements of piano concertos by J.C. Bach and W.A. Mozart
Johann Christian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart have both influenced the development of classical music. Both of them formed the musical style of sonata – most of the 20th and 21th century composers still hold on to the same structure.
J.C. Bach was a son of J.S. Bach. Father influenced him a lot – he taught him the art of music since early childhood, but since he died when Johann Christian was only fifteenyears old, he started to compose is his own way.Style of music he wrote was different Continue reading...

Born on October 20, 1874 in Danbury, Connecticut, Charles Ives’ childhood was greatly influenced by his father, George Ives, who was the leader of the local band. With the help of his father, he learnt how to play musical organs. His love for experimenting with acoustics, dissonance and happenstance could explain the combination of new and old, of common and extreme, so obvious in the son’s compositions (Maggie 10).
In 1894, Ives went on to study music at Yale. It is while there that he learnt the basics in his subject of study and then went on to Continue reading...

Romanticism was always an important part of the musical revolution and this was made clear in the works of the great masters. One could take as a typical example, the music of Beethoven which Berlioz found entrancing and which he introduced several times into his own works. A great critic who analysed Beethoven’s music to the letter was ETA Hoffmann whose description of the Fifth Symphony as a transition from darkness to light was one of the most important pieces of writing in the 19th century.
Nothing is more romantic than the music of Hector Berlioz. One almost Continue reading...

Romanticism was always an important part of the musical revolution and this was made clear in the works of the great masters. One could take as a typical example, the music of Beethoven which Berlioz found entrancing and which he introduced several times into his own works. A great critic who analysed Beethoven’s music to the letter was ETA Hoffmann whose description of the Fifth Symphony as a transition from darkness to light was one of the most important pieces of writing in the 19th century.
Nothing is more romantic than the music of Hector Berlioz. One almost Continue reading...