Richard Wagner (1813-1883)
Richard Wagner (1813-1883)Lohengrin, Prelude to Act IIIMakes
wide and brilliant use of dynamic contrast to set the scene for the
wedding of hero and heroine. Opens with a feeling of great energy
conveyed by the massive sound of the full orchestra.Later the music
becomes calm and gentle as we hear fewer instruments.More contrast
follows when the full orchestra returns.
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Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)
Prelude in C minor for Piano, Op. 28* No. 20The dynamic change
is produced by a single instrument, the piano.A decrease in volume
from very loud (ff) soft (p ) and then to very soft (pp) creates
the emotional progression in the piece. 2
Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
The Firebird, Scene 2 (1910)Repeats one melody over and over
creating variety and contrast through changes of dynamics, tone
color and rhythm.The second scene begins softly but becomes
increasing grand as the music becomes louder (crescendo).After this
slow build up to a climax, there is a sudden quiet as all the
instruments except the strings stop playing. A quick crescendo then
leads to a brilliant concluding section. 3
Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
The Firebird, Scene 2 (1910)Repeats one melody over and over
creating variety and contrast through changes of dynamics, tone
color and rhythm.The second scene begins softly but becomes
increasing grand as the music becomes louder (crescendo).After this
slow build up to a climax, there is a sudden quiet as all the
instruments except the strings stop playing. A quick crescendo then
leads to a brilliant concluding section. 4
Duke Ellington (1899-1974)C-Jam Blues (1942)A succession of
different tone colors contributes to the variety within the piece.A
repeated note melody is is played first by the piano and then
repeated by several instruments. Solos are then improvised by
various players. The song ends dramatically as we hear the full
band for the first time.
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Duke Ellington (1899-1974)C-Jam Blues (1942)A succession of
different tone colors contributes to the variety within the piece.A
repeated note melody is is played first by the piano and then
repeated by several instruments. Solos are then improvised by
various players. The song ends dramatically as we hear the full
band for the first time.
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