Music Experience Descriptions
This individual assignment for week 1 will give five examples of musical pieces, from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods. In each example I will describe what I thought of the music, my overall impression and the details of the piece itself.
Baroque Period
The Baroque Period style of music began in the later part of the 16th century on through the 18th century. (2011) A few examples of some famous Baroque musicians are Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) and Henry Purcell (1659-1695). The first sample of Baroque style music is Sonata no 5 in F min bwv 1018 by Johann Sebastian Bach, can be described as a melancholy piece but also has a rhythm in the background that is consistent and never changing that I can see people dancing to slowly at balls and galas in the 17th century. The overlay of the violin gives the tone a mournful feeling but also seems to tell a story without a single vocal. Overall this piece is flawless with all of the various instruments incorporated all are harmonized with the violin being the statement of the piece.
The second example from the Baroque period is by Henry Purcell, “If love's a sweet passion", in Veronique Gens, soprano, Les artes florissants, dir. William Christie. This piece has the same style of rhythm and tone as the Bach’s Sonata no 5 but with vocals and that tell a love story. It has all of the makings of a song that may be sung to mourn a loss of a loved one but the words really speak of his love of another. The rhythm and tone is very light and strong at the same time but stay consistent throughout and the words are made to be the most powerful part of this piece of music. While I can appreciate the beauty of this piece it is too sad sounding and mellow for my liking.
Classical
Frédéric Chopin – Minute Waltz is a great representation of classical music. One way to describe this piece is that it’s a fast and difficult melody being played by a skilled pianist. Even the most inexperienced can appreciate this piece and skill level to create this masterpiece. Melody only slows for a split second and picks right back up to the increasingly quickened sound of the piano. This ends as quickly as it starts, almost you have to listen quick to appreciate this fast and fun piece.
One of my personal favorites is Luigi Denza -
