Isaac Albéniz: Spanish Nationalism, Piano Masterpieces, and Music History
Isaac Albéniz: Life, Travels, and Nationalist Style
Isaac Albéniz was born in 1860 in Camprodon, province of Girona. He was a child prodigy on the piano at age four and made his first concert at the Teatre Romea de Barcelona.
He spent almost all his life traveling. At eight years old, he ran away from home and dedicated himself to playing music in Castellón. At 12, he went to Andalusia, where he took a boat that led him to Buenos Aires. Afterward, he traveled to Cuba and the U.S., visiting New
Read MoreClassical Music: Key Concepts from Bach to Beethoven
The Classical Music Era (c. 1750–Early 19th Century)
1. Chronology and Historical Context
- The period spans from the death of J.S. Bach (1750) to the premiere of Beethoven’s 3rd Symphony (1805).
- The era saw the beginning of the fall and the power of decadence setting in.
2. Sociocultural Aspects: “Sapere Aude”
The Latin phrase Sapere Aude means “Dare to Know.”
3. Instrumental Music
3.1. Key Instrumental Genres
- Symphony
- Chamber Music
- Concerto
3.2. Sonata Form Structure
The primary sections of Sonata Form are:
Read MoreMedieval Life: From Gregorian Chants to Feudal Lords
Chronological Period of the Middle Ages
- Mark the chronological period of the Middle Ages.
- From the late 5th century to the 15th century.
Historical and Sociocultural Aspects
- Why was the cultural life of this period mainly concentrated in monasteries and abbeys?
- Because the monks cultivated the arts and sciences, using manuscripts from ancient Greece and Rome.
- On the social scene, what was Europe like in this period?
- Europe was fragmented into many small territories dominated by powerful feudal lords who
Fundamentals of Music Theory and Historical Instruments
Simple and Compound Time Signatures
In simple time signatures, the numerator (the number of beats) is 2, 3, or 4 if the meter is binary, ternary, or quaternary, respectively. In compound time signatures, the numerator is 6, 9, or 12 if the meter is binary, ternary, or quaternary.
Syncopation and Anacrusis (Upbeat)
A *syncope* (syncopation) occurs when a note begins on a weak beat or off-beat and is sustained across the following strong beat. When a note does not match the pulse and is preceded by a
Read MoreKey Characteristics of Classical, Baroque, and Romantic Music
Classical Period: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Listening Notes: Mozart’s music often features bright final cadences, conveying positive energy that sometimes stops abruptly.
Sonata (Solo Instrument)
This form typically features only one instrument. The melody is clear and supported by chords, defining the typical Classic texture. Key features include:
- Perfect balance between expressiveness and clarity.
- Tunes end in a final cadence that clearly defines the structure.
Concerto for French Horn (Solo Concerto)
Read MoreBaroque and Classical Music Periods: Instruments, Forms, and Composers
The Baroque Period (c. 1600–1750)
What Does the Adjective “Baroque” Mean?
The word *baroque* originally meant “irregularly shaped.” At first, the word in French was used mostly to refer to pearls. Eventually, it came to describe an extravagant style of art characterized by curving lines, *gilt*, and ornamentation.
Musical Instruments of the Baroque Era
What is a Luthier?
A luthier is a person who builds, adjusts, or repairs stringed and plucked string instruments.
Who Were the Most Famous Luthiers?