Understanding Musical Expression, Tempo, Vocal Groups, and Jazz
Item 5
What is Musical Expression?
Musical expression occurs when the interpreter conveys the emotion beyond the written notes to the listener. The elements that contribute to this are: dynamics (the use of different shades), tempo, character, and accentuation and articulation.
Tempo and Movement in Music
Tempo refers to the speed at which a musical work is executed. The tempo can convey different sensations. Tempo markings are placed at the beginning of the piece, above the staff.
Metronome: A device that produces beats per minute.
Metronomic Notation: The number of beats per minute.
Tempo Markings: Italian terms indicate the tempo. The most common are: slow (Grave, Largo, Lento, Adagio), moderate (Andante, Moderato), and fast (Allegro, Vivace, Presto).
Accelerando and Ritardando: These indicate progressive tempo changes (gradually faster or slower). To return to the original tempo, use the expression a tempo or tempo primo.
Vocal Groups
Vocal groups vary in type according to the voices and number of members:
- Chamber Ensembles: These do not exceed 8 or 9 members (duets, trios, quartets, etc.) and include equal or mixed voices.
- Choirs/Choruses: Chamber choirs usually consist of fewer than 20 people. Choirs and choral societies have more than 100 people.
Types of Choirs:
- Mixed Choir
- Male Choir
- Female Choir
- Boys’ Choir
- Choir of Trebles (women and children)
Music from Other Places
The Music of Black Africa
It features rich rhythms (polyrhythms), dominated by percussion instruments and short, repeating rhythmic or melodic patterns. Much of this music is associated with dance.
Item 6
Irregular Rhythmic Accentuation
To create irregular rhythmic accentuation, we use syncopation and off-beat notes.
Syncopation
Notes where the first half falls on a weaker part or fraction of a beat than the second half.
Off-Beat Notes
Notes that fall on a weak part or fraction of a beat, preceded by a silence that occupies part or all of the preceding strong beat.
Special Groupings
These are groups formed by various figures, or figures and rests, with a duration different from their notated value. They arise from reduction or augmentation. The most common example of reduction is the triplet. An example of augmentation is the duplet.
Jazz Music
- Jazz is the union of African and European musical traditions, originating in the U.S. in the 17th century with the arrival of African slaves. Jazz is characterized by irregular rhythms and improvisation.
- Gospel emerged in the 19th century with the Christianization of slaves, reflecting themes from the Old Testament.
- Blues was a mixture of ballads, work songs, and various expressions of popular culture.
- Ragtime was a dynamic piano style with great energy.