Unit 9 Music Analysis

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This analysis looks at two compositions. One resembles a through-composed work and the other a modern song form. The analysis of both pieces aims to illustrate that whilst there are similarities between the two compositions, the musical development of both pieces occurs in very different ways structurally. PIECE ONE This work is very minimalist in its treatment of content and this informs the structure. One interpretation could be that this is an organic piece, which begins with an introduction of four bars then three development sections each 16 bars long. Each new section brings new musical materials that expand and progress the work. Starting with one unison note and developing to multi layers, textures, melodic and harmonic fullness and a gradual crescendo in dynamics from a very calm pianissimo to a very triumphant fortissimo. …show more content…

Whilst verse 2.1 sounds at first like a continuation of Verse 1 there are new layers added, rhythmic changes and harmonic differences. The top accompanying layer of strings split to add a higher descant voice that for a very small moment offers a glint of polyphony. The most dramatic new layers added are the drums and a lower bass line reinforcing the current 3/4 metre and harmonic accompaniment. The new harmonic progression for this verse is i – iv – II – iv - i - iv – VII - VI. There are moments of asymmetrical pulses as the metres change from 3 beats to 4 beats and the use of rubato as the work transitions to the chorus. The chorus delivers new material and a new mood to the work. The tonality has shifted to a more harmonic minor feel with the raised 7th and dominant B major chord. The chorus is based on two repetitions of a four chord progression i – V – III – iv - i . This establishes a very strong diatonic progression moving away from the more modal tonality. At the end of each progression is a plagal cadence iv – i cementing this diatonic

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