Musical Critique

Musical Critique

Student’s Name

Professor

University

Date

1. Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra

IDENTIFY: Period-Early 20th century Composer-Britten Work-Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vbvhU22uAM

DESCRIBE: Britten's "Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra" is a beautifully crafted symphonic composition that displays the different parts of the orchestra in a very complex manner through the winding melodies and the harmonious layers. The process starts with the grand theme introduced by the whole orchestra and then undergoes the transformations presented through variations having as protagonists the individual groups of instruments, starting with strings, then woodwinds, then brass and percussion. The melody is a good blend with vitality and variegated rhythms, after all, it is exceedingly dynamic and demonstrates variety of instruments in music.

READING: Britten's "Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra" is a proof of the composer's idea to pass on young people fundamental knowledge about orchestral music in a humorous way too. According to the textbook, Britten admired Purcell's work and was looking for a way to convey it in the form of an instruction guide which implies the auditory qualities of the whole orchestra. The piece within the wider context of the early 20th century tendency of the composers looking for new ways of orchestration and putting a special emphasis on individual instruments in the collective sound becomes the interesting subject for consideration.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: While listening to Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra by Britten, childhood memories run through my mind of when I attended an orchestra competition. The educational approach and seductive orchestration of the piece take me back to the period when I started learning about different instrument families and their characteristic melodies.

GOOD OR NOT: In my view, the "Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra" by Benjamin Britten is a stellar piece of music that successfully does what it was meant to do - the educative and the artistic purposes. The balancing act of the score magically delivers accessibility with complexity which in turn entertains the whole audience at all levels and provides the enlightening experience for those with academic background. The arrangement is exceptionally made, because all instruments are getting good opportunities to shine, and at the same time, it all fits into the one clear and balanced fabric of the orchestra.

2. Short Ride in a Fast Machine

IDENTIFY: Period-Late 20th century Composer-Adams Work-Short Ride in a Fast Machine Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LoUm_r7It8

DESCRIBE: "Short Ride in a Fast Machine”, is a high-spirited orchestral piece with a pulsating rhythm, vibrant orchestration, and aggressively rhythmic harmonic movements. The opening of the piece features an aggressive and assertive brass fanfares acting as a prelude to the upcoming event. This quickly sets the mood of eagerness and anticipation for the audience. This is an interpolation of quick rhythmic patterns which are passed between different string parts of the orchestra, hence, make the listener to have the impression of the heavy speed and momentum. The incorporation of uncommon rhythm schemes and asymmetric accents intensifies the feeling of randomness and dynamism in the music. Orchestration which is lively and joyful, combines many kinds of instruments including brass, woodwinds, and percussions that create the blissful soundscape of the piece.

READING: The work of John Adams entitled "Short Ride in a fast Machine" represent another facet of minimalism and post minimalism. Among the prime features of such compositions is its repetition, and the minimalist characteristics harmonies but it also maximillizes its orchestrations as well as the rhythmic layering. Through this amalgamation of the minimalist and the maximalist compositional style, Adams articulated his virtuosity in Western music and breaking the chained rules of music. Furthermore, it lends itself to the overall cultural environment of the last decade of the 20th century where speed of technological developments and constant movement is a visible characteristic of modern society like the fast-paced world.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: The crescendo and violins creates a feeling of excitement and thrill like that of a windy trail or a speeding vehicle. The unceasing drumming and the throbbing energy of the music bring about the state of eagerly awaiting and the rapt attention as if I was traveling fast without any time for stoppage. The dynamic dance and sudden shifts in texture makes the texture and intensity even better, with a constant assault on the ear from one part to another through the power ride.

GOOD OR NOT: As far as I am concerned, "Short Ride in a Fast Machine" is a masterpiece in its own right expressively visually presenting speed and motion as music points. Through the powerful dynamics, colorful orchestration, and non-stop thrill, experience the work as intriguing as well as unending. Repetitiveness of minimalist music is rather peculiar element of a piece, but for me it is one of the strongest quality of the whole composition, creating these hypnotic and absorbing atmosphere.

3. West End Blues

IDENTIFY: Period-Jazz Composer-Armstrong Work-West End Blues Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WPCBieSESI

DESCRIBE: "West End Blues" by Armstrong was one of the first recordings that opened ears to the greatness of jazz music, and revealed the capabilities of the artist as he improves his performance. The piece highlights John Armstrong, trumpet player who is known for his unique tone, soulful phraseology, and crazy melodic embellishments like scoops, bends and glissandos. Moreover, we can observe the creation of a small ensemble playing a piano, a clarinet, a trombone, a guitar, a bass, and drums, which provides us with that particular swinging rhythmic rhythm with syncopations and improvisations.

READING: The song's title "West End Blues" indicates two things namely the cultural context and the history of the early days of jazz. The composition sprung as an outcome of the Harlem Renaissance, an epoch marked for artistic and cultural growth among the African–American community in America. Jazz music that inspires from the African American musical styles including blues and ragtime is the flagship of artistic expression during this time; it evokes the feelings and experiences of the despised communities that are responsible for its creation.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: Armstrong’s “West End Blues” lifts me up to the streets of New Orleans early 1900s when jazz made its presence known, filling the city with the vibrant spirit of life and joy. The lively rhythm and the tunes that make me enjoy and observe the dance are the best part of the scene. Also, the incredible trumpet playing of Armstrong sparks my admiration for his musical genius and excellence. I cannot help thinking that the work has a lot of tuning in with the riches of jazz music as a cultural asset, which has everlasting action on America musical history, making me to get deep into the different traditions and the influences that shape our musical lifestyle.

GOOD OR NOT: I am convinced that "West End Blues" by Armstrong is without a doubt a exemplar of jazz music that reflects virtues of the genre such as creativity, improvisation and expressive power. The recording of it resembles a jazz of early days which is infectious in rhythms, soulful in melodies and only full of clever performances while at the same time showcasing Louis Armstrong's timeless talent as a musician and originator. The work symbolizes a pivotal point in jazz history and it also continues to delight audiences by being a great historic jazz piece. It reminds us that the African American musical tradition is eternal.

4. Piano Concerto

IDENTIFY: Period-21st century Composer-Ades Work-Piano Concerto Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VIjiFRFajc

DESCRIBE: The contemporary orchestral work of "Piano Concerto" by Ades integrates the traditional classical elements and turns are bold in it's creation of a dynamic and entrancing listening experience. Ades plays on piano as the rest of the orchestra follows his hand instructions. The music is recognizable for its numerous meters, multilayered harmony, and wide orchestral sound. The piano part is brilliant and complicated taking advantage of the player's left and right hands. There is a rich variety and colors in the instrumentals. They are accompanied by a wide range of timbres and combinations which make the overall sound so unique.

READING: Ades' "Piano Concerto" provides evidence for the author's ideas about the composer's participation in contemporary styles and his readiness to break away from habits of traditional classical music. Composition is a thorough example of what innovation and experimentation through music have become for the 21st century artists; from the classical, jazz and electronic music genres. Through his use of chord progressions and unusual orchestration, Ades fits into the category of contemporary composers who show interest in exploring new sound boundary and challenging the traditional ways of writing music.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: Hearing Ades' "Piano Concerto" is one such experience that simply rejuvenates my inner-music domain and enables me to think beyond. The combination of the classic elements of music with the techniques of vanguardism results in an atmosphere of tension and intensity that one never wants to tear away thanks to the permanent unpredictability of the actual music picture. The outstanding piano part with extensive orchestral layers establishes the grand and dramatic atmosphere that not only captivates me from beginning to end but also highlights the impeccable craftsmanship of this composition.

GOOD OR NOT: I agree that Ades' "Piano Concerto" is a rare case that shows the composer perfectly fits the rules of form, technique and subject. The piece showcases original orchestration, a sophisticated treatment of solo line, and compelling thematic development. Even though the composition, at times, imparts a critical difficulty to some listeners because of its complexities and quirkiness, for me it is this counterpart feature that adds artistic depth to the music in addition to making it intellectually rich and significant.