Posted: June 6th, 2015

Music Reflections

Music Reflections

Order Description

WAGNER, Prelude to The Valkyrie p. 4 DVD 9

JOPLIN, “Maple Leaf Rag” p. 10 DVD 10

RACHMANINOV, from Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini p. 11 DVD 11

SCHUBERT, from Symphony No. 8 (Unfinished) p. 13 DVD 12

GERSHWIN, “Who Cares”, p. 31 DVD 13

BEETHOVEN, “Joy Theme” from Symphony No. 9, IV p. 35 DVD 14

STRAVINSKY, from Symphony of Psalms, II, p. 35 DVD 15

SCHUBERT, from String Quartet in A Minor, I, p. 38, 42 DVD 16

BEETHOVEN, from Piano Concerto No. 5 (“Emperor”), III p. 38 DVD 17

TCHAIKOVSKY, from The Nutcracker Suite, “Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy” p. 42 DVD 18

BRITTEN, The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, p. 22, 44 DVD 19-24

each music have to make Reflection.
example.

REFLECTION CD 1

Composer and name of work:
Richard Wagner, Lohengrin, Prelude to Act III

Musical Elements: Use of dynamics from fortissimo to piano and back was very effective along with the instruments used with the varying dynamics. The brass instruments are used to express power, triumph, heroics and climax; the oboe and flute are calming. The use of cymbals, strings, brasses are demonstrated in dynamics of ppp, to f to fff. It is an example of the ternary form; statement, contrast, return (ABA).

Style: Romantic Opera Prelude

Comments: The full orchestra and the brass melody, the pulsating strings, all fortissimo, produced a sense of excitement, anticipation, exultation and joy. The piano oboe melody, repeated by the flutes made me think of the bride and her attendants quietly getting ready, nervous, but happy. Then the full orchestra repeats the main melody, the brass again, pulsating strings, fortissimo, moves the piece forcefully to the softening decrescendo to the powerful climax. I enjoyed it.