Thinking in Music

6: Register (Part 3)

Element # 2: Register (high and low)

Episode 2.3 in a series on the fundamentals of music. 

00:00:00 - Summary of relevant points in Register Part 2

00:02:45 - Further remarks on Beethoven and the importance of register insensitivity, it's role in 'preserving' melody.

00:07:58 - Extramusical effects/suggestions vs. changes of character from one octave to another - Beethoven's subtle mix of register sensitivity/insensitivity - phrase proportion gives way to fragmentary moment through register development - Classical style altering to the Romantic style through this.

00:16:30 - The connection of memory and singablilty (the condensed/register insensitive octave of the mind)

00:20:12 - What makes something a melody? How is it distinguished from everything else?

00:23:40 The octave barrier

00:36:45 The 'Romantic' 19th century and the middle class - the virtuoso - abuse of register.

00:47:40 The challenge of good instrumental writing.

00:49:29 An expert use of the octave barrier.

00:58:02 Register's usefulness in musical humor, wit, and slapstick (register-sensitive)

01:00:25 The modern symphonic orchestra.

01:02:46 Full circle: Verdi, melody, Bernard Shaw, and Otello. The change of style between Verdi's earlier operas involves cultural attitudes to melody (register insensitivity) and more register-sensitive effects Verdi employs in later operas. 

 

 

5: Register (Part 2)

Element # 2: Register (high and low)

Episode 2.2 in a series on the fundamentals of music. 

 

0:00:00 - Summary of the two aspects of register (Pitch level (register sensitive) & octave equivalence/pitch class (register insensitive)) 

0:09: 22 - Register as rhetorical introduction and summary. 

0:10:45 - What register is the melody in? What register has the accompaniment? 

0:11:27 - What register has to say about style - a short history of melody, accompaniment, and register. 

4: Register (Part 1)

Element # 2: Register (high and low)

Episode 2.1 in a series on the fundamentals of music. 

 

0:00:00 - Register (1st aspect - Pitch Level)

0:16:15 - Phrase and period versus register 

0:36:46 - Register (2nd aspect - Octave Equivalence/Pitch Class)

0:44:45 - Register-sensitivity/Register-insensitivity - extra-musical effects and imagery/melody

0:51:40 - The condensed 'hypothetical' octave in the memory

0:55:10 - The 7 octaves (C1-C2, C2-C3, etc.), and SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass)

 

3: Dynamics

Element #1: Dynamics (loud and soft).

Episode 1 of the 'fundamental elements of music' series. The role of volume in music is surprisingly varied. But first,...how is 20 or 30 minutes of music organized? Ho do you know where you are and where you're going along the way? (Phrase and Period)

2: The Sound Picture

What is a good ear for music? What did the great composers try to achieve and by what means did they achieve it? How does one listen to hear these things? Does musical education give answers to these questions? What are the fundamentals of music that if studied would allow insight with time? And one attempt at an answer looking at a well known piece of music. 

1: An Almost Divine Accomplishment