The elements of music to consider
Instrumentation and dynamics
This arrangementPresentation of an existing composition in a different way, eg changing or developing structure, texture or instrumentation. of Samba Em Prel煤dio features:
- low pitchThe frequency of a sound. Sounds with a high pitch have a high frequency. female vocalThe voice as a musical instrument.
- acousticAn instrument that sounds without any electric assistance. guitar
- acoustic bass guitar
- The dynamics are consistent throughout the music and performed at mezzo pianoA dynamic instruction often seen in the score as mp. This means perform at a moderately quiet volume. (mp)
Structure
The structure is:
- introduction
- verse 1
- linking section
- verse 2
- guitar solo
- voice and bass guitar duet
- coda
Melody
Refer to these points if asked to discuss the arranged melody:
- the verse 1 melody phrases often begin with a triad A phrase referring to a chord built in thirds starting on the tonic. The third and fifth notes are added to complete the tonic triad. movement with a descending sequenceA pattern of musical notes that are repeated moving up or down the scale.
- the vocal melody in verse 2 uses almost completely stepwise movement
- both melodies employ a flattened fifthThe fifth note of the scale is flattened, eg the flattened fifth of C major is Gb.
- the text setting is syllabicSinging one note per syllable.
Texture
Although the ensemble consists of a limited number of instruments, the same should not be said for the texture. Points to consider are:
- the monophonicA texture consisting of a solo musical line. opening bass introduction (the bass has a solo part here)
- after the introduction the texture changes to melody and accompanimentA type of texture where there is only one clear melody and an accompaniment that plays different notes and rhythms but is supporting the melody.
- the voice and bass duet section is polyphonicTwo or more melodies or parts that play at the same time, weaving in and out of each other.
Metre and rhythm
The element points to contemplate are:
- the opening of the song is in free timeMusic without a time signature or clear first beat in a bar.
- the piece is written in 4/4, but it can sound like 2/2
- verse 1 is slow with rubatoTempo fluctuates by speeding up or slowing down.
- verse 2 has a bossa novaA musical style from Brazil which originates from samba music. It is syncopated, but slow and lyrical in style. tempo (about 140 bpmBeats per minute.)
- the codaClosing section at the end of a piece of music, song or movement. is also in free time
- the melodies are syncopationRhythm patterns where stressed notes are placed off the beat., tripletA group of three equal length notes played in the space of two, eg three quavers played in the space of two quavers. based and are developed into cross-rhythm An effect created when two or more conflicting rhythms are heard at the same time. Eg one may be in simple time and another in triple time. in the final verse
Tonality, sonority and harmony
The features of these elements include:
- the song is in the key signatureA pattern of sharps or flats at the beginning of a piece of music indicating which are to be played. of B minor
- advanced bass guitar techniques, including double stoppingOn a stringed instrument playing two strings at once, plucked or bowed., mordentA type of ornament which suggests the performer plays the printed note, immediately the one immediately above and then the printed note again. and harmonicWhen an instrument produces a related pitch to the played note, usually by an octave fifth or third.
- chords have been developed with added extended chordA chord that adds additional notes to a triad, such as the seventh, ninth or eleventh note of the scale. , diminished chordA chord that is a collection of minor thirds stacked on top of one another. notes, such as flattened fifths, and chromatic chordA chord that doesn't belong to the key signature of the piece, eg chord C# major, in the key of C major. (i.e. chords from outside of the key of B minor)