Day 12 and Day 13

Handing out an exam which is due on October 22, we looked through the many items and found ourselves humbled by the sheer magnitude of knowledge need for a thorough comprehension of music.

We continued discussions of our selected composers and did some listening to music. We are meeting in the music library now which is a very nice place for learning. We added to the knowledge of Copland, Ravel, and Barber, continuing on to Messiaen. The Copland discussion mentioned his use of polytonality, open texture, and experiments in 12-tone writing. We listened to the Fanfare for Common Man, parts of Rodeo, and mentioned the beautiful and stunning Red Pony score. Copland remains an important composer of American music, and a composer who was never satisfied with one level of creative expression. He is set apart by his use of folk song, rhythm experiments, and theatrical elements, all of which can be found in his music for large forms as well as smaller genres.

A brief discussion of Ravel included hearing moments of Bolero, and the Piano Concerto for the Left Hand. Ravel's impressionistic style gave way to an acceptance of older forms in a kind of quasi neo-classic approach to music. Other works such as the string quartet and Pictures at an Exhibition demonstrate Ravel's exceptional knowledge of instruments and color.

On Thursday we jumped full force into one of the greatest although not often performed music of Oliver Messiaen. We listened to Turangalila and Quartet for the End of Time. We also marveled at the youtube video of Messiaen discussing his use of bird sounds in his music http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QdgUJss9BU. A theoretical look at the Modes of Limited Transposition allowed us to understand Messiaen's system and perhaps his sense of symmetry. Together with bird calls, elaborate texture, and expressive depth, Messiaen developed a musical language that is breath-taking and complex. As a highly skilled church organist, much of his music demonstrates the breadth of sound capable on a pipe organ.

Unfortunately, perhaps due to the large forces required, we do not have an opportunity to perform Messiaen's music; yet there is little question as to the joy and beauty of the sound. Certainly one of the most influential and creative composers of the twentieth century.

The last 10 minutes of class, we got in our fast moving boat and traveled backward to Monteverdi where we entered the world of early opera. A brief discussion of the music drama Tancredi and Clorinda ended the class which is where we will begin again on Tuesday. See you then.