where notes in a chord clash, creating harmonic tension

where notes in a chord sound pleasant together, without tension

a vocal ensemble consisting of four voice types - soprano, alto, tenor and bass

music that has a tonic note (the opposite of atonal)

Compare these two chords. Can you identify which is dissonant? Ex.1

Compare these two chords. Can you identify which is dissonant? Ex.2

In that example, the voices use chords like this

In this example each part moves by step

How many moments of tension, followed by release are in this example? 

Compose a soprano melody: video

Write an alto part: video

Task B feedback audio

Adding a bass line: video

Adding a tenor line: video

Composing for voices

Music

Using the voice creatively

Using samples

Developing a sample-based composition

Creating a tone row

Developing a serialist composition

In this unit pupils are introduced to contemporary compositional approaches and techniques. They learn about a range of current contemporary music and the differences in approach of how this is structured and put together from earlier classical style music and current popular music.

Approaches to contemporary composition

when a singer uses their voice in non-traditional ways to create unusual sounds

a technique where a singer sings without words

a technique where more than one note is produced at the same time

pops

clicks

whispering sounds

nonsense words/syllables

different vowel sounds

throat sounds

How does the B section contrast with both A sections?

the process of creating and using a sample

sound that lacks a clear pitch (e.g. a clap)

a style of music that is based on recorded sounds (e.g. cars, doors)

Unpitched sounds audio 

Creating a sample 

Creating five or six samples

Task A feedback audio

Rhythmic pattern 1

Rhythmic pattern 2

Rhythm grid example 

Faster rhythm example

Make sure that some of the samples have a pattern that repeats

The whole pattern repeated starts to feel familiar and musical

Single sample

Sample repeated quickly

Sample repeated very quickly

Creating an 8-beat rhythmic groove: video

Check a

Check B

Check c

sound that has a clear pitch (e.g. a note)

Single pitched sound

Arranged into an interesting rhythm

With effects or distortion

Using technology to change the pitch

Listen to these three pitched sound

Arranged into a pattern to create a repeating riff

Layed to create interesting chords

Isolating pitched sounds: video

Listen to the variety of different patterns

Change the order and rhythm of your pitched samples: video

Listen to it with your rhythmic groove, then loop it to repeat: video

an atonal composition method based on a specific order of pitches (a tone row)

a specific order of the 12 notes of the chromatic scale, forming the basis of a piece of serialism

A composer might arrange the twelve notes into this order

This composition uses the notes of this tone row

Listen for the tone row in the clarinet, cello and flute parts?

How are the notes of the tone row used differently in the different parts?

Start on F

An example of a tone row based on the F chromatic scale

when a set of notes (like a tone row) is reversed

Tone row example: long, equal-length notes

Tone row example: much faster notes

Tone row example: erratic, ‘jumpy’ rhythm

The A played an octave lower

The whole tone row played an octave lower

Using dynamics and articulation to create variety

Recording your tone row in with a simple rhythm: video

Recording second part: video

Create a second section

Use a retrograde of your tone row in the third instrument

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Approaches to contemporary composition

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