Adding detail with performance directions
I can analyse how performance directions add detail to a composition, and can use some of these in my own composition.
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- Year 11
- AQA
Adding detail with performance directions
I can analyse how performance directions add detail to a composition, and can use some of these in my own composition.
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Performance directions are an important aspect of a composition.
- They allow composers to precisely communicate their intentions to the performer.
- These include tempo markings, dynamics, articulation, mood terms and instrument-specific techniques.
- You can add more detail by using terms like ‘subito’ (suddenly) and ‘poco a poco’ (little by little).
Keywords
Sustain pedal - the pedal that sustains notes on a piano; its use is indicated by markings below the stave
Rubato - an Italian term indicating that a performer can change the tempo slightly to add expression
Subito - an Italian term indicating that something should happen ‘suddenly’
Poco a poco - an Italian term meaning 'little by little', indicating that something should happen gradually
Slur - a marking that means that notes should be played legato, and that shows their phrasing
Common misconception
You can only use Italian terms for performance directions.
Usually in classical styles this is the norm for aspects like tempo, dynamics and expressive terms. In some cases, however, it can be useful to describe effects in detail in English for the performer if you can't find a suitable Italian term.
Files needed for this lesson
- Composition exemplar - solo piano fantasy (audio) 11 MB (MP3)
- Composition exemplar - solo piano fantasy (score) 262 KB (PDF)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Equipment
Licence
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