Introducing programme music
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a short piece of programme music as an ensemble and know that programme music aims to represent something non-musical, such as telling a story.
Key learning points
- Programme music is music that has been inspired by something non-musical. For example, a story or a piece of artwork.
- Absolute music is music that is not inspired by anything else. It focuses just on the notes the composer wishes to use.
- A movement is a self-contained section of a large-scale musical composition, like a chapter in a book.
- A symphonic work is a large-scale musical composition with distinct movements (usually four).
- Deep Field composed by Eric Whitacre is a symphonic work in four movements that is an example of programme music.
Keywords
Programme music - instrumental music that aims to represent something non-musical, such as a story, picture, scene, idea or emotion
Absolute music - instrumental music that does not try to represent anything other than the music itself, focusing purely on the musical elements
Symphonic work - a large-scale musical composition with distinct movements (usually four)
Movement - a self-contained section of a large-scale musical composition, like a chapter in a book
Common misconception
Musicians are always trying to tell a story with music.
Sometimes music is created for music's sake and may not have any deeper meaning than what the listener creates for themselves.
Teacher tip
You may like to incorporate the pupils' knowledge around rhythm and pitch to encourage them to create a small identifiable idea in their movement. For example, this movement in Deep Field has short descending patterns as its main musical idea.
Equipment
Variety of classroom percussion for the pupils to select from. Paper and pencils.
Licence
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