Learning Pompeii harmony parts and creating a performance
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can sing Pompeii in 3 part harmony with changing vocal textures.
Key learning points
- Changing vocal textures adds interest to a piece of music.
- Some harmony lines use a homophonic texture, meaning they use the same words and rhythms but sung at a different pitch.
- A polyphonic texture means each layer of harmony has a distinct melody that moves at different times.
- When we perform more complex vocal arrangements, we should consider balance, making sure the melody is always clear.
Keywords
Texture - the layers of instrumental or vocal sounds and how they fit together
Harmony - the notes that accompany the melody
Balance - how each part is matched against another to ensure that no one part overwhelms the others
Polyphonic - each layer of harmony has a distinct melody that moves at different times
Homophonic - two or more different layers of harmony which move at the same time
Common misconception
It is easy to sing the higher harmony parts too loud, as a higher pitch is often naturally accompanied by a louder dynamic.
Take care to sing the higher harmonies quieter so the melody is always the loudest part.
Teacher tip
The different parts provide opportunity for differentiation. The middle part is easiest, and the higher part the hardest. If pupils are struggling with the harmonies at the end of the chorus, try adding in just one of the "aah" vocal parts.
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