All I Ask Flashcards
What is the key signature and are there any modulations?
Db Major; changes to D Major bar 9; then Eb Major bar 22. The key changes heighten the emotional tension
What is the time signature?
4/4 time - 4 crotchets to the bar;
Bar 20 2/4 time and bar 21 3/4 time - helps to prolong the intimate mood.
What is the meaning if the title?
From the musical Phantom, when the 2 main characters Christine and Raoul are singing a love song to each other and they are asking each other to stay with them and love them always and thats all I ask of you.
What period is it from and discuss the period.
Modern 1900 - present
Often referred to as 20th century music; early 1900’s there was a reaction against both German romantic tradition and the French impressionist movement; composers developed music that was edgy, experimental and radically different to that of past centuries.
What are the different styles within the modern period?
Jazz, opera, orchestral, country, rock
What is the form?
Through composed - musical setting changes for each verse according to the mood of the poem; gives the work a dynamic and dramatic quality; 4+4 phrases that are repeated and raised up a semitone to brighten the song. Bar 5-12 male voice calm n restricted, then soprano enters with higher notes and dramatic falling intervals of second phrase. Ends with rhythmic alteration 2/4 then 3/4 time, ‘thats all I ask of you’. Each singer then takes each phrase in turn, eventually joining in unison to bring the duet to a grand climax.
Discuss the composer
Andrew Lloyd Webber
1948 - present
Born in London, started composing at 6, had his first composition published at 9. His father was a composer and organist, his mother was a violinist and pianist, his aunt Viola was an actress. She took him to many of her shows and thru the stage door into the world of theatre. She encouraged him to put on productions in his toy theatre that he built. He has since specialised in writing for theatre. Recognised with3 grammy awards, 7 Tony awards, and a golden globe, and in 1992 received a knighthood. Phantom has become one of the most successful shows of all time.
What are some other songs from Phantom?
Think of Me
Music of the Night
What are some of Andrew Lloyd Webbers other works?
Cats, Evita, JC Superstar, Starlight Express
Contemporaries?
Alan Menken - Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast
Steven Sondheim - Sweeny Todd, A Little Night Music, West Side Story
How is it Typical of the period?
It is a typical musical with lots of emotion and extensive use of harmony. Lots of exotic chords which enhance the modern feel and drama. It is similar to Alan Menkens Beauty and the Beast in that he uses a full range of dynamics and long flowing phrases to draw the listener into feeling a range of emotions from sympathy to anger to love to sadness.
Rubato
With some freedom in the time
riten
Ritenuto - immediately slower
Molto riten
A lot slower, straight away.
Cantabile
In a singing style
