America Flashcards
Where is America from?
It is a song from the musical West Side Story, which is set in a working class neighbourhood of New Yorks west side. Anita sings that she likes living in America but some of her friends argue life was better in Puerto Rico
What is the timing of America?
Continual alternation of 6/8 and 3/4 meter, creating a lively rhythmic character.
What key is America in?
Begins in C major, ends in E major
What form is America in?
Ternary or ABA form with an introduction and coda. Section A is the chorus, B is the verse
What does subito mean?
Suddenly
What do the grace notes in b 13 form?
A slide
What is a duplet?
2 notes played in the time of 3
What is a glissando?
A slide across a series of keys using the back of the fingers or thumb
What is the stylistic characteristics of America?
-20th century musical theatre
-Latin American or Spanish influences
-fast tempo and driving rhythmic energy
-constant quaver pulse
-irregular beat lengths
-detached, slightly percussive tone, with no long slurs
-strong harmonies using mostly major triads
-syncopation
-ostinato accompaniments
Who composed America?
Leonard Bernstein, an American composer, conductor, and teacher.
Where and when was the composer of America born and where and when did he die?
Leonard Bernstein was born in Massachusetts in 1918 and died in New York in 1990.
Where did he composer of America study?
Leonard Bernstein went to high school in Boston, then Harvard University and the Curtis Institute. His teachers and mentors included Walter Piston and Fritz Reiner
Where did the composer of America study?
Leonard Bernstein went to high school in Boston, then Harvard University and the Curtis Institute. His teachers and mentors included Walter Piston and Fritz Reiner
What is the composer of America most known for?
Leonard Bernstein is best known for his theatrical works On the town, Candide and West Side Story. His more ‘classical’ compositions include 3 symphonies and the Chichester psalms for orchestra and chorus
Analysis of America
1-4 Introduction, C major, using tonic chord
5-12 Chorus, C major. Left hand has an ostinato (repeating pattern) in b. 5-10, using the tonic and dominant notes in the same rhythm as the introduction. Right hand melody voiced in chordal texture, with primary triads and some dissonance. Mostly detached articulation.
13-16 Interlude, similar to the introduction with a change of octave register in b. 15
17-27 Verse 1 (and verse 2 on repeat), C major. Little lighter accompaniment
28-35 Chorus, C major, similar to b.5-12, but louder and wider pitch range
36-43 A repeat of the chorus, now transposed to E major
44-47 Coda, E major, repeating dominant note in octaves, ending with a pair of accented tonic notes (linked by a glissando)
