Music key terms

Question 1

What is the purpose of music in a theatrical performance?

Answer 1

Enhancing emotional impact and intensifying dramatic moments

Question 2

What is a musical overture?

Answer 2

A musical overture is an instrumental piece of music that is played at the beginning of a theatrical performance

It serves as an introduction to the music and themes of the show

It helps to set the tone and build anticipation among the audience

Question 3

What is a musical interlude?

Answer 3

A musical interlude refers to a short musical piece performed within a theatrical performance – typically during scene changes or transitions

It allows for seamless shifts between scenes while maintaining engagement and interest

Question 4

What are underscoring and background music?

Answer 4

Underscoring and background music refer to the use of music beneath dialogue

Question 5

What is a musical motif?

Answer 5

A musical motif is a recurring musical theme or pattern associated with a particular character or situation or idea in a theatrical performance

Question 6

What is a musical director?

Answer 6

A musical director is responsible for overseeing the musical aspects of a theatrical performance

Question 7

What music would you use for OCG?

Answer 7

– Traditional Folk Music
– Indigenous Australian
Music
– Sea Shanties
– Classical Music
– Original Score

Question 8

Traditional Folk Music

Answer 8

– Fiddle
– Guitar
– Flutes

These are all instruments commonly played by European settlers in Australia during the 18th century

Question 9

Indigenous Australian
Music

Answer 9

Include music inspired by Indigenous Australian cultures to acknowledge the rich heritage and history of the land

Explore traditional instruments like clapsticks and the yidaki (yirdaki)

Question 10

Clapsticks

Answer 10

Clapsticks are percussion instruments consisting of two cylindrical wooden sticks that are struck together to create rhythmic patterns and accompanying sounds

Similar to a quick and distinct clapping sound

Question 11

Yidaki (yirdaki)

Answer 11

A traditional wind instrument played by Indigenous Australian peoples

It is a type of natural trumpet or drone pipe made from a hollowed-out tree branch or trunk – typically a eucalyptus tree

The yidaki has a distinct deep and resonant sound that is often characterised by its powerful and rhythmic drone notes

Question 12

Sea Shanties

Answer 12

Sea shanties can evoke the harshness and seafaring elements of the story since the play takes place in a penal colony

Question 13

What Sea Shanties will you use in OCG?

Answer 13

– Drunken Sailor
– Roll the Old Chariot Along
– South Australia

Question 14

Drunken Sailor

Answer 14

Some interpret this sea shanty as a metaphor for the harsh treatment of sailors by their superiors – reminiscent of the oppressive conditions during colonisation

Question 15

Roll the Old Chariot Along

Answer 15

This shanty refers to “rolling the old chariot” and speaks metaphorically about being taken away against your own will

It can be interpreted as reflecting the experiences of individuals forcefully transported during the era of colonisation

Question 16

South Australia

Answer 16

It celebrates the prospect of sailing to South Australia

It reflects the spirit of exploration and adventure associated with sailing to new lands

The lyrics often mention the joys of traveling to South Australia and the anticipation of reaching its shores

Question 17

What were a popular form of orchestral composition during the late 18th century?

Answer 17

Symphonies

Question 18

There are several popular symphonies written in the late 18th century that have remained beloved and frequently performed to this day – give an example of one that you would use for OCG

Answer 18

Symphony No. 94 in G major, “Surprise” - Joseph Haydn

Question 19

Symphony No. 94 in G major, “Surprise” - Joseph Haydn

Answer 19

This symphony was composed in 1791

It gained its nickname “Surprise” due to a sudden loud chord in the second movement – intended to wake up any drowsy audience members

Question 20

Original Score

Answer 20

Create an original score specifically for the production – tailor-made to enhance the emotions or tensions and themes of the play

Collaborate with a composer who can work closely with the director to capture the desired mood and atmosphere

Question 21

Percussion and Drums in Antigone

Answer 21

They can be used to punctuate key scenes or underscore moments of tension and catharsis

Question 22

Common instruments used in ancient Greek music included…

Answer 22

– Lyre
– Aulos
– Kithara
– Panpipes

Question 23

Lyre

Answer 23

A lyre is a stringed musical instrument with a U-shaped body and strings that are plucked or strummed to produce sound

Question 24

Aulos

Answer 24

An aulos is a double-reed wind instrument from ancient Greece consisting of two pipes played simultaneously to produce music

Question 25

Kithara

Answer 25

A kithara is a large stringed instrument with a wooden sound box and several strings stretched over a frame – typically played with a plectrum or fingers

Question 26

Panpipes

Answer 26

Panpipes (also known as the pan flute) are a musical instrument consisting of a series of pipes of varying lengths which are blown across to create melodic and harmonic sounds

Question 27

Ethos

Answer 27

Ancient Greek music was believed to have the power to evoke specific emotional states or moods known as “ethos”

Question 28

In ancient Greek music the concept of “ethos” referred to the emotional and moral qualities associated with different musical modes

What two examples of the different kinds of “ethos” attributed to specific modes?

Answer 28

– Dorian Mode
– Phrygian Mode

Question 29

Dorian Mode

Answer 29

The Dorian mode was associated with:
– courage
– solemnity
– nobility

It was often used in martial and heroic compositions