Music key terms Flashcards
What is the purpose of music in a theatrical performance?
Enhancing emotional impact and intensifying dramatic moments
What is a musical overture?
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
What is a musical interlude?
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
What are underscoring and background music?
Underscoring and background music refer to the use of music beneath dialogue
What is a musical motif?
A musical motif is a recurring musical theme or pattern associated with a particular character or situation or idea in a theatrical performance
What is a musical director?
A musical director is responsible for overseeing the musical aspects of a theatrical performance
What music would you use for OCG?
– Traditional Folk Music
– Indigenous Australian
Music
– Sea Shanties
– Classical Music
– Original Score
Traditional Folk Music
– Fiddle
– Guitar
– Flutes
These are all instruments commonly played by European settlers in Australia during the 18th century
Indigenous Australian
Music
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)
Clapsticks
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
Yidaki (yirdaki)
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
Sea Shanties
Sea shanties can evoke the harshness and seafaring elements of the story since the play takes place in a penal colony
What Sea Shanties will you use in OCG?
– Drunken Sailor
– Roll the Old Chariot Along
– South Australia
Drunken Sailor
Some interpret this sea shanty as a metaphor for the harsh treatment of sailors by their superiors – reminiscent of the oppressive conditions during colonisation
Roll the Old Chariot Along
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
South Australia
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
What were a popular form of orchestral composition during the late 18th century?
Symphonies
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
Symphony No. 94 in G major, “Surprise” - Joseph Haydn
Symphony No. 94 in G major, “Surprise” - Joseph Haydn
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
Original Score
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
Percussion and Drums in Antigone
They can be used to punctuate key scenes or underscore moments of tension and catharsis
Common instruments used in ancient Greek music included…
– Lyre
– Aulos
– Kithara
– Panpipes
Lyre
A lyre is a stringed musical instrument with a U-shaped body and strings that are plucked or strummed to produce sound
Aulos
An aulos is a double-reed wind instrument from ancient Greece consisting of two pipes played simultaneously to produce music
