Release

Question 1

Describe a Kora

Answer 1

A West-African string instrument that looks like a cross between a harp and a lute, normally with 21 strings to pluck, like a harp (but played like a guitar)

Question 2

Describe a Bodhran

Answer 2

An Irish frame drum that is played with a double-headed stick (bone/tipper) and the pitching of the drum can be altered by applying pressure

Question 3

Describe a Hurdy Gurdy

Answer 3

European folk music
The player sounds the notes by using a crank to turn a wheel that rubs against the strings
Drone strings so that they can create a bagpipe-like effect
Keyboard allows change of pitch by pressing tangents against the strings

Question 4

Describe the Uilleann Pipes

Answer 4

National bagpipe of Ireland
Sound like a sweeter and quieter kind of bagpipe
Played by pumping bellows which are placed under the arm
Chanter part of the pipe contains holes that the player covers to create different pitches

Question 5

Describe a Synthesiser

Answer 5

An electronic instrument that generates audio signals and creates sounds through different waveforms

Question 6

Describe a Bass

Answer 6

An instrument that plays the lowest pitch in the music, acting like a somewhat pulse to the music. This also helps keep the rhythm and beat of the music going.

Question 7

What is a MODE?

Answer 7

A way in which the notes of the scale are placed based on the interval between a specific note and the tonic note.

Question 8

What MUSIC TECHNOLOGY techniques and devices can you hear in this piece?

Answer 8

Layering (overdubbing)
Use of synthesisers
Loops
Stereo Field – Reverb and Delay

Question 9

What are the AFRICAN instruments used in ‘Release’

Answer 9

Kora
African Vocal in the ‘griot’

Question 10

What are the IRISH instruments used in ‘Release’

Answer 10

Uilleann Pipes
Bodhran
Hurdy-Gurdy

Question 11

What are the MUSIC TECHNOLOGY instruments used in ‘Release’

Answer 11

Synthesisers
Loops

Question 12

What are the POP MUSIC instruments used in ‘Release’

Answer 12

Vocals
Bass

Question 13

What INSTRUMENTAL aspects of RELEASE make it a fusion piece?

Answer 13

Use of different instruments from two different cultures
instruments had only been usually played within their own culture

Question 14

What RHYTHMICAL aspects of RELEASE make it a fusion piece?

Answer 14

Irish folk tradition-like beats are played with semiquaver triplets (non-regular pulse)
Bodhran rhythm is the initial backbone of the track (goes against the other rhythms)

Question 15

What MELODICAL aspects of RELEASE make it a fusion piece?

Answer 15

Based on a lot of folk melodies and mostly move in semi-quavers
Shifting tonality within a single melody line is common in folk music

Question 16

What TEXTURAL aspects of RELEASE make it a fusion piece?

Answer 16

Very layered, using music technology to blend parts together
Going from synth pads to drums

Question 17

What elements of music make African and Irish music work so well together?

Answer 17

African instruments are able to keep a driving pulse, while the Irish instruments provide a meter and create a unique melody when following the irregular rhythms

Question 18

Why do many popular music productions include instrument sounds from different musical cultures around the world? What challenges would you face in trying to use these instruments in your own compositions?

Answer 18

To give representation + create diversity and uniqueness
Some challenges would be the ability to be able to create a unique and stable sound with two completely different cultural instruments