Set Works

Question 1

Schumann
Driving argument and points

Answer 1

• DA: Important in helping establish the romantic style/period. Significant in its intention to be performed by amateurs (Salon Music)
• Pushed away from classical composers (Mozart + Haydn)
• Example of early romantic music
• Schumann = Virtuosi pianist
• Piece is not overly virtuosic (Intended for amateurs to perform)
• Example of salon music (Popular at the time)
• Still much functionality in her work (Clear distinctions from 20th century)
• Composed 1846

Question 2

Debussy
Driving argument and points

Answer 2

• DA: Develops from Romantic Era. Less traditional use of elements. Key in exploring fusion of cultures + Music to create an ‘impression’
• Great Exhibition 1844
• Fascinated by the Far East (Japanese Gamelan)
• French impressionist Composer
• Trying to break from Germanic/ Romantic traditions
• Tensions on Iberian Peninsular
• Inspired by the ‘Exotic’ = Spain/ Cuban, Habanera, Flamenco, Moorish Lament
• Less Clarity in structures
• Rebellious + Constantly questioning conventional rules of harmony
• Composed in 1903
• Meant to reflect image of nature

Question 3

Elfmann
- Driving argument and points

Answer 3

• DA: Uses orchestral score + Melodic/ harmonic ideas to best reflect the action or atmosphere on screen
• Close relationship with Tim Burton (Collaborated Lots)
• Self taught composer –> Originally a rock ,musician (Oingo Boingo)
• Explored texture + Introduced unconventional instruments
• Music/ Score based around leitmotifs
• Heavily influenced by Hermanns ‘Psycho’
• ‘batman’ brought Elfmann to public attention (established him)
• Composed 1992

Question 4

Hermann
- Driving Arguments and points

Answer 4

• DA: Creating a new sonority to accompany dark/ chilling atmosphere of film. Sense of horror
• Key relationship with Hitchcock –> Hitchcock chord Bbmin + maj7th
• Juliard school of music = very talented
• Psycho = horror film –> How music reflects atmosphere
• Psycho = Black and white closed world (also reflected in music
• Orchestrated own scores so maximum control
• Influenced by composers such as:
  + Debussy
  + Bartok
  + Stravinsky
  + Ives
  + Granger
• Composed in 1960
• Madness motif = F Eb D
• Lots of unstable chords

Question 5

Berlioz
- Driving argument and points

Answer 5

• DA: Developed romantic music through increased expressiveness + programmatic style. Music reflects specific ideas/ Characters for first time
• French Composer
• Typical of late Classical/ early romantic period
• Wrote for large symphony orchestra –> Pushed boundaries of orchestration
• Developed the ‘Idea Fixe’
• Programmatic music
• Influenced by Beethoven (astride classical and romantic period)
• 1830

Question 6

Beatles
- Driving argument and points

Answer 6

• DA: Break new ground in pop = Move from tradition. ‘Love Song’. Towards unusual influences. Utilising potential of music tech.
• Developed a unique musical style
• British rock band
• George Martin = Producer, Arrganged works, classically trained
• inspired by 20th century avant-garde techniques
• use/ growth of technology
• very interested in psychedelic rock of late 60’s
• Influenced by Indian classical music
• Use of the Leslie cabinet

Question 7

Kate Bush
- Driving argument and points

Answer 7

• DA: Further progressing pop. Presents stories/ narrative in her music. Develops through new music tech. Unique voice + influences
• Storytelling + Narrative in her songs
• First writing in the 70’s –> Pivot of change in music
• Influenced by: Prog rock, ethnic styles, Electronica, fold, classical forms
• Breaking from functional music writing
• use of tech
  -Influenced by literacy and historical stories
• HOL groundbreaking as a concept album (poppy and arty)
• Released in 1985
• Use of fairlight CMI

Question 8

Anoushka Shankar
- Driving argument and points

Answer 8

• DA: Wanted to create music greater than individual parts = how ideas/ cultures could fuse into music. Indian/ classical/ Bollywood/ Dance
• Daughter of sitar player Ravi Shankar
• one of the best sitar players of all time
• Interested in fusing Indian music with electronic dance
• Karsh Kale = Indian Musician + Composer
• BUW = 5th Album
• One of her breakaway albums as a fusion
• Began writing/ performing Indian classical music before she wrote BUW
• Released 2007

Question 9

Courtney Pine
- Driving argument and points

Answer 9

• DA: A pioneer for jazz but taking influences from hip hop, beebop and pop in his work.
• Took influence from John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins
• Jazz covers of songs but with a very Courtney pine twist