G356 Section A: February 2011

What is required for Section A

Section A of unit G356 is all about 20th Century Vocal Music. 1900 - 1945. There are some key areas of learning and understanding to develop:

• Vocal ranges, names and performance techniques
• Word painting (how the meaning of the text is reflected in the singing and part the singer sings)
• The accompaniment, and how it works with the singer, comparing the instrumentation and harmony used.

You will learn about various works composed during this time. As there are no set works, you have to be able to react to what you hear in the exam. The key to success this is to listen to as many vocal pieces as possible from this period and understand what you are listening to.

Friday, 25 February 2011

An introduction to Vocal Music of the 20th Century

Vocal Music of the 20th Century is the area of study for Section A of G356.

Before your first lesson, please do two things.

Download, read and print this document, introducing you to the period of music.
Download and answer this question, to bring to the first lesson (click on the link, open, go to file - download as and select word. When in word, save as and rename, ensuring it is a word doc).

You need to watch a video of 'On Wenlock Edge' by Ralph Vaughan Williams. The picture depicts what the song is about (ie, the landscape of Wenlock Edge), and the words are displayed to help you follow them.

Think about the picture whilst you listen. Then watch again and follow the words. Think about word painting (a wikipedia link is here if you are unsure what this is). Then, answer the question with 6 bullet point answers. Should take about 30 mins to complete. Bring on Monday please.

Here is the video