Dynamics and expressive techniques
Dynamics are fairly straight forward.
The average answer will state the dynamic changes and possibly give some
Italian terms. You SHOULD
If you are discussing both Dynamics AND Expressive techniques make sure you make a heading for each so that the examiners don’t have to sift through your answers.
- Describe all volume changes using Italian terms
- Describe HOW the volume changes: sudden/gradual/constant/static/contrasting forte with piano passages/Terraced dynamics for Baroque pieces. Again use any specific Italian words that are appropriate: Subito, crescendo, decrescendo
- Link the dynamic changes to other concepts. Are specific pitch registers associated with specific volumes (high pitch register is always pianissimo), link textural density to dynamic change (a large busy texture will usually be forte), Do specific sections of the song have associated dynamics, Are there any ostinati or riffs that have associated dynamics?
- Know the ‘Dynamics through time’ grid in the chapter as the Classical, Baroque etc… periods have specific dynamic conventions that were followed.
- You should listen to the expressive techniques over and over. It is the only way that you can learn to identify them. If you hear one and you can’t remember its specific name, fully describe how it has affected the instrument’s sound.
- Unorthodox use of instruments is a big player in this question. Any way the instrument is used that is not normal. A screaming voice, an tapped violin, an altered piano. If you don’t know exactly how it has been altered describe as much as you can hear. You look much better if you discuss it rather than leave it.
- Electronic effects: Things like echo and reverb and ‘funny pitch’ alteration can be classed as expressive techniques. If they change how the notes would be ‘expressed’ normally then they are expressive.
- LINK LINK LINK: Why is the expression used? Try and relate the expressive techniques to the music/theme/ideas. See what you can gather from the song’s title. Legato notes will make the music smooth and romantic. Marcato notes will make the music rigid and aggressive. Try your best to make valid observations relating expression to the music.
- You should relate expressive techniques to Dynamics. Mutes on a trumpet alter the sound and can make it considerably quieter. Heavy accents/staccatos will make the sound much louder.
- Expressive techniques and Tone colour are totally related. An expressive technique will always affect tone colour. If you are doing an ‘all concepts question’ you should relate the expressive techniques and tone colours to each other. E.g. A screaming voice will have a harsh, scratchy tone while a ‘normal’ voice may have a smooth, rich, warm tone colour.
If you are discussing both Dynamics AND Expressive techniques make sure you make a heading for each so that the examiners don’t have to sift through your answers.