Lecture Notes for MUS 203: Materials of Music - Week 3

UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND

MUS 203: Materials of Music

Lecture 3 (Week 3)

  • Instructor: TA

  • Location: Waipapa Taumata Rau, New Zealand

Page 2: Musical Dynamics and Terms

  • Dynamics (mf):

    • mf stands for "mezzo forte," meaning moderately loud.

  • Musical Textures (sempre leggiero):

    • sempre leggiero denotes a light touch throughout the performance.

  • Dynamic Markings:

    • mp (mezzo piano) means moderately soft.

    • pp (pianissimo) means very soft.

Page 3: Homework Instructions

  • Homework Assignments:

    • Complete exercises 13 and 14.

    • Additional notes on specific pieces noted with ‘PLAPPI/PEN’.

Page 4: Rhythm Reading

Topic: Changing Meter - Equal Division

  • Rhythm concept:

    • Meter changes can create different rhythmic structures within a composition, utilizing equal division of beats.

Page 5: Contextual Listening and Exercises

  • Homework Assignments:

    • Complete Exercises 14.9 and others listed.

  • Listening Exercises:

    • Engage with specified chapters for contextual listening.

    • Exercise references: Chapter 12 (Try it 1-5), Chapter 13 (Try it #1, Ex 1-8), and Ex 13.2.

Page 7: Pitch Reading

Tonal Material: C Minor

  • Relative minor:

    • The relative minor of C major is A minor.

  • Minor Scale Explanation:

    • The minor scale consists of a distinct sequence: 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7. The third is lowered compared to the C major scale, and the sixth and seventh degrees can vary.

  • Variations in Minor Scales:

    • Natural Minor: Same as Aeolian mode; notes are: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7.

    • Harmonic Minor: Raises the seventh degree by a half step.

    • Melodic Minor: Ascends with raised sixth and seventh degrees and descends as natural minor.

Page 8: Scale Types

Minor Scales Recapitulation

  • Harmonic Minor Scale:

    • Note sequence: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7.

  • Melodic Minor Scale:

    • Ascending sequence (to be played up): 1 2 b3 4 5 6 7.

    • Descending sequence (usually natural minor): 7 b6 5 4 3 2 1.

  • Natural Minor Scale:

    • Note sequence: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7.

Page 9: Melodies

Musical Form

  • Example Phrase: Allegro con brio

    • Indicates a lively, spirited tempo in performance.