Part 1: Definitions

Music for Ensemble

• Refers to a collective performance by a small group of musicians or vocalists, emphasizing a collaborative and intimate setting. This can include genres and formats such as:

  • chamber music

  • musical theatre

  • jazz, blues

  • folk music

Performance of Chamber Music

• A genre of classical music performed by a small group of instruments, typically in a private room or small concert hall. It emphasizes the interaction between a limited number of musicians.

Musical Theatre Performance

• A form of theatrical performance that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance to tell a story, often characterized by elaborate productions and diverse musical styles.

Jazz and Blues Performance

• Involves the presentation of jazz or blues music, genres rooted in African American culture known for their expressive melodies, improvisation, and rhythmic complexity.

Welsh Folk Music Performance

• Involves the presentation of traditional music from Wales, characterized by its distinct melodies, instruments, and cultural significance, often passed down through oral tradition.

Part 2: Study Areas

Timbre and Texture

• Explore the distinct qualities of sound (timbre) and how different musical lines and sounds interact (texture). This includes:

Timbre

• The unique quality of sound produced by different instruments or voices, which allows them to be distinguished from one another.

Texture

• The way in which different musical lines or voices are combined. Key types include:

• Monophonic - A single melodic line without harmonic accompaniment.

• Homophonic - A primary melody supported by chords.

• Polyphonic - Multiple independent melodies occurring simultaneously.

• Unison - All performers playing or singing the same notes simultaneously.

• Chordal - Music built on chords with each note played or sung simultaneously.

• Layered - Different musical lines stacked on top of one another.

• Melody and Accompaniment - A primary melody supported by background accompaniment.

• Round - A melody repeated in a staggered fashion by different voices.

• Canon - A more complex round where voices enter at different times with the same melody.

• Countermelody - An additional melody played simultaneously with the main melody.

Part 3: Instrumental and Vocal Groupings

The use of various ensemble types to explore texture and timbre. Examples include:

• Vocal Ensembles - Groups of singers, which can range from solo performances to duets, trios, and include the use of backing vocals.

• Jazz/Blues Trio - Typically includes a combination of piano, bass, and drums, forming the core of many jazz and blues ensembles.

• Rhythm Section - The part of a band responsible for providing the rhythmic and harmonic foundation, usually includes drums, bass, and chordal instruments like piano or guitar.

• String Quartet - A common chamber music ensemble consisting of two violins, a viola, and a cello.

• Basso Continuo - A continuous bass part in Baroque music, played by instruments such as the harpsichord and cello, providing harmonic structure.

• Sonatas - A composition for one or more solo instruments, often with multiple movements, typically used in classical music.

• Cerdd Dant - (Welsh for 'string music', or penillion) A form of music where a soloist sings a melody while a harp provides intricate accompaniment.

Part 4: Composing Guidelines

Understanding Texture

• Types of Texture - Demonstrating an understanding of various textures such as monophonic, homophonic, polyphonic, and others, as appropriate to the composition.

Textural Variety and Contrasts

• Textural Variety - Employing different textures within a composition to create contrast and interest, such as shifting from a thick, dense texture to a thin, light one.

Use of Musical Devices

• Layering - Stacking multiple musical lines to create a richer texture.

• Tutti/Unison - All instruments or voices performing the same line or in unison, creating a unified sound.

• Descant - A high melody sung or played above the main melody, often in choral settings.

• Countermelody - Adding an additional melody that complements and contrasts the main melody.

• Backing Ideas - Providing background support to the main melody, enhancing the overall texture.

• Contrasting Timbres - Using different instruments or voices to create distinct sound colors.

• Control of Chordal Sections - Effectively managing sections where chords form the basis of the music, ensuring harmonic coherence.

• Use of Imitation/Call and Response/Echo - Techniques where musical phrases are echoed or responded to by different instruments or voices, creating an engaging dialogue within the music.

• Antiphonal Devices - Alternating or echoing musical phrases between different groups of performers, often used to create spatial effects in music.