Area of Study 2 (AOS2)
Lesson 1: Musical Theatre
Use singing, dancing and talking to tell a story
Earlier musicals were influenced by jazz and swing music while lots of musicals from the 1970s
They usually have an orchestra to accompany the singers
Musical styles are always changing. Musicals written in the style of the popular music that's around at the time - so musicals from different times sound very different.
The types of musicals that are around today originated in the 1920s, and developed throughout the rest of the 20th century and into the 21st century
The genre started out on Broadway, a famous theatre street in New York. Later ones started in London’s West End.
Some musicals hit the charts. For example, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Don’t cry for me Argentina’ and ‘Memory’.
To ensure musical songs are easy on the ear, composers:
The harmony is diatonic - either in the major/minor key
Simple song structure with alternating verses and choruses with a middle 8
The melody is easy to sing
The chorus is a hook (catchy and memorable
Lesson 2
Starlight express
Structure
Intro
Verse
Chorus
Bridge
Verse
Chorus
Coda
Chorus
Types of musical songs
Solo character song
A character singing about their feelings
Action song
Duet
Chorus number
Essentially solo character songs with two people (same idea in trios, quartets ect.)
The words in the song say what is happening in the play - leads to the next part of a story
Involves a full cast, used to show major changes in location/plot
Rock music
This is also known as a verse-chorus structure
Power chord
Chord made up of only the tonic(1st) and fifth note
12 bar blues heavily influenced rock music
Songs are based around the primary chords I, IV and V
Typical Instrumentation
Lead singer
Base guitar
Rhythm electric guitar
Drummer
Lead electric guitar
Different types of rock music
Progressive rock
Hard Rock
Featured riffs, virtuoso solos and fills.
Range of tonalities, including modal scales.
Emphasis on loud and aggressive distorted solo guitar
Distortion
Music effect that makes the sound much grittier
Takes inspiration from classical music, where development takes longer
Involved lengthy instrumental solos, copying the improvised solos in jazz, and slow-moving chord patterns.
Emerged during the 60s
Heavy metal
Harder and more distorted than hard rock, with even longer guitar solos.
Glamrock
Theatrical and glitzy
Easier to listen to than hard rock, with a more rock ‘n’ roll feel as well as catchy hooks.
Musicians wore outrageous costumes, makeup and hairstyles, particularly platform shoes and glitter.
Anthems
Because of the powerful nature of the music and lyrics, a lot of rock songs can be described as anthems.
Usually have memorable, singable choruses.
Examples include ‘Born to be Wild’ and ‘We Will Rock You’.
Punk Rock
Harsh and angry music from the 1970s.
Usually about anarchy and rebellion.
Lyrics were often shouted.
Psychedelic rock
Tried to recreate the surreal images and sounds experienced with hallucinogenic drugs common to the 60s and 70s, like LSD.
Used lots of guitar effects and unusual electronic instruments and effects (eg, panning).
Panning
Music effect of the sound going from one speaker to another, making the sound seem like it is entering different ears
Lyrics were weird and dreamlike.
Bands include The Beatles & The Doors.
Lesson 3: Film music
2 types:
Background music
Music contained within the action
Referred to as diegetic. Included in the story e.g music heard on a radio
Referred to as underscoring. Adds to the mood of the scene, reinforcing dramatic developments and aspects of a character
Leitmotif
Tune that returns throughout the film/series, representing a certain object, idea or character
Use of repetition
Use of pop songs
Setting the scene
Musical themes can associate with particular times/places
Can add tension to a scene
Style of music is linked to scene
Helps create the atmosphere/add deeper meaning to a scene
Gaming music
Purposes
Sets the pace of action
Engages the player
Sets the mood
Helps with interactions
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Early video game music was very simple and was often monophonic.
Video games from the 1990s were able to use higher quality
music with more realistic instrumental sounds.
The improvement of audio technology has enabled game music to sound more like a film score
Often using synthesizers
Nowadays, it frequently uses orchestral and choral elements
as well as synthesizers.
Like in film music, there are different genres and the music can help to set the mood. Leitmotifs are still sometimes used for this purpose.
Difference between Mario and Zelda theme song
The Legend of Zelda
Original Super Mario Brothers
New Super Mario Brothers
More orchestral
More instruments used
Electronic
More real instruments used
More like a film score
Vocals