Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Phrasal Analysis

Introduction – m1 through m6

Period – pick-up to m7 through m14 (antecedent: pick-up to m7 through m10; consequent: m11 through 14)

Period – pick-up to m15 through beat one of m23 (antecedent: pick-up to m15 through m18; consequent: m19-beat one of 23 [canonic imitation])

Recapitulation of first period with minor rhythmic and harmonic alterations – beat 2 of m23 through m31

Closing – m32 and m33 (no sense of finality/stability)

In addition to analyzing the military band score, the knowledge of the lyrics to the Hampshire folk song influenced the way in which I distinguished phrases. As a vocalist, I appreciate the lyrical, melodic line not only as a musical phrase, but also as a developing story or thought. I think connecting words the pitches, and then taking them away was a great way for me to feel the flow of the phrases. As it is a folk song, there are various interpretations and compilations of lyrics; however, from my research, I found the following the most widely used accepted:


For the blacksmith courted me, nine months and better; And first he won my heart, till he wrote to me a letter. With his hammer in his hand, for he strikes so mighty and

clever, He makes the sparks to fly all around his middle.


Below is a video of a vocal arrangement of the movement - take note of their phrasing and the adaptations needed to make it suitable for male voices:



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