Elements of music

            In almost any form of media, we are constantly bombarded with sound, the majority of which is music. Composers are given the difficult task of writing music that will affect how the viewer feels about any given moment in a...

The classic Beatles song “Hey, Jude,”

              Keep in mind or play online the classic Beatles song “Hey, Jude,” as originally written in a major key, and enjoy the strong beat and haunting melody. Then listen to this version written in a minor key....

The tempo of music

            This question of tempo, and musical interpretation generally, forces an interesting question: Who should choose the tempo: the creator (composer) or the interpreter (conductor)? This point was at issue in a heated exchange...

Change in music

        As music began to become popular both in the church and in the courts, it changed from simpler tunes and chants to harmonies and polyphonies. What led to this change? Who was responsible for bringing it about? How did instrumentation play a...

Program Music

    Watch the two videos below and follow along with the listening guides for these pieces in you text. After listening and reviewing the listening guide as you study the pieces write a 200 word essay defining (in your own words) Program Music AND what these...

The O viridissima virga

  Describe and compare the O viridissima virga (“O Greenest Branch”) by Hildegard of Bingen and the First Response from Viderunt Omnes (“All the Ends of the Earth”) by Léonin.