Chamber Listening Task

The Nutcracker Suite Op.71 

 

1. What/how many instruments make up this ensemble?

Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Violin, Cello

  2. Describe the sound production of the featured ensembles 

The sound production is done by lots of instruments, creating texture and layers. The sound has an echoey aspect to it which adds to the classical orchestra sound.

  3. Outline the main roles of each instrument/part:

• Melody - Flutes, Clarinets

• Bass Line - Bass Clarinets

• Accompaniment - Brass, Clarinets

​  4. Would you describe the work as monophonic/homophonic/polyphonic texture and why?

I would definitely describe the work as monophonic as each different section of instruments plays its own separate part adding to the complex piece of music.

  5. Identify 2 compositional techniques that are used by the arranger and explain how it creates interest in the work.

The composer often has instruments of similar pitch range playing very similar parts. These parts overlap with each other and act like a continuous call-and-response. 

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With or Without You 

 

1. Explain how the performers explore the range of the cello throughout the work

The performers are only using two cellos for the entire, so all the different pitched you can hear are being played by the same type of instrument, which is could be called “exploring” the pitches of the cello because the performers are seeing how many different parts and sounds they can get out of this one instrument.

   2. Listening to the bassline:    

1.   a) Describe the use of a bassline throughout the work does it stay the same, does it change? 

The bassline stays the same throughout the piece, playing quavers on every beat in every bar, except for the occasional slide or rest. It’s volume however does change a few times.

​         b) How is it used to create dynamic changes?

When the bassline changes dynamics it pulls the rest of the parts with it, so if the bass is loud, so is everything else and vice versa.

​         c) What is the effect of it on the pulse?

The bassline keeps a very strong and constant pulse of quavers throughout the piece.

   3. Describe the various ways the performers are creating sound and how does that create contrast in the ensemble?

The performers in this piece are simply bowing the whole time, however they do range from short harsher bows to long and gentle ones. They record multiple tracks of the two of them playing and use the same instrument, the cello, to create different pitches, giving the impression that there are lots of different instruments playing.

 

Toccata & Fugue in D Minor 

 

1. Does this piece feature a steady pulse?

At the beginning of the piece definitely not, there is very little pulse at all on account of none of the instrument actually playing a constant pattern. Then later on there starts to be some call-and-response like exchanges between all of the instruments as they take short solos of playing constant quavers.

   2. How does the ensemble establish the tempo throughout the piece - think about the role of melody, accompaniment, unison & solo sections. 

After a smooth introduction, the trumpets gently come in and build up into a series of fast paced notes, establishing a fast and “moving” tempo.   

   3. Suggest the possible brass instruments used in this ensemble. 

Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, French Horn.

   4. How does the instrumentation create:​

1. a)Unity within the ensemble

All of the instruments are from the brass family.

​      b) Contrast within the ensemble

Each instrument has a different set of octaves it can play, creating a pitch range.

   5. Describe the tone colour of the ensemble 

Tragic, Exciting, Fast-Paced