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Original song analysis

Activity 4 example

REPORT

1.- ORIGINAL TITLE

- Date of composition

Canon in D

- 1680 aprox.

2.- COMPOSER / SONGWRITER

- Short Biography

 

Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706).

Famous German composer and organist from the Baroque musical period.

His musical style is simple, with clear melodies and harmonies.

He explored many musical techniques, contributing to the development of the fugue.

His music influenced later composers.

3.- LYRICIST

 

Instrumental music, without lyrics.

4.- MUSIC BAND / ARTIST

- Short Biography

 

Several musical ensembles play this musical piece.

5.- MUSIC STYLE

- Main characteristics

 

Baroque (1600-1750).

Musical style characterized by:

- Development of tonal harmony

- Clear and simple rhythm

- Strong sound contrasts

- Improvisation

- Basso continuo (one or more harmonic instruments accompany the melody throughout the piece)

6.- VOICES

- Types of voices

Instrumental music, without voice.

7.- TOPIC

- Analyse lyrics

 

Instrumental music, without lyrics.

8.- INSTRUMENTS

- Melodic section

- Rhythmic section

 

Original: 3 violins & basso continuo (cello & harpsichord)

There are several versions an musical arrangements for different instruments.

9.- RHYTHM

- Tempo (speed)

- Time Signature

- Rhythm pattern

- Rhythm instruments

- Continuous.

- Adagio

- Time Signature: 4/4

- Rhythm pattern:  ritmo

- Cello

10.- MELODY

- Voice / melodic instuments

- Range

(from the lowest note to the highest)

 

- Clear

- Violins

- Range: sol, - re' (19 notas)

11.- HARMONY

- Key Signature

- Chords

- Harmonic instruments

- Clear

- Key Signature: D Major

- Chords: D Major, A Major, B minor, F# minor, G Major

- Chords Progression: I-V-VI-III-IV-I-IV-V

- Basso continuo: harpsichord

12.- STRUCTURE

- Sections

(intro-verse-chorus-bridge-coda...)

 

Canon with 28 variations. There are imitation, superposition & loops repetitions.

13.- FORM

(simple, binary, ternary, blues)

Canon: 3 voices imitation de 3 voces each 2 bars.

14.- LINKS

- Score

- Official video

- Official website

- Images

 

Score:

score                  video            video

Composer:                                    Musical piece:

enlace                            enlace

15.- Anecdotes/awards

 Although it is a very old piece, is constantly present nowdays.

It played in many events and celebrations (as in weddings ...).

In the original score there is a Giga (dance) after the canon, but it is not well known.

16.- Why do we choose this song?

It is a world famous piece and very catchy. It is easy to play.

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