The elements of music to consider
Melody
Melodies can be created by using different features which can affect such things as to how it moves and how it is articulated. In this movement:
- the melodies of the song feature stepwise movement with passing noteWhen a melody goes from a chord note, passes by step to a non-chord note, then moves to the next chord note by step, eg the notes C, E, D over the C chord. D is the passing note. and there are sequences
- the detached notes for the lyric 'drop' is an example of word paintingWhen the music replicates what it is wanting to portray, eg an ascending melody when the lyrics talk of mountains.
- bar 20 and 21 feature melismaSeveral notes sung to one syllable. on the word 'eternal'
- phrase lengths are not regular
- ornamentationVarious ways of decorating a melody. is used in the harpsichord part
- there are frequent descending phrases
Harmony and tonality
These two elements can have an affect on the mood that a piece of music creates. Purcell implements:
- dissonance When at least one note conflicts with the harmony of the chord or key signature. and suspension When a note that doesn't belong to the chord is held over from the previous chord, then falls to the note of the chord to 'resolve'. Eg an F falling to E whilst a C chord is played underneath and resolves. to aid the message of the lyrics and story of Oedipus
- a ground bassA repeating bass pattern popular in Baroque music. The tool is also known as a bass ostinato. with chromatic notes
- Tierce de PicardieA piece in a minor key that finishes with the major tonic chord instead of the minor. in bar 23
- false relationTwo clashing chromatic notes heard very close together in separate parts.
- The overall tonality is A minor
Structure
The two main techniques Purcell features are:
- the song is written in da capo aria form, which is a type of ternary form
- the song revolves around a ground bassA repeating bass pattern popular in Baroque music. The tool is also known as a bass ostinato. in the left hand of the harpsichord and bass viol
Metre, rhythm and tempo
The metre is given by the time signature usually found at the beginning of a score and so too can the tempo marking. Purcell chose to write Music for a While with a repeating rhythm accompaniment that carries the message of the song in the play. This is done by:
- a simple timeMusical rhythm where each beat in a bar is a crochet and each beat can be divided in two, four or eight. 4/4 metre
- a continuous quaver pulse is maintained by the ground bass throughout
- performing the song slowly, but has no written tempo marking which was common in the Baroque period1600 - 1750.
Timbre
A composer will carefully select which instruments to include in a composition because they each bring their own unique colour, or timbre. Purcell wanted to convey a calming moment in the play which is why he selected:
- countertenor voice (now performed with a sopranoThe highest adult singing voice)
- harpsichord
- bass viol
Texture and dynamics
Both of these elements can help control the intensity of the piece. The following featuers can be heard in Music for a While:
- melody-dominated homophonyA musical texture which features a melody with accompaniment.
- some imitationWhere one musical part copies another. between the voice and harpsichord right hand parts
- the left hand of the harpsichord together with the bass viol double the same part
- there are no alterations to the dynamicsRefers to the softness or loudness of a piece of music. or articulation in the performance as they are not written in the score