Introduction
Music can awaken a wide range of emotions of both the amateur and the sophisticated listener. Live musical performance expands a person’s emotional range and may even go beyond that reaching those unknown types of feelings that people have not yet given a name. That is why I watched and analyzed four video recordings of music performances to determine how music and the artistry of performers create a unique ambiance.
Musical Analysis of Quartet in E Flat for Piano, Violin, Viola, and Cello. Op.47
The first video I watched captures Quartet in E Flat for Piano, Violin, Viola, and Cello. Op.47, composed by Robert Schumann. The performing crew consists of two musicians Paul Neubauer and Daniel Hope, and two artistic directors, namely Wu Han and David Finckel. The first two play the violin and viola, and the latter two perform the piano and the cello, respectively (Ibis Productions, 2015). According to the video material, the musical composition consists of four parts. They are the beginning in allegro ma non troppo tempo of 116-132 bpm, the main part in vivace of 176-192 bpm and andante of 58-72 bpm, and the finale which is also in vivace.
An exciting feature is that in allegro ma non troppo and both vivace, the piano is responsible for the dynamics, while in the andante, it is string instruments that take this role. It is also worth noting that the stage is devoid of any scenery that allows the listener to focus on music and performers (Ibis Productions, 2015). This semi-official visual ambiance between student and symphonic theatrical performance highlights this video piece. The behavior of musicians and artistic directors is similar to the relationship between students and teachers, which is noticeable in the facial expressions of artists and their frequent glances.
Musical Analysis of Libertango
The second video in my musical analysis list is Libertango, authored by Astor Piazzolla. Two sisters, Khatia and Gvantsa Buniatishvili, play this piece of music on the piano. The composition is short; therefore, it can be stated that it consists of one movement, and judging by the rhythm of the part, it is vivo of 160-176 bpm (Steiger, 2014). Primo pianist, namely, the sister on the right, is a lead or melody performer; therefore, the sister on the left plays the role of the rhythm Secondo. The structure of the melodic part and high notes enhance and accelerate the dynamics of the composition.
It was an unusual decision to place the stage and the audience in a forest setting. These extraordinary surroundings give the viewer a breath of fresh air compared to other videos (Steiger, 2014). It also provides this performance with an atmosphere of indie films and melodramatic works about the times of the 19th century in Europe and America. It is also worth noting the dualism of the artistry of both pianists. Unlike her sister’s formal behavior, Primo is almost possessed by her melody as soon as she touches the piano keys.
Musical Analysis of Wiener Philharmoniker
Visual presentation of Wiener Philharmoniker, composed by Maurice Ravel and conducted by Gustavo Dudamel and the orchestra, is an exemplary classic performance in a symphony theater. This statement also applies to the sound component, which includes small and large wind, string, and percussion musical instruments (accentusmusic, 2017). The tempo of a piece of music is gradually accelerated during the composition and has four movements. They are andante of 58-72 bpm, comodo of 63-80 bpm, animato of 100-116 bmp, and tempo di marcia of 112-126 bpm. The repeating rhythm of the drums remains interesting because, in each new tact of the melody, the structure of music changes, and new instruments are added.
As it was noted above, this performance is standard for a symphonic scene. The orchestra and composer are in the maximum emotional tension, and even their movements are mechanical (accentusmusic, 2017). Those musicians whose party has not yet begun, carefully listen to the drum rhythm and observe the movements of colleagues and the conductor’s hands. The audience also feels this and listens attentively to a piece of music applauding at the beginning and end of the composition. Of all three formal performances, it is this one that most contrasts with Libertango.
Musical Analysis of O Sole Mio
Performance of O Sole Mio by Bryan Adams and Luciano Pavarotti continues the trend of the formal scene. The composers of this piece of music are Alfredo Mazzucchi and Eduardo di Capua and lyrics by Giovanni Capurro. An orchestra accompanies the singers with mostly trumpets and violins (Adams, 2009). The musical composition is divided into two movements, each of which belongs to the singers who were mentioned above, and both of them are performed in a comodo tempo of 63-80 bpm.
Despite the same timbres, the nature of the singing of both performers is noticeably different. The pitch of Brian Adams is due to the more casual manner of opera singing. Luciano Pavarotti adheres to professional breathing and pronunciation techniques. As in the Libertango video, viewers can see a specific synergy between the two artists (Adams, 2009). However, unlike the Buniatishvili sisters, they do not contrast but complement each other. At the end of the second minute, it can be seen that the O Sole Mio stage is also in the open air.
Personal Thoughts and Conclusion
To be honest, I liked the last video most of all, namely O Sole Mio performance. In this video, a specific spirit of the old school is felt, and what is most interesting here is that its informal and semi-official part is captured. Music allows listeners and viewers to plunge both into the past and the future, and this is its unique and beckoning magic.
References
- accentusmusic. (2017). Maurice Ravel: Bolero / Gustavo Dudamel conducts the Wiener Philharmoniker at Lucerne Festival 2010. [Video file]. Youtube.
- Adams, B. (2009). Bryan Adams & Luciano Pavarotti – ‘O Sole Mio. [Video file]. Youtube. Web.
- Ibis Productions. (2015). Schumann: Quartet in e-flat major for piano, violin, viola, and cello, Op. 47. [Video file]. Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Web.
- Steiger, W. (2014). Khatia + Gvantsa Buniatishvili – Astor Piazzolla: Libertango [Video file]. Youtube.