6. Chamber Orchestras & Ensembles
• Fewer players than a symphony orchestra
• Often heard in smaller concert halls
• Music more intimate and clear than with larger orchestra
• Conductor leading group
• Fewer instruments, generally 2-20; usually not > 8
• Each player has own part
• No conductor
• Originally performed in people’s homes (called “salons”)
8. Vocal Ensembles
• Large Secular Groups
– Chorales
– Choral Societies
– Women’s and Men’s Choruses, Glee Clubs
– Collegiate Choirs
• Usually accompanied by piano, but sometimes by small orchestras
• Religious Choirs
– Large or small number of singers
– Often perform in churches
– Often accompanied by organ
– Worship or concert format
• Small Choirs
– Madrigal Choirs
– Chamber Singers (1 or 2 singers per part)
– Jazz Choirs
– A Cappella Choirs (no accompanist)
9. Recital
• One or two soloists, plus an accompanist is
typical
• Singers, pianists, violinists most common
• Famous Instrumentalists also perform recitals
(e.g., flute, cello)
10. Opera
• Singing: Soloists, Small
Ensembles, Chorus
• Dramatic Action
• Elaborate Costumes and
Sets
• Sung Poetry (Libretto)
• Orchestra
• Choreography--very
specific steps
12. Ballet
• Blending of Arts: Sets,
Dance, Costumes, Music
• Highly Trained Dancers
• Orchestral
Accompaniment
• Based on a Story
• Choreography: Specific
movements, Steps, and
Combinations
13. The Role of the Conductor
• Leader of large
ensembles
• Time and tempo
• Baton
• Interpret
• The concertmaster
14. The Conductor
• Music scholar
• Communication
• Downbeat
• Conducting patterns
• Left hand expressions
• Cueing
15. Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra,
Op. 34(1946)-Benjamin Britten
• Englishman Britten wrote as introduction to the instruments
of the orchestra
• Variations & Fugue on a Theme of Purcell
• Used theme by Henry Purcell in thirteen variations
18. Lecture Slides
THE ENJOYMENT OF MUSIC
ESSENTIAL LISTENING EDITION
http://wwnorton.com/web/enjoyess2
THIRD EDITION
by
Kristine Forney
Andrew Dell’Antonio
Joseph Machlis