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DECISION:
PROGRAMMATIC OR ABSOLUTE? | ||||||
The term 'Programmatic music' implies that a listener needs a programme note to understand the music fully. Certain dramatic elements in the music may not otherwise be apparent. This means that there is probably a story-line, plot or idea that is 'literary', for example. Usually the title of a programmatic piece gives us a clue about the composer's intentions. Examples: Peter and the Wolf (Prokofiev); Romeo and Juliet Overture (Tchaikowsky) A piece of music that sets out to create a specific mood could also be called programmatic.
The opposite of programmatic is Absolute. The music exists in its own right i.e. it is not a narrative vehicle. The musical elements in the piece must keep the listener's attention. There are no other 'props'. Examples: Fugue in G (Bach); Symphony No 40 (Mozart) Be careful! If the sounds are used to illustrate a story, the resulting work may sound like a soundtrack for a cartoon. How can it then be called 'music'? | ||||||
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| Here
is a piece of musique concrète composed using two of the sound files
provided. Cool Edit Pro was the audio editor. It took one hour to create
the piece. It attempts to create the impression of having to work in an alost
empty school. on New Year's Eve with sundry musicians appearing on corridors in
the distance. It is called MH311203
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