February 8, 2012

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What Makes up an Orchestra

When you visit an orchestra or symphony orchestra you’ll notice that the set up of the stage is In a specific formation. This is because all instruments need to be grouped together based on the instrument family that they are in. Here’s a look at the basic set up of an orchestra or symphony orchestra.

Full Orchestra. To be considered a full orchestra the orchestra must contain at least 30 members. However, most orchestras contain over 90 musicians and members of the various instrument families.

The string family. The string family is divided into two sections. The string family is also known as the main component of the orchestra and has been this way since the 16th century. The first section of the string family includes the violins. The instruments in the second section are basses, violin cellos, and violas.

The Woodwind Family. There are various instruments that are included in the woodwind family. These instruments include bassoons, clarinets, English horns, piccolos, flutes and oboes.

The Brass Family. The brass family includes instruments that are typically made of brass. These instruments include trumpets, horns, tubas and trombones.

The Percussion Family. The Percussion Family is often the largest and most diverse section of the orchestra. This section includes symbols, chimes, as woodblock, bass drums, snare drums and other instruments.

While there are various families of instruments each section fits together with each other and is based off of the crucifix of the center. This allows the instruments to play better as they can hear them play off of one another.

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Classical Music in Sports Betting Sites

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Why not? Classical music actually fits any atmosphere, even those you wouldn’t otherwise associate it with. That’s because classical music knows no boundaries; therefore, it could fit perfectly in sports betting sites.

Think about it. How many times have you been watching a movie, whether it involves sports or not, and classical music was played to set the scene? It may have been the “William Tell Overture” to lead into an exciting chase sequence; Tchaikovsky’s “March of the Wooden Soldiers” from “The Nutcracker” to introduce a crowd scene where they were going into a large venue, such as a sports stadium; or any other classical music selection that would help move the story along.

Those who listen to classical music on a regular basis most likely keep up with the latest concert dates and venues where they can find classical music information or events. Whether it’s recordings to add to their collection or opportunities to learn about the new performers who are putting their own “spin” on this very old genre, enthusiasts can keep their interest as fresh as, well, as today’s sports events.

If you should find yourself listening for classical music in rather unusual places (as you very well might once you’ve read this article), try to remember at least a few bars of the piece. Or, wait to see if an announcement is made giving the title of the piece. You may decide to research it to find out more about it.

So the next time you are watching your favorite sporting event, whether live or on TV, keep an ear open when they begin playing the music. You might recognize some of the pieces that were mentioned in the second paragraph of this article. If you do, take a moment to look around while you’re listening and see for yourself how much classical music added to the atmosphere.

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Filed Under: Artists, Composers, Concert, General, Instruments, Music Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Classical Music: Staff Notation

Hoornse Brassband
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It is a confusion of lines, a series of baffling symbols – not able to be understood or deciphered. You think it is perhaps a riddle, meant to be solved only by those with far greater brilliance than yourself. It means nothing. It represents nothing. And you gladly look away, happy to offer focus to more important things. You’ll leave this puzzle for others to solve… and they do. The pieces you could not shape into an image are suddenly offered as music. They lead instruments to songs, carving out melodies both classic and surreal. They are perfect. They are mastered.

They are staff notations.

To those unfamiliar with classical music, these symbols seem to be little more than ink splatters, the mistakes of artists. They are instead, however, representations of how notes are to be performed. It is through them that symphonies are created, with every instrument following the flow.

Composed of five lines (with four spaces set between), staff notations offer the rules of an individual piece. They explain how each sound is to be played – defining pitch for every note. They also tell each musician when those notes are to be given, providing the timing for every song. To the untrained eye they seem nonsensical, a jumble of letters and sways. But to those who have been taught to read classical music they are instead the formation of a melody.

And those melodies have been recognized since the 12th century. Though music had long since existed before then, charting how each piece was to be performed was not a common practice until the 12th century. As the use of sound to enhance the religious experience became common, instrumentals had to be written down to ensure they were kept uniform. This led to the invention of the staff notation and the future accessibility of songs.

Those without the invaluable classical music understanding may think these notes to be without purpose. They do, however, turn ink into a tangible song. And this is a vital thing.

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Classical Music: Pitch, Defined

It’s a sudden sharp sound – unexpected but no less unwanted. You wince, trying to hide yourself from it, trying to remove the echoes it’s leaving in your mind. But it doesn’t stop. It doesn’t wilt. It instead continues on, filtering in from the hall and offering a trail of terrible noises. You’re forced to follow, wanting to see what could create such an impossibility. You finally reach a door, where it seems this… thing has spawned. And, as you open it, you are prepared for any scenario: all the little nightmares and tragedies, the chimerical creations.

They do not appear.

It is instead merely your child, practicing his instrument and forcing you closer to madness.

The shrieks you heard, the unidentifiable songs, were exercises in pitch. And, while they may have failed to impress, they did still succeed in proving their importance.

Pitch, defined simply, is the highs or lows sounds can reach (and those can sometimes seem like tortures rather than melodies). When applied properly – and with classical training – it can be used to guide an instrument to greatness. When misunderstood, though, it can be a too loud, too cringe worthy creature.

And this is why it therefore must be mastered.

Pitch is classified by the amount of frequencies that are offered per second. These frequencies are knows as a hertz. It calculates such elements as speed, vibration and tonality. The faster a cycle spines, the more hertz that appear; and this increases the sound and forms a higher pitch. Understanding this is essential when creating classical music. The orchestra sounds must not only be aligned but they must be used to their greatest advantages: too shrill or too low frequencies can lead to auditory discomfort.

Learning this, of course, requires diligence – which may force you to endure the mistakes and fumbling of your child as he tries to find perfection. He’ll eventually succeed, however; and the right pitch will be used again and again.

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What’s On Your Playlist?

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 02: Actors Ari Gray...
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The right playlist can really make waves. When you’re participating in an activity, trying to focus, or simply need something upbeat or intense to listen to, choosing the right music can have a positive impact on your ability to accomplish whatever you are working on. Whether you need a playlist to study prior to a test, to relax after a long day, or to fuel your luck in online casino games, there are songs that simply do the trick when combined with one another to create a power-packed playlist. Music is simply that powerful, and when you listen to music that moves you, you can move mountains.

What kind of music do you enjoy listening to the most? There are an endless number of different genres and subgenres, and new types of music are dropping every day. What types of music move you the most? Sometimes the right type of music depends completely on your mood, while other times it’s nice to choose something completely uncharacteristic of you. Can you honestly say there is a genre that you do not like anything from? Even the odd country song or rap song is catchy even if it isn’t your usual cup of tea.

It can be beneficial to keep a variety of different types of music on hand. There is no telling what you will be in the mood for from one day to the next, so keep a variety of artists and genres handy so that you have what you need whether you are looking for fast beats or a little nostalgic alternative from the 90s. Music is cathartic, therapeutic, uplifting and motivating in every sense of the word. Use it to pick yourself up, wind yourself down, motivate yourself and simply to find meaning in life. Music will never let you down.

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Classical Music: Etude

Classical Music In The Park
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Practice is a word usually lamented. We say it with whimpers, offering excuses and cringes; always trying to find ways to escape it, always trying to shove it to another time. But such times, if we had our way, would never exist and the notion of studying the same skills again and again would disappear entirely. We want to express ourselves, not focus our abilities into repetition. Such a notion is too stifling, too absurd. There is no need to practice. There is only the wish to create.

But creation becomes impossible when we try to play an instrument and fumble through every note – executing only the most painful of sounds, the most pitiful of songs. It seems we were mistaken in our own brilliance.

And from this mistake comes the need for the Etude.

Despite the hatred it may encounter, the Etude is a necessity that cannot be denied. Simply defined, it is a training tool that offers demanding pieces; each that must be played with perfection. It cannot be accomplished by lazy interests. It must instead be learned countless times, until the techniques it requires are mastered.

Began in the 19th century, the Etude was conceived as a way to explain the difficulties of the piano to students. It was a time when classical music was being redefined, offered more structured sensibilities. The religious formations of the past were being replaced to orchestra notes and rigorous virtuosity. Compositions were being written for pleasure, rather than sermons. And the public wished to follow, wanting to sample the skills of geniuses.

So the Etude (which means “to study”) was formed. These pieces taught the foundations of the piano, with their difficulty increasing with every page. They were meant to inspire diligence and could not be tamed without it.

This remains true today. Practicing is vital to classical music. And the Etude reminds all of the techniques that must be learned and the hours that must be given.

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My Need for Change

Photo © by Jeff Dean.
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A while ago I realized that I had to replace my old Canon 5.0 megapixel camera and get something a little more updated. I like my Canon, but after seeing the quality of images from other people’s standard everyday camera, I decided I had to get a new one. So after thinking about it for several days, I decided that I needed a change and I was finally willing to try new features. Like me, I am sure, there are many people out there who enjoy their old camera and trust the quality, which they are not willing to part with. But like everything else in the technology world, change is good and quality of the end product can be better.

So where did I find the extra cash? I enjoy online casino games like others and with a recent winning from one of the games, I decided that the most productive way to spend the money was to invest in the new camera. Not only did I not have to spend additional money from my own pocket, but with the huge range of cameras out there, I was actually able to find something within my budget. It is unbelievable how many cameras are out there in the market and unless you are actually looking to purchase one, you don’t realize the choices available to you.

Anyway I finally settled on a 12.1 megapixel Nikon, and even though I was skeptical about switching from my old handy Canon, I don’t regret the switch. It’s a great everyday camera with simple to use features and the quality of the photos is so much better than my old camera. One thing people should learn is that they need to update their digital cameras more often in order to keep up with the technology.

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Classical Music: The Oratorio and the Opera

It’s a blur of motions – a stage is offered, lit to halos and deliberate shade. An orchestra waits below; instruments raised to provide the essential sounds, the guidance of music. Performances will follow, letting songs lead them to perfect timing and meaning. Actors will rely on those meaning, taking every cue from the vibrations of a string, the slow drawl of a bow. And the story will be given life through melody, made a truth. It is an occasion noted for its importance, remembered for its grandeur and… utterly misnamed.

Too many individuals mistake the above described opera for an oratorio, believing the words to be the same, the definitions linked. They are not. While each offering is vital to the world of classical music, they are not to be confused (as they too often are). They are individual concepts and should be recognized as such.

The Opera: one of the most famed forms of classical music, the opera combines lyrics and melody, allowing actors to tell a story through elaborate solos, costumes and productions. The entire event is staged, with every movement given precise instruction. This is simply musical theater, however impressive it may be. It is defined to drama and character arcs.

The Oratorio: unlike the more recognized opera, the Oratorio is not an example of theatricality. It lacks the stories and techniques used within the opera (such as lighting, props and more). It instead relies merely on the music. Songs are delivered by choirs, with no call for dances or monologues. Instead it is offered a religious atmosphere, with its focus purely on the melodies.

This is an often forgotten distinction, with these efforts being named as one. They are not. They instead represent two unique forms of classical music and it is vital to understand this to better appreciate what they may offer.

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Music Education and Appreciation

A performance of the 8th Symphony of Mahler in...
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The world is carved to sound, to the rise and fall of violins, the deliberate shrieks of a harpsichord. It is a history made from music, with all years offering new melodies, new songs. Cultures are expressed through these elements – and countries are distinguished by the language of their symphonies. Understanding those symphonies, however, seems an impossible task for the students of today. Education is limited to what is deemed necessary. Facts are offered but not verses; mathematics are explored but not the trembling trebles. And the consequence is a startling lack of awareness for what is beyond the classroom doors. There is interest only in the nearby cities, not the distant lands.

And this cannot be allowed.

Music appreciation is a vital part of any child’s education. It is also too often ignored. What was once considered needed has been replaced to easier activities – and few students are greeted with a tangible history. This must change.

Simply explained: music appreciation is the discussion of sounds from all genres and countries. It is not the mastering of instruments (which can sometimes prove daunting for those who believe they could never learn to play). It is instead the understanding of cultures through their uses of pitch, tone and harmony. Techniques are explained and composers are studied. And from this comes the evolution of the world. Class struggles, religious influences and even fables can be learned. From opera to jazz riffs, rockabilly logic to the wilder drums, there is much to discover.

And that discovery is important for all children. Education is not to be limited to books. It cannot be a fully encompassing experience when kept to dull pages and duller recitations. It must instead be offered through unique methods and ancient sounds. Continents can be spanned, with their differences noted and respected. Through music appreciation the bridging of ideals is possible – and this must be offered to all students and their quests for knowledge.

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Sociomusicology: Music Education

Second preliminary session of the World Summit...
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It is an ancient ritual, passed from generation to generation – never changed, never altered, never made into a modern philosophy. It is instead a collection of sounds and movements, the interaction of those who have learned it well. Dancers circle; musicians play; and the day is met with tradition. And such tradition has been ingrained with a society, offered as a necessity. It cannot be forgotten. It cannot be ignored. It is instead to be celebrated, with all noting its importance and purpose. The intentions of a ritual are not simply to be completed for repetition’s sake. They are instead to be celebrated for their cause.

Such philosophies may seem strange to those without a connection to the past, a culture established for countless centuries (able to claim practices of all kinds and all decades). But individuals who are irrevocably linked to sounds and movement still exist; and the study of them has yielded surprising truths of human nature and design.

That study is known as Sociomusicology. And, while the name may be offered clumsily across unfamiliar tongues, the concept is simple: this is the exploration of the past and present by learning music and its effects on individual societies. Every culture has its traditions. Every city has its songs. And these are to be understood, with their impact on the differing class structures explained.

Sociomusicology may seem to be an unlikely field, with little purpose or intent. It is, however, vital in appreciating both history and the evolution of music. From the stirring chants of slaves (who sought comfort in sound) to the operatic performances that dominated the nobility, the differences between the social hierarchy is to be discovered. It reflects the years and their demands, the many issues faced by the public.

It it through education that we explore the world; and music offers a unique perspective to find. Through it society is examined and finally understood.

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