Fine Arts Appreciation

Fall, 2011

Music Critiques for Concerts 1

Students Name Melissa L. Morgan

Your evaluation may include both positive and negative observations. However, the focus should be positive. Try to discover the techniques that contribute to the performer’s success. Keep criticisms within the bounds of professional respect for those you observe.

1. Introduction

July, 11, at 7pm, I attended a band concert at the Reynoldsburg Senior Center in Reynoldsburg, OH. The concert was mainly patriotic, historical and marches.

1. Number of performers

The band featured about fifty performers.

2. Type(s) of music performed

Instrumental, patriotic band and American historical music.

3. Genre/Style/Period

American band, folk music and marches from the 17^th century to the 20^th century. One example was John Philip Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes Forever. The band also played a few slow pieces, such as the traditional American song Shenandoah. I don’t have a video of the Reynoldsburg Community Band playing it, but here’s a really pretty piano rendition on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewRwgxmn6uU . Here’s a 2011 CSULA First Chair Honor Band performing Shenandoah by Frank Ticheli, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-vGLPDAiQM&feature=watch_response . (The second video and sound quality is a little distorted in places, unfortunately. That makes it unpleasant to listen to.) The history of Shenandoah is uncertain, but it is supposedly from at least the early 19^th century.

4. Other interesting or pertinent information about the concert

The band featured performers aged from their teens up into the seventies. My family attended, at the invitation of my youngest daughter’s musical keyboard teacher, Jan Jones, who plays piccolo in the community band.

2. Development

1. Describe how well the music was performed

The music was performed very well, and I thought at times, brilliantly; the band kept consistent time, clear tones and melodies.

Describe what could have been done more effectively. Why? How?

A few times the brass section faltered (a bit flat or sharp), but it was not noticeable to most of the audience. My ear is probably more sensitive to brass instruments, because I played the cornet in band in elementary and junior high stage band.

3. How well did the performer(s) relate to the audience?

I thought they related extremely well. The conductor introduced each piece with brief information about the composer, and the band members “played their hearts out.” At one point, the band played the theme song for each branch of the service, and asked the veterans to stand when their song was played (of course, to great applause!) Also, although I didn’t partake, the conductor offered ice cream to the crowd also!

4. Was the performance(s) aesthetically satisfying to you? Why? Why not?

Yes. The music was played well, and the songs were popular patriotic tunes, which I had heard since childhood. The band played in a beautiful park-like setting, outdoors, and the acoustics of the bandstand seemed good to me. My youngest daughter has small optic nerves/low vision, and hypersensitive hearing. She can’t stand sounds that are out of tune or discordant. I always know when music is bad, as she reacts strongly! She enjoyed the music, which was a good indicator as to the quality.

3. Value

1. What made the performance attractive/not attractive to you?

We were sitting on comfortable lawn chairs, and the weather was fine. The music was invigorating (marches always are—I think the Stars and Stripes Forever is about 120 bpm) and in a few cases, the crowd clapped to the beat. The piccolo duet made me think about the birds in the park like setting, twittering in joyful music. Mentally, I do love America, and I appreciate the sacrifices made by our veterans. Spiritually, the songs encouraged me to pray for our troops and praise God for our country.

2. Does the music performed possess lasting value and why?

Yes—I think the patriotic songs encourage our countrymen and women to be Godly citizens. Patriotic songs, marches, and folk songs also help us remember great things that God has done, in the past.

3. What is its cultural significance?

I believe that America was founded on biblical principles, and these values are reflected in much of our patriotic music. Keeping band music and folk music alive is important, as it reflects the biblical values of America’s history, laws, and culture. The meaning of songs such as Shenandoah reminds Americans of the bounteous blessings of America’s waterways, such as the Missouri river.

4. What is its spiritual significance?

Marches have been used in Christian music such as Salvation Army Bands, and can encourage us to “get moving” for God’s glory. Although some may disagree, I think it is biblical for a government to protect citizens (provide for the common defense). Therefore, I feel that patriotic band music is one way to appreciate both our freedom, endowed by our Creator, as well as remind us to be thankful for those who defend us.

5. Is the music performed suitable to the whole life of a Christian?

Yes—the concert was beautiful aesthetically, and the performers wore modest and unassuming in character. Their focus was on the music, not on themselves. Although the beat is often strong in marches, the songs also make you think, lift up your spirits emotionally, and can encourage you spiritually, to be thankful to God.

Definitions for Music Critiques for Concerts

Part 1: Introduction

a. Number of performers- simply the number of performers

b. Types of music performed- i.e. classical, folk, sacred classic

c. Genre/Style/Period- Genre or style- i.e. piano sonata in the Romantic Period

d. Other info – This oratorio is the most popular oratorio of all time.

Part 2: Development

a. The performer seemed to get the notes right but played the entire selection with

no nuance or dynamic changes.

b. The piece seemed to be performed too slowly. The performer seemed to be

struggling with breath.

c. The performer looked at the audience as he sang but gave little or no facial expression.

d. The music was very beautiful but I wish the performer had used more emotion in his singing.

Part 3: Value

a. The piano sonata was fast which made it very exciting.

b. I believe that this song is too simple and doesn’t seem to have interesting

harmony.

c. The song is a constant reminder of the suffering of the Civil War.

d. This song has no spiritual significance except that it mentions death repeatedly.

However, it does not mention death in relationship to God or heaven or hell.

e. Yes, it is important for Christians to be aware socially and historically.