Beaumont School Music Department

Questions on the Raindrop Prelude: 1) Why is the piano prelude nicknamed the 'Raindrop'? 2) Name four  different subjects favoured for musical expression by Romantic composers. 3) What type of piece is a prelude? 4) Describe the basic outline of the structure of this piece. 5) How are contrasted moods achieved in section A and B? Make two points. 6) Name two main keys used in this piece. 7) Name two keyboard techniques needed for an expressive interpretation of the music. 8) Which note is used throughout the music as a representation of the falling raindrops? 9) Name two different ornaments used in the music. 10) What name is given to the prevailing texture found in this music?

In preparation for studying Chopin's Raindrop Prelude,  we recommend you listen to the other preludes from the collection.

As an introduction to Romantic music, we will be listening to and analysing this piece of music in our lessons: 4th and 5th movements of Symphony no. 6 by Beethoven.  I won't give anything else away for now...

In pairs, use the internet and other resources and write no more than 5 bullet points about the following: 1) The Romantic era and some features of its style; 2) The development of the piano and the rise of the virtuoso performer in the 19th century; 3) Some of the background to the life and works of F. Chopin (focus on Op. 28 Preludes). Present your findings by hand or on a word document, which you can print out at the end of the lesson.   This will go in your folder.

Listen to the two remaining set works in the Anthology and complete the comparison table in as much detail as you can.   Due: Wednesday 5th November Click here for the link to the table.  You are more than welcome to change the font, but please be mindful of the Taste Police, Doan and Guinane. Below are the two set works:

Please answer (in full sentences where applicable) the following question on Handel's  And the glory of the Lord .  Your answers should be succinct (i.e. please don't go on and on about irrelevant information!). Due:  Friday 24th October 2014 1) How is the joyful mood or "affection" of this chorus achieved by Handel? 2) Name three different types of musical texture that feature in this chorus.  Give examples. 3) Name the four voice parts that perform this chorus. 4) What instruments accompany the singers? 5) How many different melodies are used by Handel in the chorus - give details please. 6) Identify two ways in which the last three bars of the extracts ('hath spoken it') are given a dramatic setting. 7) Give bar numbers where you can hear: a) One voice part b) two voice parts c) three voice parts d) All four voice parts together 8) In general, how are the words set to music? 9) How is the word "revealed" treated throughout the pie...

As promised, year 10, here is the recording of Handel's And the glory of the Lord  from his oratorio Messiah .  Let's get this one in the can.