Concert report
Since Les Préludes (1849-55) is a tonal piece of music, our Elements of Music handout terms will prove useful. Some questions you might answer include:
“What instrument(s) play(s) the melody at certain places?”
At the start, the violins are played alone, and at 0:48, there is a moment when only the brass is performed before the brass resumes being the central instrument that is being played. The interchange between the also happens further into the piece with the violin taking the primary stage and the main tool being played (“Les Préludes (Franz Liszt) Daniel Barenboim Mit Berlin Philharmoniker – Staatsoper Berlin (1998)”). At 1:10, there are instances where the drum set is played, albeit not as loud as the other instruments.
“When is the piece major, and when is it minor?”
The piece starts with a high note and its major at around 1:20 when they play all the instruments together. At the start, when the master is setting the stage and directing the play of the tools displays the minor part in the piece.
“What is the texture like during a time frame?”
The texture of the play is a smooth one and has the roles played by the instruments bringing out the rhythm and the beat in the piece into a smooth textured one. The time frame is well played out and makes the texture of the piece stand out from as a smooth one where all the instruments are well played, and there is harmony throughout the play.
“How do the dynamics evolve?”
The dynamics in the piece start at a lowkey and increases. In several instances, the dynamics are high, and they interchange between high and low throughout the piece. The changes and the variations give the tone and the tempo of the piece, which in turn brings out the melody and also the tune in the piece.
“Are there surprising moments? Why?”
At 2:35, the pace and the dynamics remain high, which gives an exciting moment for the players. The piece, at the time, is more intense as compared to the other parts.
Atmosphères (1961) is contemporary, and therefore, it may be more practical to give a general reaction to the music. In this piece, in particular, there is no concept of melody or rhythm.
How does it make you feel?
The piece brings up a relaxing feeling and is engaging. Listening to the piece being played, it brings a refreshing and composed environment and also feeling. It is well played and has a consistency which makes one get lost in the play and even listening to it (“György Ligeti – Atmospheres”). From the way the instruments are blending in well and without raising the tempo, it has helped in maintaining the rhythm and also creating an ambient atmosphere that is so involving and enjoyable.
Do you like it?
The piece is significantly played, and I liked it. The playing and how the instruments are blending gives a feeling of many mixed atmospheres and also makes one get glued to it. The play of the apparatus is well-coordinated, and it ensures that the rhythm and the beat are maintained. I liked the kinds of emotions that arise from the play and also the feeling of comfort while listening to the piece. The way the instruments are played and how the dynamics keep shifting and changing between being high and low gives the piece a better feeling and a better edge to the other similar pieces. This has helped in the better understanding and enjoyment of the play. It is further engaging as one tries to predict the next turn of events and the subsequent blending of the instruments (“György Ligeti – Atmospheres”). The instrumentation further gives control and a feeling of good vibes as you listen to them being played elegantly.
Does the title of the piece suggest anything to you?
The title is suggestive of the role and also the direction of the play. The piece, which has many atmospheres and leads to different emotions and attractions and even feels as it develops further to the peak of the play. The title of the piece is suggestive of the different variations that are to be expected and to be found within the play and also the mixed emotions they will bring out.
Works cited
“György Ligeti – Atmospheres.” YouTube, 11 Apr. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCNzwdLwA8g. Accessed 18 May 2020.
“Les Préludes (Franz Liszt) Daniel Barenboim Mit Berlin Philharmoniker – Staatsoper Berlin (1998).” YouTube, 2 Jan. 2015, www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb2bkVQwtBs. Accessed 18 May 2020.