Richard Wagner (1813-1883)

Richard Wagner (1813-1883)Lohengrin, Prelude to Act IIIMakes wide and brilliant use of dynamic contrast to set the scene for the wedding of hero and heroine. Opens with a feeling of great energy conveyed by the massive sound of the full orchestra.Later the music becomes calm and gentle as we hear fewer instruments.More contrast follows when the full orchestra returns.

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Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)

Prelude in C minor for Piano, Op. 28* No. 20The dynamic change is produced by a single instrument, the piano.A decrease in volume from very loud (ff) soft (p ) and then to very soft (pp) creates the emotional progression in the piece. 2

Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)

The Firebird, Scene 2 (1910)Repeats one melody over and over creating variety and contrast through changes of dynamics, tone color and rhythm.The second scene begins softly but becomes increasing grand as the music becomes louder (crescendo).After this slow build up to a climax, there is a sudden quiet as all the instruments except the strings stop playing. A quick crescendo then leads to a brilliant concluding section. 3

Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)

The Firebird, Scene 2 (1910)Repeats one melody over and over creating variety and contrast through changes of dynamics, tone color and rhythm.The second scene begins softly but becomes increasing grand as the music becomes louder (crescendo).After this slow build up to a climax, there is a sudden quiet as all the instruments except the strings stop playing. A quick crescendo then leads to a brilliant concluding section. 4

Duke Ellington (1899-1974)C-Jam Blues (1942)A succession of different tone colors contributes to the variety within the piece.A repeated note melody is is played first by the piano and then repeated by several instruments. Solos are then improvised by various players. The song ends dramatically as we hear the full band for the first time.

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Duke Ellington (1899-1974)C-Jam Blues (1942)A succession of different tone colors contributes to the variety within the piece.A repeated note melody is is played first by the piano and then repeated by several instruments. Solos are then improvised by various players. The song ends dramatically as we hear the full band for the first time.

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