HUMA 2104 - Intro to Music TheoryLets talk about notation

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What is a composer?

A composer is a guy who goes around forcing his will on unsuspecting air molecules, often with the assistance of unsuspecting musicians.

- Frank Zappa

Tuesday, September 3, 13

What is a composer?

For our purposes we can just say that a composer is someone who organizes sound.

Tuesday, September 3, 13

What is music notation

Put simply, it is a written language, consisting of symbols developed to communicate musical ideas.

Tuesday, September 3, 13

Why do we need music notation?

It is much more durable than aural transmission. (think aural storytelling traditions)

It is much more efficient than descriptions using standard written or spoken language.

It allows us transmit complex and specific ideas that will last as long as the medium upon which it is written.

Tuesday, September 3, 13

Why do we need music notation?

Syrinx by Claude Debussy (written in 1913)

Pretend that you are Debussy. Without notation, how would you describe this piece in such a way that a performer would reproduce your original musical ideas?

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!

Tuesday, September 3, 13

Why do we need music notation?

Notation also provides a way to precisely coordinate many parts/people.

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But really... Why do we need notation?

In a lot of cases, we actually dont. It really depends upon a few factors

Degree of complexity Degree of specificity Means of transmission and

preservation

Tuesday, September 3, 13

But really... Why do we need music notation

Outside of the Western classical tradition, it is quite common to find music with no written notation system.

Even some complex styles of music are taught by rote, like Balinese Gamelan.

And others, like jazz, are partially notated, but largely improvised.

Tuesday, September 3, 13

But really... Why do we need music notation

However notation is essential to the majority of music within the Western classical tradition.

It provides a means by which to clearly convey musical ideas.

Without it, we wouldnt have this...

Tuesday, September 3, 13

But really... Why do we need music notation

Or even this.

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