Copy/Paste The Link To The Piece You Posted About In Your In

Copy/paste the link to the piece you posted about in your introduction

Conduct a full musical analysis of this piece to demonstrate what you learned in this lesson by answering the questions below as they relate to your chosen musical work. If you aren't certain about a musical element, please take a guess and explain your answer. For example, if you think the texture is homophonic, explain which instruments you think are playing the melody and which are playing the harmony.

1. Consider the balance between predictability and variability in your chosen piece. How does the composer handle these elements? Give an example.

2. What instruments are used in your chosen musical work, and to what instrument family do they belong?

3. Which musical layer is the melody? Is it a singer or an instrument? Do any other instruments or singers sometimes sound like they take over or share the melody at any point? If so, where? Provide time markers.

4. Which layers are playing harmony or "background" music?

5. Based on your answers to numbers 3 and 4, what do you think the musical texture is, and why (monophonic, homophonic, polyphonic, heterophonic)? Does it change? If so, where? Provide a time marker.

6. Listen for the steady beat pattern in your piece to determine the meter. Clap and count along with the beat. Do you think it is in quadruple or triple meter (or something else), and why do you think that?

7. How would you describe the overall dynamic level of the piece? Is it piano (soft), mezzo-piano (medium-soft), mezzo-forte (medium-loud) or forte (loud)? Are there any crescendos or decrescendos? Use time markers to indicate where these occur.

8. Use three adjectives to describe the timbre of the main singer's voice. Is it scratchy? Smooth? Mellow? Husky? Full? Deep? Hollow? Shrill? etc. If there is no singer, describe the timbre of this main melody instrument.

Paper For Above instruction

Music is an intricate art form that balances predictability and variability to captivate listeners and evoke emotional responses. In analyzing "Ice Cream" by BLACKPINK featuring Selena Gomez, it becomes evident how the composer skillfully manipulates these elements through instrumental choices, musical layers, and structural forms.

Starting with predictability and variability, the song exhibits a deliberate balance that sustains listener engagement. The repetitive chorus and consistent beat establish a predictable framework, anchoring the song’s rhythm. For example, the chorus repeats the catchy phrase "Ice Cream," anchored by a steady bass line and a consistent tempo around 120 beats per minute. Variability is introduced through melodic embellishments, dynamic shifts, and the occasional variation in instrumental layers, such as the addition of a synth or vocal ad-libs at different points, providing contrast and maintaining interest.

In terms of instrumentation, "Ice Cream" employs a range of sounds that belong primarily to the electronic instrument family. The song features synthesizers, drum machines, and digital effects that create its signature layered and vibrant texture. The prominent instruments include synthesizers producing melodic hooks, a drum machine providing the rhythmic pulse, and bass synths that underpin the harmonic foundation. The combination of these electronic instruments produces a modern pop-electronic sound characteristic of contemporary K-pop productions.

The melodic layer is primarily carried by Selena Gomez's vocals, which serve as the main melodic line. Her voice is the most recognizable layer, often taking precedence during the chorus with a bright, smooth timbre. At the 0:45 mark, Selena's vocal melody clearly stands out, while BLACKPINK's vocal parts often provide harmonic support or rhythmic backing. Occasionally, members like Jisoo or Lisa share melodic duties, especially during rap verses, where vocal lines become more rhythmic and spoken compared to Gomez’s sung melody. Sometimes, layers with background vocals or electronic effects subtly echo or harmonize with the main melody, such as at 1:15 and 2:30, augmenting the overall melodic texture.

Harmonically, the background layers include sustained synth pads and rhythmic electronic textures that support the main melody. These layers create harmonic depth without overwhelming the lead vocals. The harmonic progressions are relatively simple, centered around repeated chord cycles that underpin the upbeat, danceable mood of the song. The harmonic background enhances the catchiness while allowing the main vocal line to shine.

The musical texture of "Ice Cream" is predominantly homophonic, with the main melody supported by harmony and accompaniment layers. The primary melodic line is Selena Gomez’s vocal part, with harmonic support primarily provided by synthesizers and backing vocals. During certain sections, such as the rap verses, the texture becomes more polyphonic, as multiple voices and electronic layers interweave more independently. This shift in texture occurs around the 1:15 mark, where vocal lines and electronic motifs become more intricate and layered, creating a richer polyphonic texture at that point.

The song’s meter is perceived as quadruple, with a steady beat organized in four beats per measure. When clapping along, the emphasis falls naturally on the first beat of each measure, confirming a 4/4 meter. This common pattern aligns with dance music conventions, supporting the song’s energetic and groove-oriented nature.

Dynamic levels throughout "Ice Cream" range from mezzo-forte to forte, emphasizing its lively, pop-electronic character. The song opens at a moderate loudness (around mezzo-forte), with builds in energy during chorus sections, notable at 0:50 and 1:45, where crescendos occur with fuller instrumentation and louder vocal delivery. Conversely, during verse sections, such as at 1:15, the dynamics soften slightly, creating contrast and emphasizing the vocal melody. The use of crescendos and decrescendos adds expressiveness and guides the listener through the song’s structural peaks and valleys.

The timbre of Selena Gomez’s voice can be described as smooth, bright, and resonant. Her vocal tone complements the upbeat, playful mood of the song, with a clear, polished quality that captures the listener’s attention. The main instrumental melody, the synth leads, exhibit a bright and shimmering timbre, contributing to the overall vibrant sound palette of the track.

In conclusion, "Ice Cream" by BLACKPINK featuring Selena Gomez employs a balanced interplay of musical elements to create an engaging and contemporary pop song. From the predictable, danceable beat to varied melodic and harmonic layers, the piece exemplifies how modern music combines stability and variation to maintain listener interest. The homophonic texture, prominent electronic instrumentation, and dynamic shifts further enhance its appeal, demonstrating effective musical craftsmanship.

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