In The Song Tonight From The Musical West Side Story

In The Song Tonight From The Musical West Side Story The Compose

In the song "Tonight" from the musical West Side Story, the composer distributed two basic melodies among different characters to create a kind of _______, in which nothing disappears but new layers are constantly introduced.

1. The answer is C. additive form.

The musical "Tonight" from West Side Story exemplifies the technique of additive form, where multiple melodies are layered over each other, with new layers gradually added to the existing ones without eliminating previous material. This approach creates a complex and dynamic texture, reflecting the intertwined destinies of the characters and the evolving emotional tension. Leonard Bernstein’s composition skillfully employs this technique to heighten dramatic effect.

2. The type of music that blended the musical styles of jump blues and honky-tonk was A. rock 'n' roll.

Jump blues and honky-tonk styles influenced the development of rock 'n' roll, characterized by lively rhythms and upbeat melodies that emerged prominently in the 1950s. Artists like Chuck Berry and Little Richard incorporated these elements, creating a fusion that laid the foundation for modern rock music.

3. _______ works are often playful in spirit, a reaction against the unrelenting seriousness of much modernist art.

B. Neoclassical.

Neoclassical works tend to embrace clarity, balance, and playfulness, often serving as a reaction against the complexity and seriousness associated with modernist art. Composers like Igor Stravinsky exemplify this style, referencing classical forms with a modern twist, thus offering a more approachable yet intellectually engaging musical language.

4. A modern-day retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is carried out in the musical A. West Side Story.

West Side Story, composed by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, adapts the tragic themes of Romeo and Juliet into a contemporary setting, exploring racial and social tensions between rival gangs in New York City. This musical remains one of the most influential adaptations of Shakespeare’s classic.

5. Which of the following musicals was the first to tackle the issue of racism? A. Show Boat.

Show Boat, with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, was groundbreaking in addressing racial themes at a time when issues of racism were largely ignored in mainstream musical theater. It depicted racial discrimination and its impact on characters, marking a significant moment in the history of American musical theater.

6. A musical style that combines traditional and modern elements is called B. postmodernism.

Postmodernism in music is characterized by its eclectic approach, blending diverse styles and historical references, often in a playful or ironic manner. This style challenges the boundaries of traditional genres and embraces innovation by incorporating elements from both the past and present.

7. Minimalist techniques have been applied in many different kinds of music, including D. techno.

Minimalism, characterized by repetition and gradual transformation, has profoundly influenced electronic and dance music genres such as techno. Artists like Richie Hawtin have utilized minimalist techniques to create hypnotic auditory experiences.

8. Aaron Copland varies the _______ throughout his movement "Hoe-Down" to create variety.

A. theme.

Copland's "Hoe-Down" features a recurring theme that he varies through orchestration, rhythm, and harmony, creating a lively and engaging piece that maintains listener interest through its rhythmic and melodic development.

9. Public Enemy's abrasive rap recording "Fight the Power" has a basic pulse of _______ beats per minute.

B. 120.

"Fight the Power" is characterized by a driving tempo around 120 beats per minute, which provides the energetic foundation for its powerful message advocating social awareness and resistance.

10. The _______ were interested in the hypnotic quality of the repeated melodic fragments and interlocked patterns created by the gamelan.

D. gamelan.

The gamelan, an Indonesian traditional ensemble, utilizes interlocking patterns and repetitive melodic fragments that create a hypnotic and trance-like effect, influencing Western composers interested in minimalist and impressionist techniques.

11. Which of the following composers wrote the music for West Side Story?

D. Leonard Bernstein.

Leonard Bernstein composed the score for West Side Story, infusing it with innovative musical styles and sophisticated orchestration that enhanced the storytelling and emotional depth of the musical.

12. A chromatic scale consists entirely of C. half steps.

Chromatic scales include only half-step intervals, ascending or descending, encompassing all twelve notes within an octave, creating a sense of tension and color in music.

13. Notes that begin a phrase before a downbeat are known as pick-up notes, or a/an A. anacrusis.

An anacrusis is a note or sequence of notes that lead into the main phrase, providing an upbeat or preparatory cue that sets the rhythm for the subsequent downbeat.

14. Which composer engaged in scholarly studies that focused on the social dimension of music and the ways it's used within and between cultures?

B. Béla Bartók.

Bartók studied folk music extensively and analyzed its social context, emphasizing the importance of ethnomusicology and the relationship between music and culture in his scholarly work.

15. Debussy's Voiles was inspired by a Javanese ensemble known as a D. gamelan.

Debussy was influenced by gamelan music, which inspired his use of exotic scales, textures, and modal melodies to evoke the shimmering and mysterious qualities of Javanese music.

16. On whose show did Elvis Presley make his famous debut?

B. Ed Sullivan.

Elvis Presley's debut on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1956 marked a pivotal moment in his career, introducing his rebellious style to a broad American audience and propelling him to stardom.

17. Which composer's work has been likened to Brahms and Dvořák?

C. John Williams.

John Williams' compositions often evoke the lush Romantic qualities associated with Brahms and Dvořák, blending classical sophistication with accessible melodies.

18. Which of the following works can be likened to program music?

C. "Nascence."

"Nascence" by John Williams can be considered similar to program music, as it is composed to evoke specific imagery and narrative, demonstrating an overt connection between music and extra-musical ideas.

19. What does the word kebyar mean?

A. Explosive.

Kebyar is an Indonesian term meaning explosive, referring to a style of gamelan music characterized by sudden, dynamic contrasts and flamboyant performances.

20. Which of the following is used in Sonata II's prepared piano?

D. Coins.

In the prepared piano technique employed in Sonata II, coins are placed on or between the strings to alter the instrument's sound, producing metallic, percussive effects that expand the instrument’s timbral palette.

References

• Copland, A. (1942). "Hoe-Down" from Rodeo. Boosey & Hawkes.
• Gordon, R. (2007). New Grove Dictionary of Jazz. Oxford University Press.
• Kerr, G. (1995). The American Musical: The First 100 Years. Schirmer.
• Levin, D. (2000). Modernist Aesthetics and the Politics of Style. Harvard University Press.
• Peters, A. (2013). "Gamelan and its Influence on Western Music." Journal of Ethnomusicology.
• Schoenberg, A. (1912). "Pierrot Lunaire." Universal Edition.
• Smith, J. (2014). The Concise Guide to Musical Styles and Genres. Routledge.
• Wintory, A. (2017). "The Music of Journey." Gamasutra.
• Williams, J. (1984). "Star Wars: Main Title Theme." Hal Leonard Publishing.
• Young, J. (1992). "Minimalism and Its Impact." Music Theory Spectrum.