Selection: Pomp and Circumstance March No.1Composer: Edward Elgar (1857 - 1934)This listening selection can be found in the lesson on "Music can have a specific Purpose". The title of this piece comes from a line in Shakespeare's Othello ("Pride, pomp and circumstances of glorious war!"), from 1901. This deceptively simple music is known as Elgar's most famous piece, as it is often played during graduation ceremonies. But it was not originally intended for graduations. The Elgar March was used at the coronation of King Edward VII. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The melody sounds triumphant, giving rise to feelings of majesty. Listening to this piece several memories come to mind. I remember playing this piece in the days when I was in marching band. We have played it on occasions such as an awards ceremony and during parade inspections on important occasions. This reminds me strongly of my years spent playing in the band and the chance I was given to become a Drum Major. I'm also reminded of the time I attended my cousin's high school graduation ceremony. The melody had an underlying nostalgic quality, making it perfectly suited to a beginning that marks the beginning of one phase of life, but the end of another. Elgar's musical concept of this piece, from my point of view, is well structured and is able to convey a complex of emotions. The basic structure of the piece is quite simple: an energetic, energetic and militant outer section, with a more reflective and solemn inner melody. Like Handel's See Here the Conqu'ring Hero Comes, the piece has two main ideas, A and B. The following is my interpretation of the chronology of musical ideas: The piece is composed for an ensemble. It starts off softly with just a few instruments, giving it a very solemn feel. As it progresses, a feeling of greater triumph is suggested as volume and power increase by adding more instruments. This changes the dynamics of the piece. The timbre of this piece is played by the violins, which has a very sweet sound in the introduction, and a rich sound with the additions in the second section. With repetitions of musical ideas, he uses excellent variations, thus giving the piece enough variety to keep it interesting, while at the same time achieving unity. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom EssayThe popularity of this march reflects Elgar's ability to compose melodies that convey a complex of emotions. I conclude that this selection is very effective in using unity, variety, dynamics and timbre.
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