Unchained Melody

 

 

What could be better than an outdoor concert on a warm summer night?

Whether you're headed to Tanglewood, a jazz fest of just your local park, here are some musical terms to get you ready.

Spread out the blanket, unpack the picnic and enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. baton — The wandlike tool a conductor uses to instruct musicians.

                       As the crowd settled, the conductor raised his baton and faced the orchestra.

 

2. nocturne — Musical work appropriate for night.

                             Also a brooding piano composition.

                             Chopin is known for his elaborate nocturnes.

 

3. Flautist — A flute player.

                         The renowned flautist studied for years before her first solo recital.

 

4. impromptu — Without preparation; also (n.) an improvised composition.

                                The crowd went wild as the bass player began an impromptu solo.

 

 

5. encore — Additional performance, often by audience demand.

                         The rock group wowed their fans with five encores.

 

6. bridge — A transitional passage of a musical composition, sometimes in a remote key.

                       The jazz guitarist really dazzled during the intricate bridge.

 

7. adagio — Slowly; in a leisurely manner.

                        The pianist played the waltz adagio, making it feel like a funeral march.

 

8. timpani — A set of kettledrums.

                         A booming flourish from the timpani ended the condert.

                         (From Latin tympanum, "drum.")

 

9. vivace — In a lively or vivacious tone.

                       The director told his chorus to sing vivace and show some energy.

 

10. venue — The scene or locale for a performance.

                         The band has appeared in such venues...

                         as the Hollywood Bowl and Madison Square Garen.

 

11. riff — To play a repeated pattern.

                  The saxophonist riffed lightly behind the vocal soloist.

 

12. score — A printed piece of music with all the instrumental and vocal parts arranged.

                        The violinist scrambled to secure his score as a breeze blew across the stage.

 

13. timbre — Quality of tone or sound.

                         The Native American drums had a deep, echoing timbre.

 

14. bagatelle — A short, light musical compositon.

                               The composer wrote a number of bagateles early in his career.

                               (From Italian bagata, "a trifle.")

 

15. woodshed — To practive an instrument, usually with a goal.

                                  Also "shed." He's woodshedding for a national audition.

                                  (Probably from the former use of woodsheds for private practicing.)

 

16. berceuse — Lullaby.

                                The young father played a berceuse as he watched his son nod off to sleep.

                               (From French bercer, "to rock.")

 

 

 

 

 

 

from...

Reader's Digest, Word Power, p 51-52, August 2006

 

 

www.rd.com

www.wordpower.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hollywood Bowl

2301 N. Highland Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90078
(323) 850-2000
(71 Acres)

 

Known as the world's largest natural amphitheater, the Hollywood Bowl features

some of the finest classical, pops, jazz, opera, and ballet performances.

The summer season includes spectacular fireworks,

classical, jazz, Latin salsa, and modern new age concerts.

The Bowl also features a museum, children's festivals and picnic areas.

For over 75 years the Hollywood Bowl has kept the public entertained

with great music at affordable prices!

 

 

Bowl - Museum -

Call (323) 850-2000 for hours (Concert Season) June - mid-September (Summer) 9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. (Tuesday - Sunday) 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Thomas Bros. Guide Map #: Page 593, D-3

 

 

 

 

 

http://1.fm/wm/energybaroque128k.asx