One of Verdi’s last opera that he wrote was the Falstaff. I decided to watch a shortened version of this opera that sums up the performance in 10 minutes. Unlike some of Verdi’s other operas, this one seems to be more continuous at points; there seems to be constant action in the performance, rarely do you have a part that is without sound except in between Acts. The melodic range of this piece seems somewhat to range between high and low periods depending on how the scene is. This helps to create a very dramatic story. The melody in parts is very skippy but other parts are more continuous movement from note to note. At the end of the piece, they realize that the world is meant for fun as they all come together in an accelerando. During this accelerando, there is the addition of individuals in the choir and not to have the entire choir singing at the beginning and all the way through. The music of this opera is very complementary to the singers. If you pay attention closely, there is the accompaniment that is somewhat lagged to the performance of the singers and often intertwined with their performance. It also helps build the mood and direction for which the act is going. However, often you will find that it speeds up till a climax and then slows again. Approximately 1:55 into the video, you can see the use of a Rossini crescendo to help build excitement. This helps show the influence that Rossini, Bellini, and Donizetti has on Verdi’s work.
The performer’s seemed to have done an excellent job of dressing the time period at which the piece was written. They also do a good job of movement and using the entire stage that they are performing on.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Avatar - Na'vi and Film Score
After watching the movie Avatar, and actively listening to the music during different scenes, you can decipher the two different styles of music. One would be the typical music score of the orchestra that was played outside the Na’vi scenes and the other is the Na’vi music that consisted of drums and some monotone sounds and background drones.
The Na’vi music, I felt was best described by associating it with certain African style music cultures but after further review and speaking with my peers, I began to realize that it was more complex. There seems to be a Native American theme to the movie and it is only reasonable to consider this style of music as well. A friend of mine stated that Avatar seemed to depict the Pocahontas story in that the primarily white English came to the “New World” and took it over. There is a strong association with the Na’vi treated their world and the way the Native Americans treated theirs. As I was watching the movie, I felt the struggle and the cultural connection that the scene was portraying through the music that was being played.
The orchestral film score that was played was completely different to that of the Na’vi. It was the sound of music that you would typically hear in an epic type movie like Avatar. This score had a sort of battle of survival or uplifting tone that would require you to be inspired or emit some sort of emotion. Because of the struggle between the Na’vi and the marines, you also saw the battle between their two different types of music which made them very distinct.
The Na’vi music, I felt was best described by associating it with certain African style music cultures but after further review and speaking with my peers, I began to realize that it was more complex. There seems to be a Native American theme to the movie and it is only reasonable to consider this style of music as well. A friend of mine stated that Avatar seemed to depict the Pocahontas story in that the primarily white English came to the “New World” and took it over. There is a strong association with the Na’vi treated their world and the way the Native Americans treated theirs. As I was watching the movie, I felt the struggle and the cultural connection that the scene was portraying through the music that was being played.
The orchestral film score that was played was completely different to that of the Na’vi. It was the sound of music that you would typically hear in an epic type movie like Avatar. This score had a sort of battle of survival or uplifting tone that would require you to be inspired or emit some sort of emotion. Because of the struggle between the Na’vi and the marines, you also saw the battle between their two different types of music which made them very distinct.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Radio UTD Music Ethnocology
Introduction
There are several different music cultures in the Dallas, Texas area that go unheard or unrecognized. I focused on a music culture that was close to home and affects most of my peers around me. I chose to do my music ethnography on Sean Jordan’s Radio UTD – Rockin’ It Old School. “Radio UTD is a student-run, non-commercial internet radio station for The University of Texas at Dallas, located in Richardson, Texas” (Radio UTD). Radio UTD plays several different genres of music but the session that I went to and want to focus on is Alternative Indie music. Alternative Indie music can be classified as the music that rejected the mainstream commercialization and chose to stay independent. Alternative music is close to rock but lacks some of the heavy jam music. Indie bands live the “do it yourself” life and are unique because they are inspired to create music that maintains their original sound and are not subject to the mainstream commercials that you will tend to hear on the radio in your car (MusicMoz). Radio UTD is a link to which brings you indie music, although they only can be heard online, they offer some events and parties at which you can attend in order to help broaden your views on this culture.
Methodology of Collection
The primary method for my data was collected through an interview during the Radio UTD session that Sean was offering. The Radio UTD studio is located in the lower level of the Student Union at The University of Texas at Dallas. I would like to begin by describing the process that I went through in order to conduct my research. Prior to communicating to Sean Jordan, I looked at my life and saw the different music cultures that affected me. At this point, I realized that I wanted to conduct my music culture on the alternative indie music brought to me by Sean Jordan at Radio UTD. So I began by conducting some background research not only on Radio UTD, but also on the music that Sean promotes. I conducting some background research, I thought that it would be an excellent opportunity for me to visit a live showing at Radio UTD. I attended a live session from Sean Jordan on Thursday February 18, 2010. Upon arrival at the studio, Sean procured me a guest badge. Seeing as this would be my primary source of information, we talked about everything ranging from the devices he uses in office, rules that he must abide by, workings of the office (i.e. management), and the type of music that Sean plays, Alternative Indie. A great way to get involved into Alternative Indie music or other independent bands is to search around the internet. A way that I keep in touch with the current news, albums, and top rated tracks is through Pitchfork.com (Pitchfork).
Ideas About Music
Now, we will discuss the different aspects of this music culture including the ideas about the music, activities involving this music, repertoires of the music, and the material culture of the music. Some important ideas about the music culture or Radio UTD include the main belief that music should be shared with others. Those who are unable to effectively go out and find music are given a short cut. Although mainly played through an internet radio station, Radio UTD also broadcasts within the Student Union at UTD for students to listen to when they are eating, playing pool, arcades or just relaxing. The role of music within Radio UTD is that it creates a new outlet for the music that wouldn’t otherwise be heard. Without new independent music, there would not be Radio UTD. Since the spectrum of independent music is so large, music can be aired 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Sean’s timeslot within those hours are Thursday’s from 2pm to 4pm. The history for this music can be traced back to around the 90’s. According to MusicMoz, the Alternative Indie music has its beginnings in 1989 when Nirvana switched from their independent label and began their first commercialized album. From that point there were several Indie bands that followed and also signed onto major record labels while others decided it would be best to remain independent and continue doing what they love (creating music for their own satisfactions).
Activities Involving Music
Indie music has become increasingly popular over the past 20 years. Some activities involving this music include the different outlets to where the music can be reached. These outlets include but are not limited to iTunes, concerts, music stores, radio stations, and the internet. Some of the musicians that play the indie music do it professionally while others do it mainly as a hobby. Indie singers can be hired to do events such as weddings, private parties, or corporate events (Minnesota). Those who don’t perform professionally, tend to perform either within the confines of their own home or at local pub or venue. Locally there may be a tendency for the formation of groups through religions, race, or ethnicity but Alternative Indie is not limited to any type of stereotype. The group is very diverse in nature because of their individuality. Radio UTD helps diversify their music by playing all different types of Indie music, not limited to Alternative, they have a huge collection of music that ranges from Alternative to Metal to R&B. The diversity is really shown throughout the culture, from who performers, records, and distributes. Although Radio UTD tends to stick with the English dialect, Alternative Indie is prominent through several different countries, and is not confined to the individualistic nature of American or British cultures. Since the music is so diverse, it can appeal to different groups separated by age, ethnicity, and geographical locations. Music has always had a way to bring people together. It’s not always the lyrics that catch my attention but rather the tone and melody that capture my interest. It is because of this open nature and variety of sounds that people are attracted by all sorts of different lifestyles. However, because independent music is known for being so creative and without commercialization, sometimes it is hard for the bands to raise money so you find things to be lower budget than you would from these multimillion dollar artists such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Britney Spears. For that reason, you will tend to find less advertisement for Alternative groups, making it harder for their music to be heard. Radio UTD puts together a couple events every year that consist of dance parties held typically in the art barn at UTD, while larger dance parties take place in the galaxy rooms. Students, faculty, and even outsiders will attend these events. Their main source of advertisement is word of mouth, fliers, posters and announcements. The musicians are not limited to local bands, last year they brought in a band from Las Angeles, CA (Jordan).
Repertoires of Music
Indie music can fit into nearly every type of genre; the music that Sean Jordan plays during his session at Radio UTD however is strictly Alternative. I tried listening to some of the songs that Sean played while I was interviewing him and it seemed that most of the songs had to do with love. There are other lyrical basis of Alternative music that can range from heartbreak to a variety of other things that have nothing to do with love. The lyrics are a direct reflection of how the artist, normally the performer is feeling. Because of this, you will find that some of the songs are not as melodic as other mainstream songs. This is due to the fact that they are presented through the eyes of the artist. Because alternative is a fairly new genre of music, it is important to stay up to date with current events, albums, and artists (Jordan). Radio UTD is actually sent CD’s from promotional studios every week in which they are required to play throughout the day. This makes this music-culture expanding in nature because of the activity of music being introduced not only a monthly basis but a weekly basis. When CD’s are sent to the studio, they are ranked by the Radio UTD manager, as well as ranked by the overall attitudes of those who listen to it online. Also along with the CDs sent is a list of other musicians that are similar to that. This is how Sean creates his playlist, linking songs that are similar in nature because you don’t want to go from a song that is mellow to a song that is harder rock. There needs to be a smooth transition of music. The internet is the primary way in which this music is transmitted. Several different colleges and schools around the United States provide this same type of service to help promote Indie music.
Material Culture
Due to the size of the Alternative Indie culture and the budget associated with it, the material culture for this group is sometimes limited. Instruments typically used consist of electric guitars, drums, microphones, and synthesizers. For Radio UTD, the instruments they use to promote the music consist of several computers, internet, mixer, turn tables, speakers and headsets, and a huge collection of CD’s. Most of the instruments that are required for recording and distribution can be found at any typical music store. Not many indie music books are sold. Some other types of goodies that are sold that aren’t directly related to the recording and distribution include t-shirts and other types of fan gear that are sold are the concerts.
In conclusion, we have established the history of Alternative Indie, how it is promoted, and who promotes their music. Radio UTD has established themselves among the majority of campus, as well as many other individuals. It is through a medium like Radio UTD that most indie music gathers its fans. From that point, it is up to these promotional mediums to help keep listeners up to date on current events that are happening around their area. Individualism and Creativity have maintained the music culture of Indie music even through times of greed and money making opportunities. With this stream of music pouring in, there is a dire need for students to take it upon themselves in order to spread the news and albums. Events are happening all around, you just need to stay tuned or visit some key websites on the internet in order to find a place near you to experience Alternative Indie. Your mind is the creative limit and Indie music is the exploration of that mind we see in our music today.
Links to Alternative Indie Music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e0u11rgd9Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpMPJWcC1Dk&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNgyFJOzbs4
Work Cited:
Jordan, Sean. "Radio UTD." Personal interview. 18 Feb. 2010.
"Minnesota Indie Rock Musicians, MN Indie Rock Music, Indie Rock Musicians MN, Indie Rock Music Minnesota." Event Entertainment Planning: Live Music Bands, Wedding Musicians, Party DJs, & more. Web. 19 Feb. 2010..
"MusicMoz - Styles: Rock: Alternative: Indie." MusicMoz - Open Music Project. Web. 28 Feb. 2010..
Pitchfork: Home. Web. 15 Feb. 2010.
Radio UTD. Web. 15 Feb. 2010.
There are several different music cultures in the Dallas, Texas area that go unheard or unrecognized. I focused on a music culture that was close to home and affects most of my peers around me. I chose to do my music ethnography on Sean Jordan’s Radio UTD – Rockin’ It Old School. “Radio UTD is a student-run, non-commercial internet radio station for The University of Texas at Dallas, located in Richardson, Texas” (Radio UTD). Radio UTD plays several different genres of music but the session that I went to and want to focus on is Alternative Indie music. Alternative Indie music can be classified as the music that rejected the mainstream commercialization and chose to stay independent. Alternative music is close to rock but lacks some of the heavy jam music. Indie bands live the “do it yourself” life and are unique because they are inspired to create music that maintains their original sound and are not subject to the mainstream commercials that you will tend to hear on the radio in your car (MusicMoz). Radio UTD is a link to which brings you indie music, although they only can be heard online, they offer some events and parties at which you can attend in order to help broaden your views on this culture.
Methodology of Collection
The primary method for my data was collected through an interview during the Radio UTD session that Sean was offering. The Radio UTD studio is located in the lower level of the Student Union at The University of Texas at Dallas. I would like to begin by describing the process that I went through in order to conduct my research. Prior to communicating to Sean Jordan, I looked at my life and saw the different music cultures that affected me. At this point, I realized that I wanted to conduct my music culture on the alternative indie music brought to me by Sean Jordan at Radio UTD. So I began by conducting some background research not only on Radio UTD, but also on the music that Sean promotes. I conducting some background research, I thought that it would be an excellent opportunity for me to visit a live showing at Radio UTD. I attended a live session from Sean Jordan on Thursday February 18, 2010. Upon arrival at the studio, Sean procured me a guest badge. Seeing as this would be my primary source of information, we talked about everything ranging from the devices he uses in office, rules that he must abide by, workings of the office (i.e. management), and the type of music that Sean plays, Alternative Indie. A great way to get involved into Alternative Indie music or other independent bands is to search around the internet. A way that I keep in touch with the current news, albums, and top rated tracks is through Pitchfork.com (Pitchfork).
Ideas About Music
Now, we will discuss the different aspects of this music culture including the ideas about the music, activities involving this music, repertoires of the music, and the material culture of the music. Some important ideas about the music culture or Radio UTD include the main belief that music should be shared with others. Those who are unable to effectively go out and find music are given a short cut. Although mainly played through an internet radio station, Radio UTD also broadcasts within the Student Union at UTD for students to listen to when they are eating, playing pool, arcades or just relaxing. The role of music within Radio UTD is that it creates a new outlet for the music that wouldn’t otherwise be heard. Without new independent music, there would not be Radio UTD. Since the spectrum of independent music is so large, music can be aired 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Sean’s timeslot within those hours are Thursday’s from 2pm to 4pm. The history for this music can be traced back to around the 90’s. According to MusicMoz, the Alternative Indie music has its beginnings in 1989 when Nirvana switched from their independent label and began their first commercialized album. From that point there were several Indie bands that followed and also signed onto major record labels while others decided it would be best to remain independent and continue doing what they love (creating music for their own satisfactions).
Activities Involving Music
Indie music has become increasingly popular over the past 20 years. Some activities involving this music include the different outlets to where the music can be reached. These outlets include but are not limited to iTunes, concerts, music stores, radio stations, and the internet. Some of the musicians that play the indie music do it professionally while others do it mainly as a hobby. Indie singers can be hired to do events such as weddings, private parties, or corporate events (Minnesota). Those who don’t perform professionally, tend to perform either within the confines of their own home or at local pub or venue. Locally there may be a tendency for the formation of groups through religions, race, or ethnicity but Alternative Indie is not limited to any type of stereotype. The group is very diverse in nature because of their individuality. Radio UTD helps diversify their music by playing all different types of Indie music, not limited to Alternative, they have a huge collection of music that ranges from Alternative to Metal to R&B. The diversity is really shown throughout the culture, from who performers, records, and distributes. Although Radio UTD tends to stick with the English dialect, Alternative Indie is prominent through several different countries, and is not confined to the individualistic nature of American or British cultures. Since the music is so diverse, it can appeal to different groups separated by age, ethnicity, and geographical locations. Music has always had a way to bring people together. It’s not always the lyrics that catch my attention but rather the tone and melody that capture my interest. It is because of this open nature and variety of sounds that people are attracted by all sorts of different lifestyles. However, because independent music is known for being so creative and without commercialization, sometimes it is hard for the bands to raise money so you find things to be lower budget than you would from these multimillion dollar artists such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Britney Spears. For that reason, you will tend to find less advertisement for Alternative groups, making it harder for their music to be heard. Radio UTD puts together a couple events every year that consist of dance parties held typically in the art barn at UTD, while larger dance parties take place in the galaxy rooms. Students, faculty, and even outsiders will attend these events. Their main source of advertisement is word of mouth, fliers, posters and announcements. The musicians are not limited to local bands, last year they brought in a band from Las Angeles, CA (Jordan).
Repertoires of Music
Indie music can fit into nearly every type of genre; the music that Sean Jordan plays during his session at Radio UTD however is strictly Alternative. I tried listening to some of the songs that Sean played while I was interviewing him and it seemed that most of the songs had to do with love. There are other lyrical basis of Alternative music that can range from heartbreak to a variety of other things that have nothing to do with love. The lyrics are a direct reflection of how the artist, normally the performer is feeling. Because of this, you will find that some of the songs are not as melodic as other mainstream songs. This is due to the fact that they are presented through the eyes of the artist. Because alternative is a fairly new genre of music, it is important to stay up to date with current events, albums, and artists (Jordan). Radio UTD is actually sent CD’s from promotional studios every week in which they are required to play throughout the day. This makes this music-culture expanding in nature because of the activity of music being introduced not only a monthly basis but a weekly basis. When CD’s are sent to the studio, they are ranked by the Radio UTD manager, as well as ranked by the overall attitudes of those who listen to it online. Also along with the CDs sent is a list of other musicians that are similar to that. This is how Sean creates his playlist, linking songs that are similar in nature because you don’t want to go from a song that is mellow to a song that is harder rock. There needs to be a smooth transition of music. The internet is the primary way in which this music is transmitted. Several different colleges and schools around the United States provide this same type of service to help promote Indie music.
Material Culture
Due to the size of the Alternative Indie culture and the budget associated with it, the material culture for this group is sometimes limited. Instruments typically used consist of electric guitars, drums, microphones, and synthesizers. For Radio UTD, the instruments they use to promote the music consist of several computers, internet, mixer, turn tables, speakers and headsets, and a huge collection of CD’s. Most of the instruments that are required for recording and distribution can be found at any typical music store. Not many indie music books are sold. Some other types of goodies that are sold that aren’t directly related to the recording and distribution include t-shirts and other types of fan gear that are sold are the concerts.
In conclusion, we have established the history of Alternative Indie, how it is promoted, and who promotes their music. Radio UTD has established themselves among the majority of campus, as well as many other individuals. It is through a medium like Radio UTD that most indie music gathers its fans. From that point, it is up to these promotional mediums to help keep listeners up to date on current events that are happening around their area. Individualism and Creativity have maintained the music culture of Indie music even through times of greed and money making opportunities. With this stream of music pouring in, there is a dire need for students to take it upon themselves in order to spread the news and albums. Events are happening all around, you just need to stay tuned or visit some key websites on the internet in order to find a place near you to experience Alternative Indie. Your mind is the creative limit and Indie music is the exploration of that mind we see in our music today.
Links to Alternative Indie Music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e0u11rgd9Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpMPJWcC1Dk&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNgyFJOzbs4
Work Cited:
Jordan, Sean. "Radio UTD." Personal interview. 18 Feb. 2010.
"Minnesota Indie Rock Musicians, MN Indie Rock Music, Indie Rock Musicians MN, Indie Rock Music Minnesota." Event Entertainment Planning: Live Music Bands, Wedding Musicians, Party DJs, & more. Web. 19 Feb. 2010.
"MusicMoz - Styles: Rock: Alternative: Indie." MusicMoz - Open Music Project. Web. 28 Feb. 2010.
Pitchfork: Home. Web. 15 Feb. 2010.
Radio UTD. Web. 15 Feb. 2010.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Blog Post 8 - Radio UTD Possible Problems
When analyzing the Radio UTD music culture, I ran into some minor issues but most were easily corrected. Some people first of all might find it a little difficult to schedule an interview with the person they are most interested in at the station due to schedule conflicts because their DJ’s are assigned a certain time slot. But since I had already contacted and researched everything before trying to schedule an interview, I didn’t have much difficulty with this aspect. It was very easy to get inside the studio, I walked up, saw my friend through the Radio UTD glass window, and he met me at the front desk and I just had to sign in for a visitor badge. Some other difficulties that spurred up during my research was finding which promotional studios are responsible for sending CD’s to Radio UTD and are they in competition with one another. Since Sean Jordan didn’t know every aspect of the industry, it was a little difficult to find this information out. Although Sean did a very good job at answering the questions that I needed answered.
For the most part, the Radio UTD music culture, because it was student run, was very easy to contact and from what I understand, they don’t have any conflicts with timing and event management. I did ask if someone was sick, do they play off-air music and he said that they would just call around and find another DJ to substitute for the absente. In all, most of the problems that arise can be easily communicated through those at Radio UTD, and they are very timely at responding to your issues.
For the most part, the Radio UTD music culture, because it was student run, was very easy to contact and from what I understand, they don’t have any conflicts with timing and event management. I did ask if someone was sick, do they play off-air music and he said that they would just call around and find another DJ to substitute for the absente. In all, most of the problems that arise can be easily communicated through those at Radio UTD, and they are very timely at responding to your issues.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Blog Post 7: Radio UTD
I chose to do my music ethnography over Sean Jordan’s Radio UTD time slot, which cover Alternative Indie music. I would like to provide a brief background of this music type as well as how things are typically run at Radio UTD. First of all, the music stirred during the mid 80’s or 90’s depending on the source that you will look at. I would sum Indie music up as individuals or bands that are not commercialized through big radio stations and albums. They are not confined to some of the trends that you would classify popular music. Indie music is unique because it is an image of what is going on in the artists head. This means that sometimes it can be without a specific or easy to hear melody. This lack of restriction really allows the artists to explore their imaginations. Radio UTD plays a huge role in the exposure of this type of music. Every week, they receive several CD’s that they are required to promote. With some basic equipment that they have in the station, they are able to broadcast this music of internet channels as well as places like the Student Union on the UTD Campus. Without Radio UTD, and other college student run organizations, most of this music would probably go unheard. There are several concerts that you can attend in your location. Most of those are advertised through UTD but you can access concert venues through you local entertainment sites. Radio UTD also hosts some concerts on campus and they bring in bands to perform from all over the United States. I hope that you find this music-culture as entertaining as I did and I hope that I have provided a good enough brief information for you to research on.
Here are some websites that you can view to further your interests in this music-culture:
http://radio.utdallas.edu/
http://musicmoz.org/Styles/Rock/Alternative/Indie/desc.html
Here are some websites that you can view to further your interests in this music-culture:
http://radio.utdallas.edu/
http://musicmoz.org/Styles/Rock/Alternative/Indie/desc.html
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