There is a complete list of skills for this component to be found HERE, but the purpose of this page is to focus solely on music theory and the aspects that will stand you in good stead once the course has begun. 

A summary of those skills in relation to Exploring Music in Context (see HERE for an overview of this component) can be summarised as follows: 

• presenting music in authentic ways 
• explain research findings
• finding connections between musical and extra-musical features 
• realising creating conventions of a particular style, AND 
• shapes the performing practices of a particular style. 

---

One aspect that I would like to focus on here is "shapes the performing practices".  Part of this relies on an understanding of how the music was created and therefore access to and understanding of scores, audio/video recordings and live experiences of music (see p.26 of the Guide) is necessary. 

Remember that even if you do not have strong standard Western Art score reading skills, there is still plenty that you can develop through listening experiences. 

---

Pre-listening Task

---

What are some ways in which you can embellish a melody? You may wish to consider rhythm, melodic contour, harmony, and expressive techniques appropriate for the style. 

---

Once you have brainstormed this, check the link BELOW, which provides you with aspects that you should carefully consider, in particular the notion that embellishments can overpower a melody when used excessively or at unsuitable times. It is important, therefore, to understand what is stylistically appropriate and this is really at the heart of Exploring Music in Context. 

---

The Art Of Embellishing Melodies And Its Importance In Music

Here is a summary of that page: 

• The Importance of Embellishment in Music 

- they add variety and interest 

- helps to convey the mood and the emotion of a piece

• Different Types of Embellishments 

- the most common include: trills, mordant, turns, grace notes, appoggiaturas

- each has a distinctive effect on a melody 

• Choosing the Right Embellishments

- understanding the style/mood of a piece is essential here

- one needs to gain an understanding of stylistic "currency" 

• Balancing Embellishments

- used sparingly (depending on context) in order to enhance the melody

- trills, for example, are often used at cadence points to highlight moments of harmonic tension

---

TASK ONE 

This opening aria (song) is in ABA form (these are known as Da Capo arias). By listening to the recording AND following the score, what are some of the differences that you hear when the A section is repeated?

It is standard practice to ornament the melody line on the repeat.

What does Kathleen Battle do in this regard? 

---

---

---

A portion of this score has been extracted from the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP) / Petrucci Music Library! Editor: Jürgen Knuth

https://vmirror.imslp.org/files/imglnks/usimg/7/7d/IMSLP80656-PMLP149297-bwv051.pdf

---

Here is another Da Capo aria from Händel's Opera Rinaldo: HWV 7a/22. Lascia ch'io pianga - Piau (Forck). What difference do you notice in this recording when the A section is repeated?