Evolution of Dance: From Prehistory to Contemporary Forms
History of Dance
Dance, one of the oldest art forms, relies solely on the body and human vitality to express feelings and subjective experiences. It was among the earliest forms of artistic and personal expression. The development of artistic sensitivity shaped dance as an aesthetic expression.
Prior History
Prehistoric cave paintings in Africa and Southern Europe depict dancers. According to Paulina Ossana, this expression is called imitative, figurative, or abstract. Dance played a vital role in
Read MoreBaroque Music: Forms, Composers, and History
Six Famous Baroque Composers
Baroque: Vivaldi, Handel, Bach, Monteverdi, Broschi, Purcell.
The Birth of Opera
Opera emerged within the cultural circle of Count Bardi in Florence, known as the Camerata Fiorentina. This group, which gathered nobles, scholars, philosophers, poets, and musicians, aimed to revive classical Greek theater. Their efforts marked the starting point of the operatic genre, characterized by fully accompanied monody. The first preserved opera is Jacopo Peri’s Euridice.
Characteristics
Read MoreIconic Music Pieces: Romanticism & 20th Century
Romanticism
1. NAME: Symphony No. 5 (first movement)
2. COMPOSER: Beethoven (1770-1827)
3. ERA: Romanticism
4. GENRES: Instrumental
5. TEXTURES: Polyphonic
6. INSTRUMENTS: Symphony orchestra (big orchestra with instruments of all families: string, woodwind, brass, and percussion)
This is perhaps the most famous work for the symphony orchestra repertoire. It is a very special piece, and it is unlikely that you have not heard it before. Beethoven was a prodigy child and was famous for his unfortunate deafness,
Spanish Literature: Modernism and the Generation of ’98
Key Authors and Works of Spanish Modernism and the Generation of ’98
| Genres | Authors | Works |
|---|---|---|
| Lyric | Rubén Darío Manuel Machado Antonio Machado | Solitudes, Galleries and Other Poems Campos de Castilla |
| Narrative | Miguel de Unamuno Pío Baroja Azorín | The Tree of Knowledge Will |
| Theater | Valle-Inclán Jacinto Benavente | Bohemian Lights |
| Essay | Unamuno Azorín |
Modernist Poetry
Modernist poetry did not intend to bear witness to reality but circumvented it through imaginative play and delight in the senses. Great importance is given
Read MoreOrchestral Instruments
Percussion |
| Brass |
Woodwind Strings Conductor |
The Conductor
The conductor uses a score with all the parts, which are in order. They control the tempo using a hand or baton. They cue in musicians, especially for brass and percussion, and interpret the music, much like a film director.
String Instruments
Violin
Bowed: Open note. Changing the length of strings by pressing down (stopping). String close to the bridge: high note. String further: low note. Double-stopping: Two notes played at the same time. Tremolo:
Read MoreStravinsky and the Evolution of 20th-Century Music
Igor Stravinsky’s Influence on Music
Igor Stravinsky’s work resumed the history of music, bringing a new European sound, devoid of subtleties. He utilized the oldest musical elements, primarily rhythm. His formation was related to Russian nationalism and the ballets composed for Sergei Diaghilev.
First Stage: Paris
Igor Stravinsky, installed in Paris, created The Firebird, Petrushka, and The Rite of Spring. The latter was considered a key work of the time and promoted a notable scandal due to its aggressive
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