A tone poem is a piece of music that portray a work of literature such as a poem or novel. They were popular in the Romantic Era when composers were fascinated with exploring themes like death, the supernatural, heroism, nationalism, war, fantasy, mythology, etc. Composers used dynamics and timbre (instrument colours) which were new in the Romantic era to tell the stories through music. Sometimes they would have musical ideas (called motives, or motifs) to represent different characters, and would use these throughout their pieces. Here is a link to information on the Romantic Era.
The Assignment
You are going to chose a work of literature - either a poem or book you know, one that is NOT already a movie or song is preferable. Here is a link to a place to find poems. The deadline for Selection of Literature will be Fri Dec 6.
Your piece can use any instruments you wish, any style of music, but must capture the aspects of the literature. Think about setting, plot developments, characters, mood, action, etc in the work you have chosen. How will you represent this in music? You will write one paragraph explaining what your choices are going to be and how you will represent them in music, due Monday Dec 9.
Your piece must be at least 3 MINUTES LONG and have at least 3 DISTINCT MUSICAL IDEAS representing plot, action, mood, etc. You will explain your piece to the class before presenting.
Timeline
- selection of literature - Fri Dec 6
- paragraph outline of your composition plan emailed to lauren.simmons@tdsb.on.ca - Monday Dec 9
- final composition due - Friday Dec 13
Some examples of Romantic Tone Poems:
- Strauss, "Don Quixote" - listen for the musical representations of goats, and of windmills
- Mendelssohn, "Midsummer Night's Dream" - listen for the fairies flying about!
- Debussy, "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" - listen to the way to mood is captured with the modal chords and harmonies!
Remember that you can choose any work of literature for an inspiration, as long as you have a way to musically express the events or characters, like these composers do.
- Strauss, "Don Quixote" - listen for the musical representations of goats, and of windmills
- Mendelssohn, "Midsummer Night's Dream" - listen for the fairies flying about!
- Debussy, "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" - listen to the way to mood is captured with the modal chords and harmonies!
Remember that you can choose any work of literature for an inspiration, as long as you have a way to musically express the events or characters, like these composers do.
Thanks for posting this.This is awesome!!
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