Musical Meaning Blog: Module 2
I think this piece is related to the music and drama topic in module 2 because it is part of the baroque era as it was composed by George Frideric Handel in 1741. This piece is known to be an oratorio. Handel included ensembles as well as the use of arias and recitatives. Also, when composing this Handel used the subject of religion. He was inspired by the life of Jesus as it is told in the Bible. So, Charles Jennens, a companion of Handel, helped to gather Bible verses for Handel to use as lyrics. Additionally, this piece includes instruments such as strings, the violin, and the cello, the organ, trumpets, oboes, etc. These instruments gained popularity, especially during the late baroque era.
I chose this piece because I have heard it a lot growing up. However, not until I was a little older did I realize that the piece is called “Messiah.” I learned that Handel’s “Messiah” was about the life of Jesus Christ and that instantly caught my attention as I have grown up in a Christian household. I find it very interesting that Handel composed this work through inspiration from the Bible and I find it especially interesting that he gained specific inspiration from the Book of Revelation.
This piece is in the triple meter with a tempo that is quite fast. It has both a homophonic and polyphonic texture which also relates it back to the baroque era as mentioned above. This piece is in the triple meter with a moderately loud moment about a minute and a half in that is moderately softer. Also, Handel’s composition gives an exciting feeling. His work sparks the interest of the listener.
Overall, I find this piece incredibly interesting as it relates back to the module 2 topic as a piece of the baroque era.
I think this piece is related to the topic in module 2 as Dukas composed it in 1897, which was during the romantic era. Another thing that relates this piece to the romantic era is that Paul Dukas was inspired to write this piece based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The poem was also titled "The Sorcerer's Apprentice." Also, Dukas included the piccolo and contrabassoon in this piece which was both more commonly used during the romantic era. Furthermore, this piece is featured in the Disney film Fantasia. The piece is played during a significant point in the film where the main character makes poor use of his magical abilities and is then faced with a conflict. This piece brings out the dramatic sense of the scene it is in.
I chose this piece because of the meaning it has in my life. I grew up in what many call a "Disney Family." Growing up, my family and I watched Disney movies together, we watched television on Disney Channel, and we took multiple vacations to Walt Disney World. As mentioned prior, this piece can be found in the Disney film Fantasia, which is one of the films my family and I would watch. Fantasia was ranked 58th by the American Film Institute’s 100 Years…100 Movies and Paul Dukas' piece, “The Sorcerer's Apprentice,” is also known to be the most popular of all his pieces. Also, not only did Paul Dukas compose this but he also conducted it.
This piece’s tempo is mostly quick yet some points are slow, especially in the very beginning and the very end. This piece is in triple meter and gives a mysterious feeling. Though it is frantic this piece still gives a sense of suspicion. The melody is dramatic with a homophonic texture. The piece also seems to have a light and smooth timbre.
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