MUSIC 2251 Chapter Notes - Chapter 58: Dubose Heyward, Ira Gershwin, George Gershwin
10 Nov 2018
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Ch 58 - folk opera: george gershwin and jazz as art . American jazz was criticized for white-washing an african tradition. Songwriters had capitalized on the rising fashion for ragtime and jazz. Gershwin was a white composer of jazz music, so he took his privilege and made it a way to lift up struggling black artists. Melody = languid melody, plays on interval of a 3rd; regular phrasing; high pitch on the last chord, then a downward slide. Rhythm/meter = rhythmic subtleties and gentle syncopation. Harmony = minor key, w rich chromaticism. Texture = homophonic, w instrumental lines alternating w the voice. Form = strophic (2 verses), w variations, brief intro, interlude, and closing. Expression = vocal inflections (dips, slides, blue notes) Performing forces = soprano and orchestra; backup chorus on our recording.
