So I watched/listened to this clip from the “Barber of Seville” (Figaro’s Aria). I have to admit that the thing that stood out most for me the first time I watched it was Figaro’s fantastic mustache, but that didn’t fall into the scope of this assignment so I had to watch it a couple more times.
Musically, a couple of things from the piece really caught my attention. First, the pitch modulation was nearly constant- there were rarely two consecutive notes of the same pitch, and if there were they were part of a repeating ascension of pitches to a climactic peak. With the exception of the end, pitch was used for emphasis- high pitch equaled high emphasis, while lower pitches were usually less stressed. Also beat-you-in-the-face obvious is the vibrato in the voice. It was so strong that I could barely understand what the vocalist was saying (hooray for subtitles!).
The speed of the piece was relatively quick the whole time. It slowed slightly for a while, in the cantabile section of the aria (at about 2:15), but even here it wasn’t especially slow, just less fast. Volume modulation was used a lot in the piece for emphasis; beginnings and endings of sections were louder, with a lot of the parts in between being quieter.
The aria was set in a marketplace presumably, with Figaro’s barber cart being the center of the action. Figaro was the only vocalist, but the others around him helped act out the scene and provide background information for it, as well as being foils for Figaro. However, he and his sweet polka-dot vest were undoubtedly the center of the show.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Avatar
So today, I was all set to write my Avatar post- I got my popcorn, pulled out my laptop, and went to my local blockbuster to rent Avatar...only to find out that in fact Avatar is not out on DVD. As I did not see it in the theaters, I really don't have anything to write about. Unfortunate. However, I am looking forward to the class discussion tomorrow, I thought it would be a cool post but was under the impression when I voted for it in class that I'd be able to see it...oops. So...my bad on that. I'll be more than happy to write about renaissance music if that will make up for this, or about any other movie music? I gotta use the popcorn for something...
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Musical Ethnography of The Dallas Symphony Orchestra
INTRODUCTION
This ethnography takes a look at the music culture of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO). This is a culture that is unique within the DFW area in its repertoires, its venues, and in many of the practices contained in it. Like many symphonies, it also has a distinct culture when compared against other symphonies across the nation, and hopefully this post can show you a little about the tastefully initialed DSO and what sets them apart.
METHODOLOGY
To do the research for this paper, I primarily utilized three sources. One was the DSO’s website (www.dallassymphony.com). It is a great resource on the symphony, containing everything from their schedule to information about the venues and the symphony’s various outreach programs. It is a great resource not just for research but for any of you out there looking for more information. I also attended a concert on March 3 at the Morton Meyerson Symphony Center in downtown Dallas. This show, and the time before it, were awesome examples of the culture and provide most of the basis for this ethnography. Finally, I talked with several of my fellow concertgoers while at the event. In many cases they were able to answer some questions that the event itself posed and provided a first-person insight into the culture.
ASPECTS OF MUSIC CULTURE
Ideas About Music
One of the key elements of the DSO culture is the idea that the presentation of the music is as important as the sound of it. Watching the performers up on stage, one notices how disciplined and synchronized they are; all the members of their respective sections move and play with perfect synchronization, which creates a visually aesthetically pleasing aspect to the performance. This emphasis on a disciplined and ‘neat’ presentation can also be seen in the concertgoer etiquette. While many cultures have unwritten rules, the DSO actually has written ones such as no cell phones or cameras, no arriving late, and the requirement of appropriate dress (Dallas Symphony Orchestra Website). Not only that but they are strictly enforced; the ushers did not hesitate to mandate the removal of electronic devices anytime they saw someone with them out in order to maintain the integrity of the performance (The Music of Pink Floyd). Finally, the discipline is extended to the music performance itself. Music is performed according to preset guidelines, and there is no space given for improvisation by the performers except for some predetermined occasions. One interesting note is that this etiquette is somewhat flexible based on the music being played. For example, at my concert there were many in attendance who did not regularly attend the symphony but were huge Pink Floyd fans, and so there was a lot of applause not only after each song but even during songs- a big etiquette violation which drew some disapproving looks from regulars, but no usher reprimands. According to one fellow concertgoer I talked to, it is not unusual for the patrons to be held to different standards for less classical performances, especially those that take place during the week (Attendees of Concert).
Repertoires
Despite what one would think, the DSO actually has a very broad repertoire that extends across many types of music. They do play the Western Classical fare that you would expect, but they also play everything from jazz to opera to popular music- the last few concerts have included works from Rachmaninoff, Buddy Holly, and Wynton Marsalis. The concert I went to featured them playing Pink Floyd’s hits with a guest vocalist, and the guest musician is crucial to the repertoires. Anytime the symphony plays a type of music which requires something other than their normal complement to play (vocalist, electric guitars, etc.), a guest vocalist is brought in- you can see just how frequent this is by looking at their upcoming performance schedules (Dallas Symphony Orchestra Website). Repertoires are largely determined by the personality of the music director. Since taking over in 2008, director Jaap van Zweden has attempted to “enhance its programming and…outreach” (Dallas Symphony Orchestra Website). This is evident in concerts such as the Pink Floyd show, and his determination of the repertoire provides the DSO with a character unique from other national symphonies.
Activities Involving Music
The central activity of the DSO is undoubtedly the performance; it is the unifying event that brings together all members of the culture. However, the performance activities extend beyond the physical playing of the music. There is a restaurant in the Meyerson that many attendees visit prior to the concert to begin the social experience. Even if patrons choose not to eat there, the pre-show atmosphere is built for socialization. At my concert there was a piano playing constantly in the atrium before the show, with wine and dessert bars everywhere. There were many tables in the ample atrium for patrons to sit at and socialize, and plenty of space for those who wished to stand and chat (The Music of Pink Floyd). Interestingly, while people are allowed to view the rehearsals in a separate area, concertgoers are not allowed in the hall until 15 minutes prior to the start of the concert- people who try will be ejected (as I found out!). This forces a social situation as there is nothing else to do but hang out in the lobby and socialize. Despite this though, there is a low amount of inter-group socialization- people tend to stay within the circles they already know (The Music of Pink Floyd). A final important aspect of the performance is the intermission, which can last anywhere from 15-30 minutes. During this time people again can and do socialize.
One key element of the performances is the use of light as a signal. Culture members know that when lights go down, they need to return to the hall as the performance is about to start. Conversely, a raising of the lights in the hall means it is ok to applaud, time for an intermission, or acceptable to talk again. It is not explicitly mentioned anywhere I could find, but most attendees seemed to pick up on it pretty quickly.
Another unique thing about the DSO performance in particular is the proximity of the Meyerson to other Arts District venues such as the Dallas Museum of Art. According to one patron I spoke to it is not unusual for patrons (especially on weekends) to visit not just the symphony but the surrounding attractions all in one visit. This makes the symphony performance for them extend from just a musical event to an entire cross-genre art experience, and is something that is unique to Dallas.
Material Culture
One of the central elements of the material culture of the DSO is the dress of those in attendance. Symphony etiquette usually mandates nice dress, anything from business casual to formal evening wear (Dallas Symphony Orchestra Website). At my concert while there were many people in beautiful attire, there were actually an equal amount in t-shirts or jeans, and many in business wear. A patron I spoke to attributed this both to the show type (popular music) and to the day of the week; with it being on a weekday there is simply less time for many people to dress up (Attendees of Concert). However, on weekends and especially for more classical performances, dress is key. Another surprisingly important element, in my experience, was wine/alcohol. I estimated over 80% of the attendees enjoyed some of the alcoholic offerings before the concert while socializing (The Music of Pink Floyd). The same was true during the intermission; bathrooms were easy to use but the line for the wine bars were out the door! This provides yet another bonding element for the culture to share and socialize over. Finally, the performance hall itself is a distinguishing cultural factor of the DSO from other cultures and symphonies. The Meyerson is elaborate, ornate, and built to best enhance sound (Dallas Symphony Orchestra Website), and as the host to most DSO events is a key part of the culture.
CONCLUSION
The DSO is a complex and diverse culture, and there is no way the past 1400 words did it justice. Subcultures exist within it, and there are many more activities than just these, but I hope this was at least a good introduction to it. The themes of importance of presentation, socialization, and wide repertoires played in a symphonic context are key to this culture. If you’re curious about anything else, check out the website or even go see a performance! The DSO is a unique culture within the metroplex and a distinct member of the greater symphony culture from others throughout the world.
Works Cited
Attendees of Dallas Symphony Orchestra concert. Personal Interviews. 3 Mar. 2010.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Website. Dallas Symphony Orchestra, 2009. Web. 8 Mar. 2010.
The Music of Pink Floyd. Perf. Dallas Symphony Orchestra with Randy Jackson. Cond. Jaap van Zweden. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas. Concert. 3 Mar. 2010.
This ethnography takes a look at the music culture of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO). This is a culture that is unique within the DFW area in its repertoires, its venues, and in many of the practices contained in it. Like many symphonies, it also has a distinct culture when compared against other symphonies across the nation, and hopefully this post can show you a little about the tastefully initialed DSO and what sets them apart.
METHODOLOGY
To do the research for this paper, I primarily utilized three sources. One was the DSO’s website (www.dallassymphony.com). It is a great resource on the symphony, containing everything from their schedule to information about the venues and the symphony’s various outreach programs. It is a great resource not just for research but for any of you out there looking for more information. I also attended a concert on March 3 at the Morton Meyerson Symphony Center in downtown Dallas. This show, and the time before it, were awesome examples of the culture and provide most of the basis for this ethnography. Finally, I talked with several of my fellow concertgoers while at the event. In many cases they were able to answer some questions that the event itself posed and provided a first-person insight into the culture.
ASPECTS OF MUSIC CULTURE
Ideas About Music
One of the key elements of the DSO culture is the idea that the presentation of the music is as important as the sound of it. Watching the performers up on stage, one notices how disciplined and synchronized they are; all the members of their respective sections move and play with perfect synchronization, which creates a visually aesthetically pleasing aspect to the performance. This emphasis on a disciplined and ‘neat’ presentation can also be seen in the concertgoer etiquette. While many cultures have unwritten rules, the DSO actually has written ones such as no cell phones or cameras, no arriving late, and the requirement of appropriate dress (Dallas Symphony Orchestra Website). Not only that but they are strictly enforced; the ushers did not hesitate to mandate the removal of electronic devices anytime they saw someone with them out in order to maintain the integrity of the performance (The Music of Pink Floyd). Finally, the discipline is extended to the music performance itself. Music is performed according to preset guidelines, and there is no space given for improvisation by the performers except for some predetermined occasions. One interesting note is that this etiquette is somewhat flexible based on the music being played. For example, at my concert there were many in attendance who did not regularly attend the symphony but were huge Pink Floyd fans, and so there was a lot of applause not only after each song but even during songs- a big etiquette violation which drew some disapproving looks from regulars, but no usher reprimands. According to one fellow concertgoer I talked to, it is not unusual for the patrons to be held to different standards for less classical performances, especially those that take place during the week (Attendees of Concert).
Repertoires
Despite what one would think, the DSO actually has a very broad repertoire that extends across many types of music. They do play the Western Classical fare that you would expect, but they also play everything from jazz to opera to popular music- the last few concerts have included works from Rachmaninoff, Buddy Holly, and Wynton Marsalis. The concert I went to featured them playing Pink Floyd’s hits with a guest vocalist, and the guest musician is crucial to the repertoires. Anytime the symphony plays a type of music which requires something other than their normal complement to play (vocalist, electric guitars, etc.), a guest vocalist is brought in- you can see just how frequent this is by looking at their upcoming performance schedules (Dallas Symphony Orchestra Website). Repertoires are largely determined by the personality of the music director. Since taking over in 2008, director Jaap van Zweden has attempted to “enhance its programming and…outreach” (Dallas Symphony Orchestra Website). This is evident in concerts such as the Pink Floyd show, and his determination of the repertoire provides the DSO with a character unique from other national symphonies.
Activities Involving Music
The central activity of the DSO is undoubtedly the performance; it is the unifying event that brings together all members of the culture. However, the performance activities extend beyond the physical playing of the music. There is a restaurant in the Meyerson that many attendees visit prior to the concert to begin the social experience. Even if patrons choose not to eat there, the pre-show atmosphere is built for socialization. At my concert there was a piano playing constantly in the atrium before the show, with wine and dessert bars everywhere. There were many tables in the ample atrium for patrons to sit at and socialize, and plenty of space for those who wished to stand and chat (The Music of Pink Floyd). Interestingly, while people are allowed to view the rehearsals in a separate area, concertgoers are not allowed in the hall until 15 minutes prior to the start of the concert- people who try will be ejected (as I found out!). This forces a social situation as there is nothing else to do but hang out in the lobby and socialize. Despite this though, there is a low amount of inter-group socialization- people tend to stay within the circles they already know (The Music of Pink Floyd). A final important aspect of the performance is the intermission, which can last anywhere from 15-30 minutes. During this time people again can and do socialize.
One key element of the performances is the use of light as a signal. Culture members know that when lights go down, they need to return to the hall as the performance is about to start. Conversely, a raising of the lights in the hall means it is ok to applaud, time for an intermission, or acceptable to talk again. It is not explicitly mentioned anywhere I could find, but most attendees seemed to pick up on it pretty quickly.
Another unique thing about the DSO performance in particular is the proximity of the Meyerson to other Arts District venues such as the Dallas Museum of Art. According to one patron I spoke to it is not unusual for patrons (especially on weekends) to visit not just the symphony but the surrounding attractions all in one visit. This makes the symphony performance for them extend from just a musical event to an entire cross-genre art experience, and is something that is unique to Dallas.
Material Culture
One of the central elements of the material culture of the DSO is the dress of those in attendance. Symphony etiquette usually mandates nice dress, anything from business casual to formal evening wear (Dallas Symphony Orchestra Website). At my concert while there were many people in beautiful attire, there were actually an equal amount in t-shirts or jeans, and many in business wear. A patron I spoke to attributed this both to the show type (popular music) and to the day of the week; with it being on a weekday there is simply less time for many people to dress up (Attendees of Concert). However, on weekends and especially for more classical performances, dress is key. Another surprisingly important element, in my experience, was wine/alcohol. I estimated over 80% of the attendees enjoyed some of the alcoholic offerings before the concert while socializing (The Music of Pink Floyd). The same was true during the intermission; bathrooms were easy to use but the line for the wine bars were out the door! This provides yet another bonding element for the culture to share and socialize over. Finally, the performance hall itself is a distinguishing cultural factor of the DSO from other cultures and symphonies. The Meyerson is elaborate, ornate, and built to best enhance sound (Dallas Symphony Orchestra Website), and as the host to most DSO events is a key part of the culture.
CONCLUSION
The DSO is a complex and diverse culture, and there is no way the past 1400 words did it justice. Subcultures exist within it, and there are many more activities than just these, but I hope this was at least a good introduction to it. The themes of importance of presentation, socialization, and wide repertoires played in a symphonic context are key to this culture. If you’re curious about anything else, check out the website or even go see a performance! The DSO is a unique culture within the metroplex and a distinct member of the greater symphony culture from others throughout the world.
Works Cited
Attendees of Dallas Symphony Orchestra concert. Personal Interviews. 3 Mar. 2010.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Website. Dallas Symphony Orchestra, 2009. Web. 8 Mar. 2010.
The Music of Pink Floyd. Perf. Dallas Symphony Orchestra with Randy Jackson. Cond. Jaap van Zweden. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas. Concert. 3 Mar. 2010.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Challenges of Researching the DSO
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra really has not presented too many difficulties for me in putting together this musical ethnography. The only difficulty I really had was in finding the interview, or a primary source to get information from. The only real contact point the symphony offers, or at least offered me, was guest services which deals primarily with ticketing and other issues relative to the actual performances. I ended up having to just ask questions of other concertgoers at the event I went to. Actually, they ended up being really helpful especially in regards to the material culture sections; they provided some insights in that area that I don’t think any formal staff would have given me. So while it seemed like a difficulty it actually ended up working out well.
With them being such an organized culture, I didn’t experience any other significant difficulties. Event schedules are well publicized and accurate, and their website is an excellent source of information. The biggest other issue I faced was that I neglected some of the practices of the culture when scheduling it. For instance, the concert started a bit late which is apparently common, and I had forgotten about the intermission which lasts quite some time to allow for more socializing. It didn’t affect my information gathering at all, but since my event was the evening before our last exam I kind of had to sleepwalk through the test :).
All told, the DSO was a fairly easy organization to profile, and I’m really excited about the information I gathered!!!
With them being such an organized culture, I didn’t experience any other significant difficulties. Event schedules are well publicized and accurate, and their website is an excellent source of information. The biggest other issue I faced was that I neglected some of the practices of the culture when scheduling it. For instance, the concert started a bit late which is apparently common, and I had forgotten about the intermission which lasts quite some time to allow for more socializing. It didn’t affect my information gathering at all, but since my event was the evening before our last exam I kind of had to sleepwalk through the test :).
All told, the DSO was a fairly easy organization to profile, and I’m really excited about the information I gathered!!!
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