Vals "Amor"

Time Stamp: 0:07 — 0:27
Description:

This waltz features a five note motif:

Note names: Eb D C Eb___ D___

Solfege: do ti la do___ ti___

We hear the motif at the very beginning, repeated immediately one step lower, and then one octave lower!

Keywords: Motif , Solfege

Time Stamp: 0:28 — 0:48
Description:

The composer also adds a hemiola, by repeating the last note of the motif twice. Click here to see the hemiola isolated in the sheet music (found in the right hand, measures 2-3).

In this section, the motif becomes a melodic sequence! The sequence repeats one step lower, then two steps lower. 

Listen to your teacher perform the sequence, then check each section off as you sing together:

• Eb D C Eb__ D__ D__ / do ti la do__ ti__ ti__
• D C Bb D__ C__ C__ / ti la sol ti__ la__ la__
• Bb Ab G Bb__ Ab__ Ab__ / la sol fa sol__ fa__ fa__

Keywords: Hemiola , Melodic Sequence , Melody - Misc. , Motif , Sequence - Composition Technique , Solfege

Time Stamp: 1:31 — 2:03
Description:

The B Section begins! Listen to the "um pa pa" rhythm, that is heard in every waltz!

Keywords: Triple Meter , Waltz

Time Stamp: 2:18 — 3:11
Description:

Let's listen for melodic range and expression in the A' Section:

First, the composer puts the melody in the middle of the piano. This is the lowest range that we hear the melody in this piece. A counter-melody is heard above, to balance out the texture.

Next, the melody then jumps an octave in range at 2:29. The composer writes "ben legato" and "dolce cantabile" (or, "sweetly sung") in this section. 

The melody then jumps two octaves at 2:41, to the high range of the piano!

Lastly at 2:54, the melody jumps one more octave to the highest range that we hear it in the piece! The composer writes "con tutta la pasione posible" ("with as much passion as possible"). What an incredible moment!

Keywords: Legato , Melody - Misc. , Phrase - Melody , Range - Composition Technique , Range - Expressive Elements , Range - Melody , Range - Texture

Time Stamp: 2:41 — 3:11
Description:

Let's listen for tempo and phrasing in the A' section:

The composer eases us into the first two phrases by writing ritardando at the start. The music quickly returns to its normal tempo with an "A Tempo" marking two measures later.

At 2:54 the phrase picks up in speed and intensity, ending with another gradual ritardando.

Throughout the piece, the large left hand range requires the piano player to stretch the tempo in order to play all of the notes. This gives the music an amazing elastic feel!

Keywords: Phrase - Expressive Elements , Range - Composition Technique , Ritardando - Expressive Elements , Ritardando - Tempo

Time Stamp: 2:18 — 3:35
Description:

Let's listen for the dynamics: 

The composer uses many dynamic markings, including triple forte (fff) and triple piano (ppp). He is asking for incredibly expressive playing!

Do you like the dynamic marking he uses to end the piece? Why or why not?

Keywords: Dynamics - Composition Technique , Dynamics - Expressive Elements