BCSA - Composition and Score Analysis Microlesson

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Composition and Score Analysis Microlesson

Introduction to Composition and Score Analysis

This lesson will examine composition and score analysis.

A composer typically creates a piece of music with the vocalists or instruments needed in mind. Then the composer creates the music for each individual instrument by writing out all of the instrumental, or vocal parts, on a single document, called a score.
Scores differ according to the composer's use of instruments and voices. A score may be as simple as a piano and vocal accompaniment, or as complex as an entire symphony orchestra with the use of vocal soloists, and an entire chorus, which is what Beethoven used for the fourth movement in his Ninth Symphony.

Lesson Key Terms:

  • Natural Minor Scales: This scale uses the same tonic as the major scale. To create a natural minor scale, use lowered third; lowered sixth; and lowered seventh degrees from the major scale.
  • Harmonic Minor Scale: The harmonic minor scale has two lowered scale degrees, the 3rd degree, and the 6th degree. Using the major scale as a foundation, lower the 3rd and 6th degrees of the major scale. The result is the Harmonic Minor Scale.
  • Melodic Minor Scale: This is the most unusual minor scale because it has distinct parts for ascending and descending. When ascending, the Melodic Minor Scale only lowers the 3rd scale degree; but when descending, the 3rd, 6th, and 7th degrees are lowered, which is technically using the Natural Minor Scale.

Explore

Watch the video presentation below to learn more about this topic. Prepare to take notes and use the navigational buttons at the bottom of the video to pause, rewind, or move forward. Move forward to the challenge section to review your understanding.

 

Click here to download a printable copy of the presentation video. Links to an external site. 

Challenge

Composition and Score Analysis Challenge Review

See how well you understand the content for this lesson by participating in the self-assessment activity below.

 

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