Renaissance Period - Baroque Period - Modern Music Period - Holst Planet Suite (Mars Venus Mercury Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune)

14th Century Renaissance

15th Century Madrigal - Mass - Motet - Dufy <1400~1474>

16th Century Bader <1543~1623> Gibbons <1585~1625> Thales 〈1585~1625〉

17th century Baroque period

Opera

Purcell 〈1658~1695〉

Handel 〈1685 ~1759〉

18th century classical period - romantic period - oratorio - "oratorio"

19th century national music school - modern music school

Elgar 〈1857~1934〉

Derius Darius 〈1862~1934〉

Ferham Williams 〈1872~1958〉

Hall Sir 〈1874~1934〉

20th century

Benjamin-British 〈1913~1976〉

Although the history of British music is also like other Like a country, it reflects its economic, social, and religious life, but there are certain tendencies that are particularly British. One of the enduring factors is conservatism, an attitude that preserves ancient traditions even in periods of experimentation. When strong When the foreign influence came, the British conservative tradition was still strong and could change the foreign styles and musical forms into local expressions.

British folk chorus tradition is very early, and folk songs are very popular in Britain. There is a manuscript in the museum called "Summer is icumen in", which is said to have been written in the 13th century. It is the earliest extant polyphonic music (six-part choral canon). In the history of British music during the Renaissance, there are The main works of several important figures, such as Bader, Dufy, Thales, etc., are motets, religious songs or vocal works. The next Henry Purcell (1659~1695) is a very representative British composer. However, after his death, British music continued to decline. It was not until the emergence of Handel that the British music scene was revived and he became the only musician in the late Baroque period who could compete with Bach.

At the turn of the twentieth century, British modern music began to revive. From 1880 to 1966, it can be divided into three periods. The representative figure of the first period is Edward Elgar (1857~1934). His works are rich in British native emotions, lyrical music style. The second period is the period of the National Music School. Representative composers include Deilus (1862~1934), Buddha Williams, Holst, etc. Famous music such as Buddha Williams' " "Greensleeves Fantasia", Holst's "Planet Suite", etc. The most outstanding musician in the third period was Benjamin Britten (1913 ~ 1976). Britten's operas are considered to be the successors to The only one with international reputation after Purcell, his other important works include "Introduction to Orchestral Music for Young People", "Simple Symphony"... etc.

1. Renaissance Period

During the Renaissance, a number of outstanding composers emerged in England, such as Thales (1505-1585), Baird (1543-1623), Gibbons (1585-1625), etc. At the end of the Renaissance , during the reign of Elizabeth I (1558-1603), Britain was at its peak. In literature and art, there was Shakespeare, in thought, there was Francis Bacon. In music, madrigal authors (such as Weelkes, Morley, Gibbons) and masses ) authors (such as Byrd, Tarverner) are all famous. Thomas Tallis

, 1505-85)'s Motet Spem in alium has forty parts.

2. Baroque period

In the late 16th century, a group of people appeared in the British religious world. Part of the trend of the Puritan movement (named after the Puritans believed that the remaining Catholic influence in the Church of England should be eliminated). The Puritan ideological trend opposed humanistic ideas, rejected worldly entertainment, and believed that music, dance and other arts were sinful. 17th century In the first half of the period, the Puritans gradually gained political power. They mostly represented the emerging bourgeoisie and new aristocracy, and became the backbone of the British bourgeois revolution. Religious and political disputes, and the rise of Puritanism made British music in the first half of the 18th century appear... An almost blank situation. After the victory of the British bourgeois revolution, the government, mainly composed of Puritans, canceled music in religious ceremonies and closed all opera houses. The British music industry fell silent.

1658 The Tuart dynasty was restored in England. This historical setback turned out to be a turning point for the development of British music. The most important British musician in the late 17th century was Henry Purcell (1659-95). Purcell composed throughout his life He produced a large number of excellent religious music, songs, and drama scores. The most important contribution was the operas in his later years, which had obvious British civic taste and national characteristics. His opera Dido and Aeneas is still occasionally performed today. After Purcell's death, The development of British opera came to a standstill again, and Italian operas flooded British theaters. In 1714, Handel settled in England, bringing vitality to the dull British opera world. His operas such as "Rinaldo" were very popular in Britain.

At the end of the 1720s, traditional Italian operas gradually lost their market because of their boring scripts, empty content and similar plots that could not adapt to the tastes of the urban class. At this time, a film criticized the current shortcomings "The Beggar's Opera" (lyrics by John Gay, music by Pepush) was staged in London. It was based on daily life, using popular and humorous dialogues and popular tunes, and won wide acclaim from the public. The Italian opera represented by Handel made a ruthless satire, which caused Italian opera to suffer a heavy blow in the UK. The opera house run by Handel finally closed due to losses. At this time, Handel turned his energy to the creation of oratorios. Oratorios (oratorio) is a large-scale religious vocal form, and the content is mostly based on the Bible. The so-called "a cappella" refers to the absence of stage movements and changes in costumes and scenery. Handel pushed this form to its peak. His "Solomon", "The Israelites in Egypt" and "Samson" were both great successes. In 1641, his "Messiah" became the pinnacle of this genre, among which "Hallelujah" is comparable to Bach's "Mass in B minor". "It is called the highest achievement of Baroque vocal art. After Handel's death, the UK held a special oratorio performance every year to commemorate him. But after him, there was no more great music master in the British music scene.

Third, the modern music period

The UK has always had many high-level audiences and first-class performance groups. London is still the center of Western music. But two hundred years after Purcell In the year, there was suddenly no internationally renowned British composer. In the 18th century, London music was almost dominated by the German Handel, while in the 19th century, it was shared by German symphonies and Italian operas. At the beginning of the 20th century, world-class British compositions Only then began to emerge in large numbers.

Elgar & Darius

The first "Pride of Britain" was Edward Elgar (1857-1934). "Pomp and Circumstance #1" has become a well-known song because it is often played at graduation ceremonies. His style of music is greatly influenced by Germany. What is more "British" is his string piece - —The use of string instruments to express choral harmony is one of the specialties of British music in the 20th century; at the same time as him, Frederick Delius (1862-1934) was influenced by French Impressionism.

National Music School Period

In 1898, the

The "British Folk Song Association" was established, and many young musicians subsequently joined. Two of them: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) and Gustav Holst (1874-1934), here They discovered the richness of British folk songs. After that, they studied the ancient music of the Elizabethan era and created a very distinctive British style. Holst's orchestral suite "Planetary System" is a very popular popular song.

Williams, on the other hand, has achieved even greater achievements. His works are numerous and of high quality, and he is perhaps the representative figure of British composers in the 20th century. His nine symphonies are very highly regarded. The string "Talis Fantasy" "Music" is one of his recognized masterpieces, the most polite and British.

Benjamin-Brayton

Benjamin-Brayton of a later generation Benjamin Britten (1913-76) was a genius composer. In 1945, his opera "Peter Grimmes" made the British feel that Purcell finally had a successor. World War II Later, his "War Requiem" (1962) became a symbol of peace. He has many works, mostly vocal ones.

Among the more recent British composers, Taverna ( John Tavener (b.1944) is quite famous. He believes in Orthodox Christianity, and almost all his works have religious connotations, and his techniques are very bold.

Gustav Holst

1. Basic introduction

Gustav Holst was born in Gloucestershire (Cheltenham) on September 21, 1874. Holst’s father Adolphus ( Adolphus) inherited the family's musical tradition and was also an accomplished musician, and taught Holst the piano when his hands were big enough to receive formal fingering training. He tried composing from the age of 12, but his father wanted to He became a pianist and therefore opposed his creation! Holst had to secretly touch them on the piano while his father was away. He learned preliminary composition principles from reading Berlioz's "Essay on Modern Instrumental Methods and Orchestration" Later, he gained practical experience by conducting a small choir. Although Holst showed great talent early on, the neuritis in his right arm became increasingly serious. Finally, his father had to face reality: Gustav could never make a living by playing skillfully. As soon as he understood this, he allowed his son to attend a two-month lecture on harmony and counterpoint in Oxford. After that, it was decided that he should go to the Royal Palace in London. Studying composition at the Conservatory of Music.

2. The origin of the creation

In the spring of 1913, Holst went on vacation to Majorca. This was a rare opportunity to escape reality. He was very frustrated because "Cloud Messenger" failed to premiere in London. The trip to Majorca gave him the opportunity to write "Planet". This vacation brought great achievements.

3. Source of inspiration

In his early career, he became interested in Indian philosophy and literature, and even taught himself Sanskrit so that he could translate it. Through astrology, Holst discovered that each planet has its own A very unique personality, he was determined to make music with all these characteristics. The framework of this large-scale orchestral suite was formed.

Planet Suite

Know about the planets in the sky before listening to the music In general, we may use our imagination to better understand the artistic conception of each piece of music. For example, Mars is red and is called Mars, the god of war, and the music is full of vitality; Venus is white and is called Venus, the god of love. The music is elegant and comfortable; Mercury is named the messenger god "Mercury" and it revolves around the sun very quickly, so the music is brisk; Jupiter is named Zeus "Jupiter" and is the planet with the largest mass and volume, and the music is also the largest in the suite. The largest one is filled with joy; Saturn is called "Saturn", also known as the star of demons, and its music is gloomy and desolate; Uranus is called "Uranus", the great god who rules the sky.

anus), the music is full of magic; Neptune was named the sea god "Neptune" and was the farthest planet at that time, and the music was full of mystery.

1. Mars - the initiator of war

"Mars" begins with the timpani and violin playing a simple, percussive rhythm (col legno, striking the strings with a bow). After that, the bassoon and the French horn play a low, sobering rhythm. A three-beat phrase that makes people feel threatened. The strike of the gong raises the pitch to a sharp crescendo, and then manages to switch from G to D, and then to D flat. This section is repeated many times, with the low brass rising and falling. Low, ups and downs. The three-beat phrase played by the French horn was louder, trying to make this movement reach a higher range, but failed. The noisy treble of the trumpet added a bit of panic atmosphere. The opening rhythm accelerated, as if The brass was playing violently. After three measures of intense music, the trombone and French horn played a new theme until the strings reached a higher range and dense plank chords were added to strengthen the new beat. .At this time, the trombone plays a new melody with a cadenza to strengthen the continuous repetition of the movement. The violin powerfully expands the new theme, and then the trumpet and tenor horn alternately play sharp fifth notes. The motive melody reaches a higher range, and the French horn sounds to compete with it. At this time, a rapid orchestral rhythm makes the music enter a powerful sustained chord, and soon the terrifying atmosphere is restored. When the bass strings and When the bassoon repeats the gloomy two-beat basic bass played by the trombone and French horn, the snare drum symbolizes the sound of war in the distance with a steady rhythm of 5/4. When all the instruments are playing this gloomy phrase, a gradual It makes people feel that the war is getting closer and closer. The strings play in 5/4 rhythm. The opening melody in G, D and D flat returns with renewed power. When people recall the violent music in front, the intermittent drum sound It comes from time to time. Low dissonant chords seem to protest against human turmoil. Before the fierce drumming ends, the strings respond. But on the last chord, there is no compromise with the special strength of the bass range.

Two, Venus - the Messenger of Peace

The four-note group played by Holst solo on the French horn quickly swept away the anger in the music of "Mars", making it One is reminded of a completely different space, light and tranquility. The indifferent flute has faded out in response. The chords of French horn, flute and harp sway softly, appearing in the melody of the flute. Then, the solo French horn crescendos, and the flute The sound fades. The sustained high notes played by the strings and flutes and the solo vitality of the cello introduce us to a beautiful woodwind chord. The solo violin appears in this chord, and the melody is very sweet.

Example 1:

All the violins played repeatedly, expanding the melody, and many of the faded two-beat melodies sounded like sighs of satisfaction. When the violin solo resumed, the oboe added an impressive A profound string phrase. All the strings repeat the oboe phrase with greater passion. When playing this phrase, the cello solo gives him the final solace.

The softly swaying chords resume, they The elegant swing brings a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. People hear the four-note group of the solo French horn again. The violin with a muted instrument plays the melody of Example 1 for the last time, and the cello once again soothes it tenderly. At the end of the softly swaying French horn and harp playing, the flute fades out. Until then, the structure of this clear-melody movement becomes richer. Finally, the tinkling of the steel and the continuation of the violin's extremely high range The notes make the ending of "Venus" extremely clever.

Three, Mercury - the Winged Messenger

After the music of the previous movement "Venus" calmed down, "Mercury" "" is completely restless and lively. It starts with some passages played with rapid vibrato. The music echoes in the ever-changing lights around the orchestra and the flashes of instruments. The entire song "Planet" is played with harp and celesta. Softly to express the wonderful union with heaven. But this music appears in the noise, and introduces the first "melody". The oboe and English horns begin to play, and the orchestra plays a very short ending like the sound of drums and trumpets. The violin solo gives the melody a freewheeling

Desire, joyful mood. Then, various instruments played this tune. At this time, the music was played in unison, and the climax of the music was quickly reached. This is the only fortissimo in "Mercury". After the climax subsided, it returned to the endless music at the beginning, and then turned into what Imo (Holst's Daughter) likened to "the sound of fighting the air flow" - strings with muted instruments, whose soft pianissimo And staccato sounds swept through the score like the wind. When the woodwind instruments joined and various combinations and changes in strong and weak passages appeared, there was a passionate and fast performance. The music stopped abruptly, followed by a burst of nervous drums. , the celesta played the epitome of the first theme, and the ending was played entirely by flute and piccolo. Then the violin solo returned to the second "soft" melody, and the celesta and harp simply reproduced the scene musically. The full set of woodwind instruments played colorful music, ending with the extended treble of the violin. The double bass and the double bass played a very short sound of drums and horns. The winged messenger disappeared without a trace together with the simplest chords. .

Four, Jupiter - Messenger of Joy

Like the previous movement "Mercury", "Jupiter" presents a turbulent and noisy scene. After the strings quickly modify it , French horn, viola and cello play syncopated chords, recalling the rhythms of Stravinsky's early ballets. At this point, the theme is immediately repeated and a coda is added. In the short A trumpet cadenza was added to the final phrase. Trumpets and woodwinds then tried to play drums and horns. This proved to have a humorous effect, and at this point, more instruments were added to start playing. The tempo (ritenuto) prepares us for the second real melody in the melodious movement. The French horn plays the melody marked "molto pesante". The woodwinds and glockenspiel play next, and return to The starting theme of syncopation. The music played by the trumpet leads us to the next theme. In this theme, the 2/4 beat gives way to the 3/4 beat. The beat of each measure makes the melody dignified. Expressive character. When the tempo increases, the French horns take the lead again, and the woodwinds and trumpets also play the melody. At this time, the structure of the work stands out and reaches a powerful climax. When all this disappears, the orchestra A gentle drum and horn sound seemed to call everyone's attention, as if something big was about to happen. The tempo began to drop to the Andante, and the strings and French horn began to play Holst's favorite melody.

The climax of the melody did not reach the final end, because the urgent trumpet was expected to reproduce everything. After the solemn music, the music returned to the three melodies heard before. At this time, the carillon sounded like silver bells The sound of the tambourine and the percussion of the tambourine make the following third theme lively. The alternating playing of the orchestra and the harp produces a dramatic key change and also speeds up the speed, as if you are in an Impressionist seascape painting. Patriotism The theme of doctrine seemed to reappear through the fog. When the final presto swept away the solemn atmosphere, the fog quickly dissipated.

Five, Saturn-the Messenger of the Elderly

"Saturn" is Holst's favorite among the seven movements. Even Imogen wrote: "This is Holst's own music." But after a long period Only later did musicians and listeners understand its significance. However, the desire for power and asceticism in the "Saturn" movement were features that would later appear in Holst's later works.

"The Elder Messenger" "Start with moderate adagio and piano. The flute and harp represent the ruthless speed of time.

Example 2:

Slow and low bass The violin phrase begins in the fourth measure (later embodying greater significance), indicating that old age is approaching quietly. The violin and oboe play this phrase at once and merge with the French horn with mute. The trombone plays a tragic song The elegy. In the weak playing of flute, drum and double bass, the span of time and space is restored. Strings, harp and wind instruments bring the approaching ghost of death, and panic appears: rapid ringing and "metal percussion" The sound made by "things" announced the disappearance of youth. The whole orchestra played more

Fast rhythm. At this time, the double bass is heard playing the initial phrase again, and the melody is very sad and desolate. But when the bells reduce the tragic noise, the calm and harmonious melody of the harp is a very unique and soothing ending. Double Bass The ominous sound of the phrase is gradually replaced by the tranquil chords repeated by the strings. Finally, all the panic and fear disappear with the end of the music, replaced by the calm invisible world.

Six , Uranus - the Magician

The Magician immediately introduced himself with a mocking spell composed of four long notes.

Example 3:

The bassoon played loudly The passage depicts a magical atmosphere. Then, the French horn and xylophone play a beautiful dance music staccato, and then the orchestra plays in unison. The French horn, which is more cheerful than the bassoon, introduces a new theme, which is repeated over and over again, and the sound becomes louder and louder. It gets louder, and the orchestration becomes more and more lively. Finally, the euphonium plays the same four notes as at the beginning to compete with it, making it come to a sudden stop. The tuning encourages the solo to start with temporary build-ups. The high-pitched woodwind instruments play in the others. One by one, the drums and drums died down amid the ridicule. But the two timpani were determined to show that they could also play a melody, so they played a dance piece as the main lead. Soon, the brass and tambourines also joined in. After adding strength, another A crazy chase began. The xylophone added a manic feeling. When the noise became unbearable, the organ's glissanda swept everything away. At this time, the music suddenly changed It is quite smooth, and the harmony of the strings shows that it is far away from the chaos caused by the "malfunctioning magic". The harp is reminiscent of the music in Example 3. But by this time, its shocking power has disappeared, and the euphonium tries to regain it. the mood of the piece, but fails to succeed. All the brass also emulates the euphonium, but the final note in Example 3 dissolves into a huge, dissonant chord. Its echo disappears into the calm contentment of the strings, the magical world Give way to the mysterious world...

Seven, Neptune - Mystic

"Neptune" is the most dreamy piece of music among all the movements. It is Hall's Holst's classic of orchestral impressionism. The title in the score states that "the orchestra should use pianissimo throughout." Holst added in his score: The dead melody, except for the fifth The exception is the recorder at the end of the section." Imogen commented: "This is not a despairing, deathly silence, but the intense focus of an infinitely stretched gaze."

Three bass flutes played. At the beginning of the first movement, the music winds through a long and wide space, and finally stops on the chords of the oboe and piccolo. The dissonant trombone chords seem to come from the outside. However, the chords of the world have no place in "Neptune". In this piece of music, all the sounds coexist because they have no emotional responsibility. More wind instruments and harp playing form a shining feature, but there is no emotion in it. The celesta makes an ethereal and terrifying sound, which is completely silent. The space floats by, so indifferent that there is no trace of warmth. All of this is hazy and formless. The theme does not finalize the music, but seems to be retreating outward, beyond the scope of planets, universe and thinking. In the end, we can realize that something A subtle change. The strings began to play low notes. The music of the oboe and English horns floated circuitously above it. A female chorus on high B was heard from a distance. The wordless voice did not belong to humans, even if The harp played a melody marked "dolce" and was not bound by the "dead melody" noted by Holst, but the tortuous music score could not express the melody of the world. The sound stopped, and the violin continued The music played by the recorder is played, followed by a contrapuntal chorus, until a sudden chord interrupts the music. The harp and celesta play again, preparing to end the whole song. The bass flute and recorder fade out, and the harp slides The music passed by like waves. When the mysterious sound disappeared in the distant universe, the music finally stopped.

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