About the Composer:
Robert W. Smith
Mr. Smith is one of the most popular current composers for band and orchestra.
He has composed hundreds of different pieces and they have been performed all over the World!
Fun Facts:
* His pieces have been performed at the Olympic Games
* He started playing Trumpet in 5th grade
* He composed his first piece for band in 7th grade
Robert W. Smith
Mr. Smith is one of the most popular current composers for band and orchestra.
He has composed hundreds of different pieces and they have been performed all over the World!
Fun Facts:
* His pieces have been performed at the Olympic Games
* He started playing Trumpet in 5th grade
* He composed his first piece for band in 7th grade
About The Tempest:
Have you ever heard or seen an intense storm?
As you play "The Tempest", you will hear the rain, thunder, and lightning that you have heard during a summer thunderstorm. In this piece, the storm is stronger because it happens at sea.
When music describes a story or images, it is called programmatic music.
As we work on this piece, we will work towards making our "storm" sound furious, intense, and exciting.
Have you ever heard or seen an intense storm?
As you play "The Tempest", you will hear the rain, thunder, and lightning that you have heard during a summer thunderstorm. In this piece, the storm is stronger because it happens at sea.
When music describes a story or images, it is called programmatic music.
As we work on this piece, we will work towards making our "storm" sound furious, intense, and exciting.
Composition Techniques:
Dynamics: In "The Tempest", Mr. Smith composes with dramatic dynamics to build suspense. In the beginning of the piece, the dynamic markings are mostly mezzo piano (moderately quiet). As the piece continues, and the storm continues to build, the entire band will play forte (loud) starting at measure 9. The intensity of the piece continues to transform until the entire band is playing fortissimo (very loud) at measure 17.
When performing these dynamics, it is important to continue playing with your best sound!
Dynamics: In "The Tempest", Mr. Smith composes with dramatic dynamics to build suspense. In the beginning of the piece, the dynamic markings are mostly mezzo piano (moderately quiet). As the piece continues, and the storm continues to build, the entire band will play forte (loud) starting at measure 9. The intensity of the piece continues to transform until the entire band is playing fortissimo (very loud) at measure 17.
When performing these dynamics, it is important to continue playing with your best sound!
Mezzo Piano (mp)
Forte (F)
Fortissimo (FF)
Articulation: Mr. Smith uses a lot of different articulation markings throughout this piece. He uses accents, staccato markings, slurs, and tenutos. See below for definitions and examples.
Accent: An accent should stand out from the other notes around it by being played at a louder volume with a strong beginning.
Slur: In your music, a slur means to tongue only the first note above or below the slur marking.
Tenuto: When you see a note that is marked with this symbol, it is important to hold the note for its' full value.
Staccato: When you see a note with this marking, it means that the notes should be separated.
Here is a recording of "The Tempest". While it plays, listen for the dynamics and different articulations.
Listen to "The Tempest" Here:
Listen to "The Tempest" Here:
Recording of "The Tempest" | |
File Size: | 3436 kb |
File Type: | mp3 |