Questions tagged [musicology]
The scholarly study of music, particularly different musical cultures and traditions
77
questions
4
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2answers
121 views
“Contemporary Christian Music” but for other religions?
Contemporary Christian music (or CCM -- and occasionally "inspirational music") is a genre of modern popular music which is lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith.
Do ...
-1
votes
3answers
99 views
Why is Eastern Music a Mode of Western Music?
Western music (to me at least) is best captured in the major scale. And Phrygian, which is the 3rd mode of the major scale can be used to get a more Eastern sound (for example Jefferson Airplane/White ...
1
vote
2answers
64 views
English translation of Brahms' essay: “Octaven und Quinten”?
I am now doing some research on Brahm's essay, Octaven u. Quinten. I cannot read German, so I cannot do anything with the original manuscript. I have read some secondary sources about this essay, but ...
3
votes
1answer
90 views
Stability of chords
I wish to understand the connection of music theory to the physics world, or to waves.
In this context, I quite understand notion of dominant chords as containing tritone, which is dissonant. What I ...
2
votes
0answers
69 views
What are good resources for composing music in the style of sea shanties? [closed]
I've not been able to find any literature on the topic so far. If anyone could point me in the direction of some good books or other, that would be great.
18
votes
3answers
746 views
Music Theory: Facts or Hierarchy of Opinions?
To get right to the point, what I want to know is: what makes a claim acceptable in the world of music theory?
From my understanding, music theory has very little to do with any "natural law" or ...
3
votes
3answers
2k views
Is it possible to transpose samples (in cents) from minor to major?
I'd like to transpose a sample (in cents) from G Minor to C Major.
How do I do that, or is it even possible?
-8
votes
1answer
260 views
Jaws vs. Dvorak [closed]
There is a worldwide-viral debate involving the Jaws theme as if it is a "rip-off" of the finale of Dvorak's Ninth Symphony. Some say if the theme is sampled from Dvorak. Did John Williams really ...
2
votes
1answer
89 views
How is the human voice classified?
Considering the vocal cords can be a membranophone or considering the air column can be an aerophone.
or do we need another classification?
6
votes
2answers
810 views
Are there any thematic similarities between Shostakovichs' Symphony 5th and Beethovens' 7th symphony? [closed]
Taking a look at the opening bars of Shostakovichs' Symphony 5th and Beethovens' 7th symphony 4th movement (bar 136 onwards) see below they sound kind of similar.
Somebody suggested (Radio 3 I think)...
0
votes
2answers
112 views
What order should I learn music theory? [closed]
i am teaching myself music theory to help get ahead in the AP class im taking next year. what order should i go about learning each concept? i am already familiar with what you would know after 7 ...
7
votes
6answers
3k views
Is it possible to understand and enjoy classical music just by listening, without music theory knowledge? [closed]
Pretty much every book out there which claims to teach the readers to appreciate classical music, has significant amount of theory in it. Ex: What to listen for in Music by Aaron Copland. Is it not ...
1
vote
1answer
55 views
Music for Piano, Frangis Ali-Sade
What should I know about the music tradition behind Music for Piano, I believe mugham? From what I gather, the notation is more of you'd call a guideline. I have the 1998 Musikverlag Hans Sikorski ...
3
votes
1answer
51 views
Can someone help me figure out this music theory KEY finding question
Messing around Sunday I came up with a song that has the following Chord Progression. I'm just learning music theory and am having trouble on identifying the key.
The chord progression is:
C7 D7 F7 ...
1
vote
0answers
45 views
Beatles' usage of pronouns [closed]
I was wondering how did the Beatles' usage of pronouns influence the rock genre, and music in general? Of course, famous musicians such as Bruce Springsteen were inspired by their music, but did the ...
8
votes
1answer
2k views
Carnatic Vs Western 12 Note system
I was trying to learn the chromatic scale and associate it with carnatic equivalents (I know equal temperment is not the way with indian music, but it interest me to relate and learn it to certain ...
1
vote
0answers
73 views
Who particpated In formal musical grading education in England? [closed]
England has produced some very successful musicians in the popular music field in the past five decades. Elton John, The Beatles, The Stones, The Moody Blues, and countless others. But in the U.S. we ...
0
votes
1answer
181 views
What is the real meaning of “dominant” in music? [duplicate]
Please answer with a simple explanation and example.
Why is every 5th tone from tonic called "dominant"?
0
votes
2answers
90 views
Where do I get answers to my musical “Why” questions, i.e. are there any “Why” books out there? [closed]
I have been studying music theory for some time now and I have become genuinely interested in the genealogy of music theory. I keep asking why when I study even the most basic of theories. For example,...
0
votes
1answer
170 views
Any studies on ear training, or musicality out there
Are there any established and scientifically backed-up facts about what is possible, and what time it takes for ear training? Any studies out there that look at these questions? Like letting people ...
2
votes
1answer
80 views
conterpoint and melodic learning or other ways?
If I want to learn about melodic for composition, I have to learn counterpoint, that 's right? Or it has other ways or great books for learning about, please anyone help me I lost a lot of time for ...
1
vote
3answers
182 views
Will the electric keyboard make other instruments obsolete? [closed]
Bear with me please. I am a classical guitar student who is teaching himself keyboard for composition purposes, and I've gained some appreciation for the keyboard. Some pieces I've struggled with on ...
1
vote
3answers
210 views
Is ear training for piano is 100% sufficient for ear training flute?
If a person ear trains pitches of piano will he be automatically able to understand the pitches of flute or should he do some extra ear train for flute ? For example can we say if a person ear trains ...
3
votes
2answers
381 views
Prevailing theories about discovery of harmonic intervals
Are there any prevailing theories for how Paleolithic man discovered and shared knowledge about harmonic intervals?
EDIT: I'm not referring to the mathematical characterization of the overtone ...
5
votes
1answer
285 views
Meaning of Capitalization on The Notation of Gregorian Psalm Tone Endings
As you know, most Gregorian Psalm Tones have alternative endings. For example, Tone I has 10 possible endings.
The endings are denoted by a letter and a number. I understand (correct me if I am ...
2
votes
2answers
896 views
Live AR in music performance
What does it mean by Live AR in music performance? Sometimes, they also put it as Live AR mic open in the setlist/cue sheet of the live music performance/concert.
1
vote
1answer
300 views
Lili Boulanger: Prelude in D-flat major: manuscript interpretation
I've found two type-settings of the prelude:
One via IMSLP
One via youtube
The original manuscript/facsimile is also available via IMSLP.
I'm not sure if I can trust either typeset versions. While ...
1
vote
3answers
151 views
Dominant seventh
I just watched a video about music theory and the guy in the video sounded as if there is a difference between
AMaj7 which would A C# E G
And something he called an "A major dominant seven"
Is ...
16
votes
3answers
3k views
Why did Beethoven include “in the Lydian Mode” in the title of String Quartet, Op.132 - 3?
Beethoven himself gave a title to String Quartet No.15 in A minor, Op.132 - 3:
A Convalescent's Holy Song of Thanksgiving to the Divinity, in the
Lydian Mode
From the language and context, and ...
1
vote
3answers
455 views
Is Major/Minor tonality the right term for this
When a song has both a major and a minor feel at the same time. I'm not talking about major sounding minor song or vice versa. I'm talking about a song that isn't strictly one or the other.
Some ...
0
votes
3answers
107 views
Is there a music term for this
The notes that a musician or singer stresses and emphasises in a melody. The contouring they use. Their phrasing of the melody.
Essentially the way they articulate the melody. I call that voicing - I'...
7
votes
3answers
2k views
The Basso Continuo and the Jazz Rhythm Section
I've seen many musicologists compare the Basso Continuo of the Baroque Era to the Jazz Rhythm Section, an analogy which I think is valid and understandable. Here's one reference (of many) that I ...
2
votes
1answer
135 views
chords, chord theory, and bass lines
Can someone please explain how chords work within a song? My previous post was on chord progressions and how to hear and listen for them in a song. More people than Not have told me to listen ...
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2answers
402 views
Chord Progressions and changes
I understand music theory thoroughly and I understand the different elements that makes up songs and music. However, I have a problem hearing chord changes and progressions in songs. I can hear the ...
1
vote
1answer
229 views
Vocals in music
Can someone please elaborate on the concept of singing on pitch and also is there a such thing as rapping on pitch?
0
votes
2answers
254 views
Singing On Pitch?
I understand the concept of singing on pitch note for note when practicing scales but when applying this to an actual song I get lost. Take this song for example from (0:25-1:38)
...
1
vote
1answer
254 views
Regarding Schubert's Missing 'Gastein' Symphony
My understanding has been that Schubert's 'Gastein Symphony' was presumed lost, until scholars realized it was in fact his 9th symphony (the 'Great'). But Wikipedia tells me the 7th Symphony, D. 729, ...
3
votes
2answers
90 views
Wood vs Stone first drum
What was the first drum instrument? Was it wood or stone? Maybe there is an answer out there, but all I found were mere discussions.
2
votes
2answers
188 views
What is really the piece called Suite No. 2 by W.A. Mozart?
I've gotten my hands on an arrangement by Simeon Bellison for clarinet quartet * of a Suite No. 2 / W.A. Mozart. This surprised me because Mozart didn't complete any suites as far as I know. I checked ...
4
votes
5answers
10k views
Violin - Western Classical vs indian classical. How different are they?
Just a curious beginner with no music background and knowledge of music.
I am fond of Western classical music, thus violin. I have a violin but don't know where to start. I couldn't find someone to ...
2
votes
2answers
179 views
if music is universal does that also mean anyone can enjoy most music genres/styles?
I hear some people in my personal life sometimes say that they only like a few genres or one specific genre of music like just rock, hip-hop, or classical. This didn't make much sense to me though ...
10
votes
1answer
235 views
End Accents in Other Cultures
Disclaimer: It's difficult mixing terminology between Western and non-Western musics, but I'll try to make my question as clear as possible.
Western Classical music most often has an accent at the ...
0
votes
1answer
546 views
How would you develop a musical instrument using a QWERTY computer keyboard? [closed]
Just now I had the idea of developing an musical instrument using the default QWERTY keyboard, for the study of music, harmony and the like.
I would like the advice of more experient musicians on the ...
10
votes
4answers
3k views
musical theory of lullabies
I'm studying lullabies right now, and am just left wondering about a few things. Why is a common element of a lullaby that it has a slow tempo? Also, why is having a high tessitura so important?
4
votes
2answers
740 views
How does Indian and Western Musical contain Seven Notes ? Is it a Coincidence?
How does Indian (sa,re,ga,ma,pa,dha,ni) and Western(c,d,e,f,g,a,b) music have seven notes ? Is it a coincidence or someone copied from other ?
5
votes
3answers
776 views
What is the motif used in many chaconnes in the 17th century?
Wikipedia says that a chaconne is a musical composition involving variations on a harmonic progression or melody (motif), similar to the passacaglia. In essence, it is a musical form. The motif is ...
1
vote
1answer
237 views
metrical structure - levels of metrical grouping
In Music, Mind and Brain: The Neuropsychology of Music they use a technique to find the most "salient" level of grouping.
Link to passage text here
This is important in musicology for making ...
2
votes
1answer
197 views
In musicology, what is a key profile?
What is a "key profile"?
Krumhansl-Schmuckler developed an algorithm that aids in finding the key of a piece of music.
The algorithm depends on pitches and durations and requires the generation of ...
2
votes
1answer
379 views
What are the avoid notes for exotic scales in jazz music?
I know there are avoid notes for the diatonic scale and the melodic minor scale. I am not familiar with exotic scale avoid notes (if they really exist in jazz music), for example, there is the ...
24
votes
4answers
5k views
Did baroque composers think of ritardando on their compositions?
I've been always told that whenever I play any baroque piece on the piano, I should take special care when attending to, for example, the amount of right pedal I should use. It sounded perfectly ...
