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10: Program Music

  • Page ID
    165661
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    The term "Program Music" refers to purely instrumental music (without any voices singing) that is based off of an extra-musical narrative. (We saw an example of program music already when we examined Vivaldi's "Spring" concerto).

    Program music can tell a story, or it can be simply inspired by some non-musical idea. If we composed a piece of music that told the story of the Lord of the Rings, that would be one type of program music. If we decided to then compose a single piece of music that depicted Superman as a character in the D.C. universe, that would be another type of program music. It might not tell a story of Superman's adventures, but it might simply "musically depict" him---that would be an example of program music as well.

    If we wrote a piece of music that depicted the Grand Canyon --- that would be another example of program music!

    Anything unrelated to music that serves as the inspiration of the music itself is considered program music.

    Very often, composers who write program music will write program notes that accompany the music. These notes are typically given to the performers and the audience before playing or listening to the music. This way, everyone knows what type of story the comopser is trying to depict with his or her music.

    This chapter addresses 2 important pieces of program music in the 19th century: Tchaikovsky's musical telling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and Smetana's instrumental work that depicts a national landmark from his home country. As you listen to these pieces, pay close attention to how the music interacts with the pre-existing drama. Even without any words, you'll be able to hear certain elements of the story within the music!


    10: Program Music is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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