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PRACTICE TIPS #67: Principles of Phrasing, part 1
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Brent Hugh
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Feb 13, 2002 21:37 PST
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PRACTICE TIPS is an occasional email newsletter with practical
piano practice tips and ideas, by Brent Hugh
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It's been a while since we've had an issue of Practice Tips (did I mention
that it is an *occasional* email newsletter?). But here is a good place to
start with a new series of Practice Tips:
PRACTICE TIPS #67: Principles of Phrasing, part 1
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A phrase is a musical sentence.
A phrase is like a rainbow--start with less intensity, grow to a high
point, taper off intensity at the end.
The art of phrasing involves knowing and communicating the points of higher
and lower intensity and relaxation within a phrase.
The principles of phrasing are simple (at least in their basic forms!). But
they need to become your musical thinking every minute you are practicing
and every second you are performing.
Three Ways to Tell Intensity/Relaxation Within A Phrase
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** 1. Harmony -- Consonance/dissonance **
The "typical" phrase starts with consonant harmony, moves to a point of
highest dissonance, and resolves this dissonance at the end.
Consider:
* Function of chords in the phrase (functional harmony)
* Dissonance/resolution between melody and harmony
** 2. Rhythm **
The "typical" phrase builds in rhythmic activity (faster notes) then
relaxes that activity at the end (longer notes).
Consider:
* Rhythmic activity (i.e., faster notes) = more intensity
* Longer notes = less intensity
* Strong and weak beats of meter
** 3. Melodic contour **
The "typical" phrase starts lower in pitch, rises to a high point, and ends
on a lower pitch.
Consider:
* Melodic direction/progression
* Large vs. small melodic leaps
Next time: What tools do you have to communicate the shape of the phrase?
Happy practicing!
--Brent
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PRACTICE TIPS is by pianist, teacher, composer, and internet nerd
Brent Hugh. Brent knows about practicing mostly because he *does*
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+++++++++++++++++ Brent Hugh / bhu-@mwsc.edu +++++++++++++++++
+ Missouri Western St College Dept of Music, St. Joseph, MO +
+ Piano Home Page : http://www.mwsc.edu/~bhugh +
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