Class

Article

College

Caine College of the Arts

Department

Music Department

Faculty Mentor

Sara Bakker

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Abstract

We will be discussing the form of Eric Whitacre's 'Cloudburst' and how it mimics a storm brewing using musical elements and text painting, or reflecting the words sung through music. We will look at how the song progresses through the different stages of a storm, from the unsettled calm before the full outburst and the resolution back to calm. We will look at how Whitacre achieves this through his use of instrumentation, both traditional and unique, and through the increasing intensity of his intricate melodies. We will look at how he makes this clear to follow even for audiences who do not speak the language of the piece or have an extensive musical knowledge and show why the overall experience of the piece is breathtaking. Presentation Time: Wednesday, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Location

Logan, UT

Start Date

4-12-2021 12:00 AM

Included in

Life Sciences Commons

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Apr 12th, 12:00 AM

Whitacre's Thunderstorm: How Eric Whitacre Uses Form to Bring Words to Life

Logan, UT

We will be discussing the form of Eric Whitacre's 'Cloudburst' and how it mimics a storm brewing using musical elements and text painting, or reflecting the words sung through music. We will look at how the song progresses through the different stages of a storm, from the unsettled calm before the full outburst and the resolution back to calm. We will look at how Whitacre achieves this through his use of instrumentation, both traditional and unique, and through the increasing intensity of his intricate melodies. We will look at how he makes this clear to follow even for audiences who do not speak the language of the piece or have an extensive musical knowledge and show why the overall experience of the piece is breathtaking. Presentation Time: Wednesday, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.