Learning Intentions:

• To improvise using contrasting dynamics and expressive techniques

• To identify and discuss the use of contrasting dynamics and expressive techniques

With a partner, take turns in using your voice or a melody instrument. Build up a musical dialogue by improvising phrases, or brief sections of music. Performer 1 goes first; then performer 2 replies, as differently as possible.

PERFORMER 1

Make your music:

• mainly calm, legato and flowing

• moving at a fairly slow tempo

• keeping to a dynamic range of pp, p and mp

PERFORMER 2

Make your music:

• excitable, staccato and spiky

• moving at a fast tempo

• keeping to a dynamic range of mf, f and ff

e.g.

If you have time, swap parts.

Perform your improvisation for the class.

Listen to Tempus est iocundum from Carl Orff's Carmina burana. You will hear many changes of tempo and contrasts in dynamics. Below is a plan of the first half of the song.