Here is an extract from the poem The Fair-Haired Girl (Anonymous 18th century). The sun has set, the stars are still, The red moon hides behind the hill; The tide has left the brown beach bare, The birds have fled the upper air. The opening line has been set to music below. Set the remaining words to make a melody of 16 bars. (You may exceed this number of bars and include a modulation, if you wish.) Add appropriate performing directions (phrasing and dynamics) to the melody.

Leaving Cert Music Setting music to text: Here is an extract from the poem

Here is an extract from the poem The Fair-Haired Girl (Anonymous 18th century) - Leaving Cert Music - Question 2 - 2019

Question 2

Here is an extract from the poem The Fair-Haired Girl (Anonymous 18th century). The sun has set, the stars are still, The red moon hides behind the hill; The tide h... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Here is an extract from the poem The Fair-Haired Girl (Anonymous 18th century) - Leaving Cert Music - Question 2 - 2019

Step 1

Add appropriate performing directions (phrasing and dynamics) to the melody.

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Answer

When adding appropriate performing directions, consider the following:

1. Dynamics:
   - Start softly (piano) for introspective lines and gradually build to louder (forte) crescendos in climactic moments to create emotional depth.

2. Phrasing:
   - Use slurs to indicate legato sections, allowing the phrases to flow smoothly.
   - Indicate breath marks where a pause may naturally occur in the poetry to enhance clarity in delivery.

3. Tempo indications:
   - Mark the tempo as "Moderato" to give a moderate pace, allowing the text to be articulated clearly.
   - Consider adding slight variations in tempo, such as ritardando near the end of the phrases to increase expressiveness.

4. Articulation:
   - Include staccato markings on certain notes to add a playful or light-hearted feel, contrasting with legato phrases for dramatic effect.
   - Accents on important words or syllables can help emphasize the poetic meaning.

By implementing these performing directions thoughtfully, the melody will not only carry the text but also engage the audience emotionally.

Here is an extract from the poem The Fair-Haired Girl (Anonymous 18th century) - Leaving Cert Music - Question 2 - 2019

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Here is an extract from the poem The Fair-Haired Girl (Anonymous 18th century) - Leaving Cert Music - Question 2 - 2019

Add appropriate performing directions (phrasing and dynamics) to the melody.

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