Listening Log Movie Review

1. “Ordo Virtutam [Play of Virtues]”Hildegarde of Bingen (Germany, 1098-1179), Bonds p. 22
The cultural environment under which this music is composed is one of social stratification. Religion and social class seems to a fundamental component of this music. The dressing that is adopted by the presenters of this music illustrates the holiness of the environment under which the song is presented. Some of the important characteristics of this music are that the recording takes advantage of the variety of pitches among the presenters. Different voices which include soprano, base, and alto collaborate to create an effective tone for the music. The use of musical instruments such the guitar are used to reinforce the different pitches in the music. Dialogue and action in the music is used as a transition between different climaxes within the music.
2. “Je Puis Trop Bien [I can all too well compare my lady]”Machaut (France, 1300-1377), Bonds p. 42
The cultural environment that is embedded in this music is one of a male dominated society. Men seem to have more power in relation to women as portrayed in the various parts of the music. The music portrays the dynamics that were in society at the time that the song was composed. This music blends in different pitches form both male and female to create a perfect rhythm. High notes seem to characterize this music. However, the presenters of this song are able to create some variations in the high pitches with the music.
3. “El Grillo [The Cricket]”Josquin Desprez (France, 1455-1521), Bonds p.59
This music presents a society that is more developed both politically and acoustically. Unlike the other music in the latter two, the presenters of this music take the risk of different frequencies within the music. This music is predominantly male voices with high notes. Despite the quick changes in the frequency of tones in the music, the presenters of this music are able to maintain high tones throughout the music.
4. “Since Robin Hood”Thomas Weelkes (England, 1575-1623), Bonds p. 65
This music presents the idea of different social classes in the society at the time. The music has variations in the tone. This is as a result of the risk that the presenters of this song take. The music is dominated by female voices. This allows the music to have high notes throughout the music. The music illustrates acoustic development in the period that the music was composed. The dressing and the tone of the music portray the facts that there is political and economic prosperity at the time of the music composition.
5. “Sing Joyfully”William Byrd (England, 1542-1623), Bonds p. 71
This music is presented in the form of a choir. This allows the presenters to take advantage of the different variations of tones by the members of the choir. Some of the voice tones that are present in this music include base and soprano. The organization of the choir allows the different voices to blend in effectively. Unlike other music that is dominated by either male or female presenters. This music effectively incorporates both men and women into the choir. The cultural environment under which this song is presented is one of the churches. The dressing that is adopted by the presenters of this music is used to illustrate holiness of the place where this music is presented. The architecture of the Cathedral illustrates both religious and socio-economic prosperity of society.