Semitone

The Lute The lute, the most prolific instrument during the 16th century, was “in almost universal use in western Europe” because it was treasured for its ability to arouse emotions through its “expressive and finely shaded tone”. Since the lute was so abundant during the Renaissance period “it is one of the first instruments for which we find any large quantity of written music” in which polyphonic singing and secular songs as well as dances were merged together. The lute, because it was so…

Their bellies were gently arched with C shaped sound holes and the flat backs sloped in toward the neck (Fig 2). The thick, round neck contained tuning pegs, and was fitted with 7 to 8 frets that were made of stretched gut. The frets were arranged in semitone intervals and could be adjusted, creating tonal stability and enabling a greater variety of positions and postures from the left hand. The use of frets created an effect similar to that of an open string which enhanced the instruments…

Analysis: Mozart Symphony no.40 in G minor K.550 (1788), first movement There are more questions surrounding Mozart's final three symphonies nos. 39, 40, and 41 or "Jupiter" than answers. Mozart’s Symphony in G minor, K550 “is one of the greatest final trilogies that Mozart composed and the process of composing this piece lasted from six to eight weeks during the summer of 1788”(Heninger, 2003, p.1) Firstly, it was written for “strings, flutes, oboes and bassoons. It is then revised to give…

As a crime film, The Godfather contains numerous violent, sexual and profane scenes as its plot centers on the Corleone family and their criminal business. However, despite its genre, Nino Rota’s score for the film is generally calm, elegant and operatic. For instance, the main theme of the film is a waltz called the “Godfather Waltz,” which counterpoints the horrible images presented on the screen. As a mournful waltz with a melancholic vibe, the “Godfather Waltz” serves as a leitmotif for Don…