CRY
AURAL ELEMENTS
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CRY
In this tutorial you will examine the aural elements
of the work Cry and investigate how they
contribute to the work and the intentions of the
choreographer.
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ABOUT THE ACCOMPANIMENT
CRY
The accompaniment Ailey selects for his works plays a vital role
in conveying the intent.
The accompaniment in Cry is divided into sections that
compliment the structure of the work. Each section of the work is
unique in subject matter, meaning and significance.
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ABOUT THE ACCOMPANIMENT
CRY
The accompaniment used in Cry is:
Section One: Something about John Coltrane by Alice Coltrane
Section Two: Been on a Train by Laura Nyro
Section Three: Right On. Be Free by The Voices of Harlem.
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LYRICS AND MOVEMENT
CRY
Section Two: Been on a Train by Laura Nyro
Activity
Visit the music link above and read the lyrics for Been on a Train.
Consider copying the lyrics into a Word document, so that you can
print them.
Re-watch Section 2 of the work while you read the lyrics.
Describe the relationship between the movement and the lyrics
throughout the section.
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THE SUBJECT MATTER & MUSIC
CRY
Activity
Explain the significance of Ailey’s choice of accompaniment to
convey the subject matter of the work Cry.
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CLIMAXES IN THE MUSIC
CRY
Climaxes in music can be created using many different techniques.
Some of these include changing tempo, changing pitch, changing the
dynamics and the use of silence.
Learn more about musical concepts by visiting HSC Online: Core
Composition, where you will also find tutorial tasks to help you select
appropriate music for dance composition.
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Activity
Listen to the music used in each section of Cry and
write a description about the climaxes in each piece.
CHOREOGRAPHIC DEVICES
CRY
A choreographer can create climax in movement in many ways.
One such way is by organising the work using variation and
contrast through the manipulation of space, time and dynamics.
Activity
Watch the work Cry without listening to the
accompaniment. Identify and describe
choreographic devices that Ailey uses to
manipulate movement to create climaxes and
enhance the meaning of the work.
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