Below is a selection of words used to describe music and give direction to musicians.
1. Highlight the words that are relevant to the music of Trees, Birds Then People.
Instrumental Technique – how
is the sound made?
Pizzicato – plucked with the
finger (strings)
Arco – with the bow
Senza vibrato – without vibrato
(strings)
Col legno battuto – hitting the
strings with the wood
2. Close your eyes and listen carefully to the music of each interlude or movement. What can you hear? What do you notice?
3. Use the musical terms above to help you describe the music and complete the table below.
Prologue
Musical Description
or
Performance Technique
Recorded Bird calls
Sound
Or
Effect
Sounds like a bird in
the bush
First Interlude
Recorded Bird calls
Sounds like a bird in
the bush



Continues the mood of peace and beauty of nature
Suggests community of birds in the bush
Ideas of hierarchy introduced through newcomers,
groupings and reactions
First Movement
Arco – with the bow
Energised, lively





Sounds like call and response
Like opening the door on an argument.
Suggests cacophony of bird sound and confused
communication
Sounds like exchange of views, discussion
Frequent changes of mood

Sense reaction

Beauty of bird sound
Animato – animated, lively
Allegro – quick and lively
How it Contributes to the Choreographic Intention
Sets the mood of peace, beauty, awe, respect and
contemplativeness of nature
Staccato – short and
detached (notes are
separate from each other)
Presto – very fast in
Apoplexy phrase
Second Interlude
Occasional pizzicato on
cello
Rain soundscape
Artificial Harmonics
Evokes feeling of rain
in the bush
Sounds like a kokako
Second Movement
Pizzicato – plucked with
the finger (strings)
call

Refers to endangered bird species and lost bird calls
through extinction
Softer, more muted
sound

Supports delicacy in courtship and intimacy
relationship

Represents disappointment at Hannah betraying him
for the trio


More cacophonous and rowdy
Reflects tension within the group as the fight for
dominance intensifies and the hierarchy shifts
Rhythmic, percussive,
Sounds like 4/4 and ¾
Third Interlude
One pizzicato with
harmonic
Third Movement
Arco – with the bow
Allegro – quick and lively
Staccato – short and
detached (notes are
separate from each other)
Soft, gentle, some
delicacy
Sad little sound
Longer, fuller bow
sounds build drama
towards climax