Exercise n.10 /Performing Orchestra
A minimum of 10 people is needed.
Choose a site: a private or a public space.
Select the conductor.
Only the conductor is allow to read and follow the next instructions.
Take the cards provided.
Each card is charaterized by a letter: card A, card B, card C, card D.
Procured for each card a number of copies equal to the information given below:
CARD D x 10 or n° of partecipants
Collect yourself all the cards.
Gather the group all together.
Embody the conductor.
Start to read out loud the card:
When you have finished, call one partecipant to join you.
Give the partecipant the second card (card B)
Embody the conductor.
Call with your eye for the other’s attention and - without explaination - make you the partecipant understand what is going to happen: read together, simoultaneously, out loud, the card.
When you have finished, call other two partecipants to join you.
Repeat all the instruction with the card C
When you have finished, call every partecipants to join you.
Repeat all the instruction with the last card (card D).
card A
Solo, from the Italian word for ''alone'', indicates that a single person should carry a melody without the support of other instruments. There are multiple ways to arrange a solo. Sometimes, the soloist is the only person performing. The rest of the ensemble is entirely silent. Performing a solo is "to solo", and the performer is known as a soloist.Solos can be powerful and fun, but they generally don't last forever. Or, in other words, "You can’t be a self by yourself.”
card B
A duet is a musical composition for two performers in which the performers have equal importance to the piece. It differs from a harmony, as the performers take turns performing a solo section rather than performing simultaneously. A piece performed by two pianists performing together on the same piano is a "piano duet" or "piano four hands".A piece for two pianists performing together on separate pianos is a "piano duo".Historically, the “love” duet was characterized by singing in close harmonies of 3rds and 6ths, symbolizing unity after conflict.
card C
A quartet is an ensemble of four singers or instrumental performers; or a musical composition for four voices or instruments. Also, a group of four performers: any music in four parts that can be performed by four individuals.Particularly around the question of the group dynamics of ensemble performance, there is a tendency to blur the roles of the parts and the roles of the players, and the ideal of free and equal contribution by all four parts or players. This ideal is distinct from the longstanding metaphor of ‘conversation’ to describe the relations of the parts.
card D
The instruction soli, unlike solo, requires more than one player or singer.
In a jazz big band this refers to an entire section playing in harmony. An orchestra is a large instrumental ensemble typical of classical music, which combines instruments from different families.
The experience of being part of a group is indicated to be important, particularly through the sense of community engendered in the ensemble and the opportunity to participate in something musical as a group.Choral singing is considered orchestra as well. It holds a very important social function in addition to the obvious musical experience provided in an ensemble. For many singers, singing in a particular choir is part of their social identity.
