Early Music Composition Task

During this task you will be creating an original Galliard by:

1.1 Analysing how a range of advanced compositional methods and music concepts
are used by composers for specific effect and the contexts which influenced their
work
1.2 Experimenting and using complex music concepts and compositional methods in
sophisticated and creative ways to develop, refine and create original music
1.3 Develop musical ideas which make musical sense and realize your creative
intentions
1.4 Critically reflecting on your music and on the musical impact of your creative
choices and decisions

Activity 1 (CS 1.1, UM 1.1)

The score of Byrds Galliard to the First Pavane is provided on the next two pages.
Listen to this piece before completing the task below.
* Transpose bars 3 - 5 in the treble clef down two octaves.

Activity 2 (CS 1.1, UM 1.1)

Create a report about this score, which contains information under the following
headings:
Style, Melody/Harmony, Rhythm/Tempo, Texture/Structure/Form, Timbre,
Dynamics/Tone
Use bar numbers as appropriate and you may wish to annotate the score.
Notes for your report:

Activity 3 (CS 1.1, UM 1.1)

The score of Byrds Galliard to Victory is provided on the next three pages. Listen to
this piece before completing the task below. What is unusual about this particular
performance of this piece? Why do you think this piece has been written?
* Listen to this piece again and annotate the score with at least 20 concepts.

Activity 4 (CS 1.1 and UM 1.1)

Choose another Galliard from My Lady Nevells Booke of Virginal Music by Byrd to
either:
a) Complete a report on or
b) Annotate the score
Activity 5 (CS 1.2 and 1.3)
You are going to create a Galliard that is at least 8 bars in length. You are writing your
Galliard for a consort of instruments. Your instructions for this task are below:
* Your time signature should be 3/2
* Your piece can be major or minor, although Galliards were mostly written in minor
keys
* Your aim is to create two 4 bar phrases
* Consider that you are creating a recipe. The main body of this is your rhythm use
Byrd as a starting point to create your rhythm and the overall shape for your Galliard.
Use close rhythmic imitation in bars 1 - 2 and 5 6
* Decide on your chord structure and keep it simple - 1 chord per bar. The underlying
chords of the Galliard are: I, IV and V. Consider chords II, III and VI the spices for your
recipe you dont want to use these too much! Your first phrase should finish with an
imperfect or plagal cadence and the second should finish with a perfect cadence
* Once you have your chord structure, write your melody line followed by your bass
line, using contrary motion where possible. Your melody should be quicker than your
bass line and beat 1 of each bar should be the root note of the bass chord.
* Imagine isolating your top and bottom lines of music everything else is decoration
* After this you can then explore writing your inner parts
* There should be no parallel 4ths or 5ths these are weak
* Use passing notes these should be strong through to your next chord
* The use of hockets (from the word hiccup!) is standard at cadence points, try these
rhythmic devices out!
* If you wish to extend your Galliard use the form: AA* BB* CC*
* = decorated and with further rhythmic divisions
* You may use any computer programme you are comfortable with to realise your
creative intentions.
* From the work you have completed so far, choose at least eight concepts you wish
to use
* You must keep a log of your compositional process. This may consist of
screen shots of your work, a diary or blog of your creative journey.
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Activity 6 - Candidate Extended Reflection (CS 1.4)

Comments on my learning
A qualitative description of my
main musical choices and
decisions

An objective review of the

impact of my choices on the
music I have created

What approaches have I used

to creating music which were
successful in meeting my
creative intentions?

What approaches were less

successful and why?

Two areas for improvement in

my music

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Success Criteria

I have completed Activities 1 and 2

I have completed Activity 3
I have completed Activity 4
I have completed Activity 5 and created a Galliard using concepts explored and
used by
William
Byrd
I have added dynamics and articulation to my composition as appropriate.
I have kept a detailed log of my creative journey
v I have completed a self-reflection sheet, which contains in depth information
about the creation of my composition, my decision-making process, things that
went well and areas for improvement

Teacher Feedback
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Pupil Name

Assessor Comments

Activities 1 and 2 CS 1.1, UM 1.1

1.1 CS Analysing how a range of advanced
compositional methods and music concepts are used
by other composers for specific effect and the
contexts which influenced their work
1.1 UM Identifying and and analysing the use of level
specific and other music concepts, signs and symbols
Activity 3 CS 1.1, UM 1.1
1.1 CS Analysing how a range of advanced
compositional methods and music concepts are used
by other composers for specific effect and the
contexts which influenced their work
1.1 UM Identifying and analysing the use of level
specific and other music concepts, signs and symbols
Activity 4 - Composing Skills 1.2
1.2 Experimenting and using complex music
concepts and compositional methods in sophisticated
and creative ways to develop, refine and create
original music

Activity 5 - Composing Skills 1.3

1.3 Develop musical ideas which make musical sense
and realize your creative intentions

Activity 6, Extended Reflection Composing

Skills 1.4
1.4 Critically reflecting on your music and on the
musical impact of your creative choices and
decisions

Assessment decision (achieved/not achieved)

Date
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