Tone and Music

It's a long weekend, which means a slightly longer assignment than usual, but it should be less work that it appears to be on the surface.

Check your Emails. I sent out Roberts' essay "How to Say Nothing in 500 Words". There were a few problems sending the email at first, but it should be alright now. The file numbers correspond to the page numbers. I think you can figure it out. Read it and respond using the questions I gave out in class.

Then we shall look at tone. Remember tone exists in written mediums, but sometimes it is harder to notice. Therefore, music is an easier and more straightforward place to look for examples of tone.

Choose one of the following and analyze the tone.
Here are your choices:
"In the Hall of the Mountain King" - Edvard Grieg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzyi3C4gNnE

"Hurt" - Johnny Cash
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmVAWKfJ4Go

"Angel" - Massive Attack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaef2NgwqHY
Note: The tone in "Angel" may be difficult to pin down. Try your best

Use the following guidelines to structure your response to the piece. Write as much as you think it takes (should be around 1/2 - 1 page)

-What is the tone of this piece? (It will go beyond formal or informal)
Consider: lyrics/voice (if there are any), instruments used, and tempo/beat. (You may also want to examine bass and volume as well)
-How does it affect the audience?
-What type of mood does it create? (You can consider yourself the audience)
-What instruments are used to achieve this goal (synthesizers count)?
-How are they effective?
-If there are lyrics: What words are used to convey the tone?
-Why/How do these words create this mood? (Be specific)
Also, be specific in your moods. If it is a complex mood, describe what it means to you.

Once you have analyzed one of the above three pieces, you have one more thing to do. You must choose one of the following options and complete it. Just like before, this response should be as long as it needs to be. (roughly 1/2 - 1 page in length)

1) I have shown you some of the songs I like. Now it is your turn to analyze a song you like.
Choose your favorite song and analyze the tone. Depending on the song you choose, this maybe easy or difficult. (Remember that no one is judging you on the song you select as your favorite)

2) For those of you who are creative and enjoyed the song "Angel," write a short explanation as to why you think the main character is being chased. Use elements (tone, images, beat, etc) from the song and video to support your story. Feel free to make it interesting and interpret those elements creatively. (write as much as you need to, but don't get carried away)

Send me an email if you have any questions. Remember you also have the numbers and emails of other students if you feel you want to talk to somebody about the assignment.