Introductory Exercise on Basic Serial Technique

Subject: Music
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 16 - 18
Order Number: 11071

Introductory Exercise on Basic Serial Technique with Commentary and Analysis of the first movement of Webern's Opus 22 Quartet CD-ROM.

The resource links two areas of study from Edexcel AS in Music covering part of Unit 2 (Compositional Techniques, Paper 22) and Unit 3 (20th Century Art Music, Paper 32). Although designed for AS level, much of the resource is useful for A2.

Basic serial technique and its terminology are explained in a stepped approach with exercises. Students are guided through serialism starting with use of the P form through to I, R and RI. Suggestions are given about melodic design related to the different forms of the series.

In addition, thirteen exercises give opportunities to write for common instruments appropriately.

Students who study serial techniques can link it to the analysis of Webern's Opus 22 (NAM 8, page 160). That work is represented in a score written with four different shape note-heads corresponding to the P, I, R and RI forms with figures to indicate their transpositions; secondly, in a score which uses four different colours corresponding to the forms of the series. An un-annotated score is provided so that students may undertake their own analysis aided by a table showing the forms of the series used.

General guidance is given on the importance of rhythm, dynamics and timbre to serial technique and there is a glossary of terms to further illustrate the analytical commentary on NAM 8. An appendix of quotations from Webern's 'Paths to the New Music' is added for possible discussion and to help direct the student to aesthetic and historical considerations of Webern and serialism.

Once purchased the CD can be freely copied and networked throughout the schoool