Winter Solstice – the Cadenza Challenge
Interpreting music as text
Music is a universal language that has the power to conjure stories. How one person hears a tune may differ to another. Each will have their own interpretation.
In music terms, a Cadenza is a solo passage that, to some degree, is improvised by a musician showcasing their talent.
A good way to start is to close your eyes and just listen. Don’t enter with an idea in mind or be distracted by external thoughts and sounds. Let the music do the talking. Listen to the piece in full several times. Each time listening more intently on specific sounds/instruments. Peel back the layers, break down the overall sound until a picture begins to come.
Now it’s time to write what you hear.
According to the University of Arizona’s Poetry Centre, there are three elements to consider when writing what you hear: Reaction, Scene and Metaphor.
Reaction – How do you feel? What do you think when you listen to the tune? Write about the first image or feeling that comes to mind. Take note of the mood that arises.
Scene – What did you see? Describe the who, what, where, when, and why. It may be a standalone image that comes to you. It may be a sequence of scenes that tell a short story. It may be abstract, hallucinogenic, or mainstream imagery.
Metaphor – UAPC use the term as a general notion and suggest not over thinking. What does the tune symbolise, represent or say?
Maybe you see a Ronda (musical form with a recurring theme that may contrast other material1), or Motif (used to highlight themes or characters in the music narrative1).
Find your Expression (the performer’s use of dynamics, articulation, phrasing to create and present the emotional content of a piece of music1).
For a deeper understanding and examples of interpreting music as text, follow these links:
1 https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/rocksmith/plus/news-updates/Xy1We5NTTEXfe3hUoctVC/music-terms-definitions-explanations-of-common-musical-words