The Aural SettingThe Aural Setting There are many types of accompaniment There are many types of accompaniment (aural setting) that a choreographer can use (aural setting) that a choreographer can use in their work.in their work. SilenceSilenceVoiceVoiceSound (natural/found)Sound (natural/found)MusicMusic

SilenceSilence With no sound a dance must With no sound a dance must

be strong and clear having it’s be strong and clear having it’s own rhythm and form.own rhythm and form.

Silence can add to the theme Silence can add to the theme of a dance creating the feel of of a dance creating the feel of solitude and emptinesssolitude and emptiness

Moments of silence can add Moments of silence can add contrast and avoid contrast and avoid predictability.predictability.

It may also highlight moments It may also highlight moments of great importance. of great importance.

Swan Song Christopher Bruce Swan Song Christopher Bruce section 5 – second solo uses section 5 – second solo uses silence.silence.It emphasises the changes of It emphasises the changes of speed in the movementspeed in the movementGenerates the atmosphere of a Generates the atmosphere of a bleak prison cell.bleak prison cell.Highlights the dramatic impact Highlights the dramatic impact of the prisoners situation by the of the prisoners situation by the imagery of the prop (chair).imagery of the prop (chair).Can hear the sound of dancers Can hear the sound of dancers movements and the chairmovements and the chairAllows the dancer to improvise Allows the dancer to improvise and feel the mood of the dance and feel the mood of the dance freely.freely.

VoiceVoiceThis may be in the form of words This may be in the form of words (prose, poetry, lyrics or just words (prose, poetry, lyrics or just words that make no sense or that are that make no sense or that are distorted).distorted).Human sounds such as crying or Human sounds such as crying or laughter have also been used.laughter have also been used.The accents and type of sound The accents and type of sound can blend smoothly or be in can blend smoothly or be in contrast to the movement.contrast to the movement. John Betjeman’s poems form the John Betjeman’s poems form the structure of Late Flowering Lust by structure of Late Flowering Lust by Matthew BourneMatthew BournePoem is read and the words Poem is read and the words add to the rhythm and the add to the rhythm and the phrasing.phrasing.In musicals dancers often sing In musicals dancers often sing at the same time i.e. in Cats.at the same time i.e. in Cats.

Kenneth Macmillan captures the Kenneth Macmillan captures the broad theme of the poem rather broad theme of the poem rather than depicting each word.than depicting each word.

Sound (natural/found)Sound (natural/found) In Christopher Bruce’s ‘Swansong’ In Christopher Bruce’s ‘Swansong’ (1987) the idea of interrogation of (1987) the idea of interrogation of a political prisoner in a South a political prisoner in a South American jail is cleverly brought to American jail is cleverly brought to life. The interrogators and prisoner life. The interrogators and prisoner tap the question and answers. tap the question and answers. Claps and finger clicks are also Claps and finger clicks are also used to heighten the intensity of used to heighten the intensity of the interrogation.the interrogation. He also uses the sounds of birds He also uses the sounds of birds (makes us think of a trapped bird (makes us think of a trapped bird in a cage, like the prisoner in the in a cage, like the prisoner in the cell. and pots and pans which are cell. and pots and pans which are recorded and digitally recorded and digitally manipulatedmanipulated..Some dances rely on sounds as Some dances rely on sounds as part of the accompaniment tap, part of the accompaniment tap, flamenco, folk, Morris dance etc.flamenco, folk, Morris dance etc.Tapping and stamping in SS used Tapping and stamping in SS used as interrogation and question and as interrogation and question and answer. Morris dance used in answer. Morris dance used in Penguin Café.Penguin Café.

In ‘Cross Channel’ by Lea In ‘Cross Channel’ by Lea Anderson the sound of the Anderson the sound of the train station and ferry in transit train station and ferry in transit add naturally to the theme of add naturally to the theme of the journey.the journey.Sounds from nature such as Sounds from nature such as wind, railways, bird, crowds wind, railways, bird, crowds are often used.are often used.In site specific works the In site specific works the sound found can become the sound found can become the accompaniment.accompaniment.Sounds made by the dancers Sounds made by the dancers themselves as in tap, Indian themselves as in tap, Indian and Flamenco can enhance and Flamenco can enhance the rhythmical experience for the rhythmical experience for the audience.the audience.

MusicMusic Different methods can be used Different methods can be used when we use music with when we use music with dance.dance.Dance and music composed Dance and music composed togethertogetherDance created and music Dance created and music composed for itcomposed for itCompose music first and then Compose music first and then choreograph in response to choreograph in response to musicmusicA dance idea found and music A dance idea found and music composed or found to fitcomposed or found to fit

Music and dance separate Music and dance separate only come together in only come together in

performance.performance.

In Front Line by Henri In Front Line by Henri Oguike the music is Oguike the music is played live on stage with played live on stage with

the dancers.the dancers.

The most common form of accompaniment is music. It is important for The most common form of accompaniment is music. It is important for the choreographer to have a good understanding of music and terms the choreographer to have a good understanding of music and terms related to it in order to describe what it is that they require, whether it related to it in order to describe what it is that they require, whether it be a rhythm, a structure, a mood or a particular tempo.be a rhythm, a structure, a mood or a particular tempo.

Rhythm – the basic pattern of sound and silenceRhythm – the basic pattern of sound and silence

Accent – increased stress on a beatAccent – increased stress on a beat

Up beat – the weaker beatsUp beat – the weaker beats

Down Beat – the stronger beatsDown Beat – the stronger beats

Time signature – The number that tells you how many beats per barTime signature – The number that tells you how many beats per bar

Tempo – is the speed of the beat. This can change throughout the Tempo – is the speed of the beat. This can change throughout the piece of music and thus change the intensity and the dynamics.piece of music and thus change the intensity and the dynamics.

OstinatoOstinato – – music idea (phrase, which repeats itself throughout and music idea (phrase, which repeats itself throughout and

can be varied and developed, like a dance motif).can be varied and developed, like a dance motif).

Music/Dance relationshipsMusic/Dance relationshipsMusic VisualisationMusic VisualisationThe music controls the movement, style, mood, rhythm, dynamics and The music controls the movement, style, mood, rhythm, dynamics and length of the dance – George Balanchine said : ‘Hear the dance, see the length of the dance – George Balanchine said : ‘Hear the dance, see the music’music’An example of this would be: Swan Lake by Matthew Bourne. The music An example of this would be: Swan Lake by Matthew Bourne. The music already existed (composed by Tchikovsky) and Bourne created the already existed (composed by Tchikovsky) and Bourne created the movement to fit exactly. The music controlled the movementmovement to fit exactly. The music controlled the movement. . A good A good example of this is when the swans dance on the lake the movements match example of this is when the swans dance on the lake the movements match the rhythm, speed and phrasing of the music.the rhythm, speed and phrasing of the music.Also in Birdsong because the dancers respond directly to the sound in the Also in Birdsong because the dancers respond directly to the sound in the music – particularly in the section Birdsong where the jumpy, jerky sounds music – particularly in the section Birdsong where the jumpy, jerky sounds and sudden pauses are shown in the way the dancer moves.and sudden pauses are shown in the way the dancer moves.

Direct correlationDirect correlationMusic and dance work together. In traditional ballets such as Swan lake, Music and dance work together. In traditional ballets such as Swan lake, Tchaikovsky composed the music to fit directly with each action. Swan song Tchaikovsky composed the music to fit directly with each action. Swan song – music created for the dance.– music created for the dance.An example of this would be: Swan Song by Christopher Bruce. He worked An example of this would be: Swan Song by Christopher Bruce. He worked with composer Phillip Chambon to create the right rhythms and sounds from with composer Phillip Chambon to create the right rhythms and sounds from the dance. When the music is slow and sad the dancing is also continuous the dance. When the music is slow and sad the dancing is also continuous and flowing to match, like in the section when he dances alone. When the and flowing to match, like in the section when he dances alone. When the music is fast and strong the dance also becomes more dynamic, like in the music is fast and strong the dance also becomes more dynamic, like in the section when they manipulate him.section when they manipulate him.

Mutual co -existenceMutual co -existenceMusic used as a backdrop to the dance and help create the Music used as a backdrop to the dance and help create the desired atmosphere, they do not rely on each other but do desired atmosphere, they do not rely on each other but do share some similarities.share some similarities.An example would be: Late Flowering Lust where the music An example would be: Late Flowering Lust where the music is used as a back drop and helps to create the right is used as a back drop and helps to create the right atmosphere. For example in the golf scene the music is fun atmosphere. For example in the golf scene the music is fun and light hearted to create the comic feel to the dance.and light hearted to create the comic feel to the dance.

DisassociationDisassociationDance is developed without the music and then the music is Dance is developed without the music and then the music is put in afterwards, sometimes the dancers only hear the put in afterwards, sometimes the dancers only hear the music during their first performance. Musical and dance are music during their first performance. Musical and dance are totally separate, deliberately goes against the dance.totally separate, deliberately goes against the dance.An example of this would be:An example of this would be:

Professional Dance worksProfessional Dance works Professional workProfessional work ChoreographerChoreographer Music/ composerMusic/ composer AccompanimentAccompaniment

BirdsongBirdsong Siobhan DaviesSiobhan Davies Andy Pink Andy Pink

Found sounds, real Found sounds, real sounds that are digitally sounds that are digitally manipulated, sound manipulated, sound waves and sound waves and sound effects, silent pauseseffects, silent pauses

Late Flowering LustLate Flowering Lust Matthew BourneMatthew Bourne Brass band and other Brass band and other small ensembles, small ensembles, natural and found natural and found sound, voice and sound, voice and narrationnarration

Swansong (1987)Swansong (1987) Christopher BruceChristopher Bruce Phillip Chambon Phillip Chambon (collaborator)(collaborator)

Found sound, natural Found sound, natural sounds – bird cries and sounds – bird cries and pots and panspots and pansSilenceSilence

Swan Lake (1995)Swan Lake (1995) Matthew BourneMatthew Bourne TchaikovskyTchaikovsky Classical orchestra – full Classical orchestra – full symphony orchestrasymphony orchestra

Still life at the Penguin Still life at the Penguin café (1988)café (1988)

David BintleyDavid Bintley Simon Jeffes Simon Jeffes

PercussionPercussionSpeech from the Speech from the Doomesday book Doomesday book (spoken word)(spoken word)Natural soundNatural soundEnsemble -PCOEnsemble -PCO

Still Life at the Penguin Café – by Still Life at the Penguin Café – by David BintleyDavid Bintley

The accompaniment …The accompaniment …Shows dance ideaShows dance idea – the music for the final – the music for the final character the ‘Brazilian Woolly Monkey is very character the ‘Brazilian Woolly Monkey is very energetic this helps to create the carnival energetic this helps to create the carnival atmosphere which portrays the idea of the atmosphere which portrays the idea of the Brazilian carnival – this acts as a finale to the Brazilian carnival – this acts as a finale to the dance.dance.Shows locationShows location – where the dance is set – – where the dance is set – which country. which country. The Southern Cape Zebra The Southern Cape Zebra dances to African drumming, indicating the dances to African drumming, indicating the Zebras habitat.Zebras habitat.

Shows the character-Shows the character- The music in PC helps to The music in PC helps to define the sections – it changes with each new define the sections – it changes with each new section and introduces the animal that dances. It section and introduces the animal that dances. It highlights the characteristics of the animal for highlights the characteristics of the animal for example the Texan Kangaroo Rat music is lively example the Texan Kangaroo Rat music is lively and bouncy and upbeat (ho- down style)– he and bouncy and upbeat (ho- down style)– he dances in the same way and it show he is a dances in the same way and it show he is a carefree, playful and happy character.carefree, playful and happy character.Music visualisationMusic visualisation – dance is choreographed to – dance is choreographed to the existing piece of music the movements fir the existing piece of music the movements fir every bit of the movement perfectly – they are every bit of the movement perfectly – they are mirrored.mirrored.Orchestral ensembleOrchestral ensemble - smaller group range of - smaller group range of instrumentsinstruments

Swan SongSwan SongDirect correlationDirect correlation

Silence can create an atmosphere Silence can create an atmosphere

Silence can be a highlightSilence can be a highlight

Found sound/Digitally manipulated sound Found sound/Digitally manipulated sound

Music shows dance styleMusic shows dance style

Natural sound can create an atmosphereNatural sound can create an atmosphere

Body percussion can add to the atmosphereBody percussion can add to the atmosphere

Still Life at a Penguin CaféStill Life at a Penguin Café

Direct correlationDirect correlation

Music highlight location of danceMusic highlight location of dance

Music tells you about characterMusic tells you about character

Music supports the themeMusic supports the theme

Music gives the dance a structureMusic gives the dance a structure

Late Flowering LustLate Flowering Lust

Mutual – co-existenceMutual – co-existence

Natural sound can suggest the locationNatural sound can suggest the location

Natural sound can add realismNatural sound can add realism

Narration can set the scene /help audience understand Narration can set the scene /help audience understand themethemeNarration can form the structure of the danceNarration can form the structure of the dance

Music creates moodMusic creates mood

Swan LakeSwan Lake

Music visualisationMusic visualisation

Music gives a structure to the danceMusic gives a structure to the dance

Music controls the dynamics of the danceMusic controls the dynamics of the dance

Music shows character traitsMusic shows character traits

Music creates mood/atmosphereMusic creates mood/atmosphere

BirdsongBirdsongMusical visualisationMusical visualisation

Music sets the structure of the danceMusic sets the structure of the dance

Digitally manipulated soundDigitally manipulated sound

Natural and found sound can be used to create the movement and Natural and found sound can be used to create the movement and pausespauses

Silence can be used to add interest/create a highlightSilence can be used to add interest/create a highlight

Silence can make you focus on the movementSilence can make you focus on the movement

Silence can allow the dancers to improvise Silence can allow the dancers to improvise

Silence can create contrastsSilence can create contrasts

Accompaniment is a key theme in the danceAccompaniment is a key theme in the dance

Types of musicTypes of musicClassicalClassicalPop, R and B, Garage, Hip Hop, rapPop, R and B, Garage, Hip Hop, rapRockRockSoul, jazz, blueSoul, jazz, blueRomantic, renaissance, baroqueRomantic, renaissance, baroqueCountry and Western, FolkCountry and Western, FolkElectronicElectronic

Etc….Etc….

OrchestraOrchestra – large symphony orchestra every range of instruments, large – large symphony orchestra every range of instruments, large groups – string, woodwind, brass, percussion etc Ballets usually use this.groups – string, woodwind, brass, percussion etc Ballets usually use this.

EnsembleEnsemble – small groups of instruments, Penguin café uses ensembles – small groups of instruments, Penguin café uses ensemblesThe PCO was an ensemble that played orchestral musicThe PCO was an ensemble that played orchestral musicBig Band-Big Band- Jazz band, brass band some of Late Flowering Lust Jazz band, brass band some of Late Flowering LustGroupsGroups – rock and pop groups e.g. Rooster by Christopher Bruce used music – rock and pop groups e.g. Rooster by Christopher Bruce used music

by the Rolling Stones.by the Rolling Stones.National/ethnic National/ethnic – pan pipes used in Ghost Dances by Christopher Bruce– pan pipes used in Ghost Dances by Christopher BruceFolk/countryFolk/country – Used in penguin Café by David Bintley– Used in penguin Café by David BintleyDigitally manipulated – Swan Song and Bird songDigitally manipulated – Swan Song and Bird song

Contributions to dance…. Music Contributions to dance…. Music can dictate..can dictate..

1.1. The kind/type of dance The kind/type of dance 2.2. The dance ideaThe dance idea3.3. The mood atmosphereThe mood atmosphere4.4. The style (comical, lyrical)The style (comical, lyrical)5.5. The length of the dance, The length of the dance, 6.6. The form -the organisation of sections, partsThe form -the organisation of sections, parts7.7. The phrasing of the movementThe phrasing of the movement8.8. Dynamics – highlights/climaxesDynamics – highlights/climaxes9.9. Introduce certain characters through use of motif Introduce certain characters through use of motif

(Prince in Swan Lake)(Prince in Swan Lake)10.10. Set scene – where it is taking place (Penguin Café)Set scene – where it is taking place (Penguin Café)

Possible Questions!Possible Questions!

‘‘Birdsong’ uses digitally manipulated Birdsong’ uses digitally manipulated recorded sounds for it accompaniment. recorded sounds for it accompaniment. Write about another professional work that Write about another professional work that uses a similar style of accompaniment. In uses a similar style of accompaniment. In addition describe other musical addition describe other musical accompaniment of a different type that accompaniment of a different type that have been used for dance. Refer to four have been used for dance. Refer to four other dances.other dances.

Discuss the different types of Discuss the different types of accompaniment that are used for dance. accompaniment that are used for dance. Refer to four professional dance works Refer to four professional dance works other than Birdsong.other than Birdsong.The nature of accompaniment for dance is The nature of accompaniment for dance is of great importance to a dance work. of great importance to a dance work. Describe different musical Describe different musical accompaniments and the effect that they accompaniments and the effect that they have (how they contribute) to the dance have (how they contribute) to the dance work. Support your answer with reference work. Support your answer with reference to four professional dance works other to four professional dance works other than the set work.than the set work.

Describe the ways in which accompaniment can Describe the ways in which accompaniment can affect a dance (for example the length of piece). affect a dance (for example the length of piece). Make reference to Birdsong and four other Make reference to Birdsong and four other pieces.pieces.

Discuss the different relationships that dance Discuss the different relationships that dance may have with its accompaniment, make may have with its accompaniment, make particular reference to Birdsong and four other particular reference to Birdsong and four other professional works.professional works.

A choreographer must make a range of A choreographer must make a range of decisions when selecting the accompaniment for decisions when selecting the accompaniment for a work. Outline what decisions have to be made a work. Outline what decisions have to be made and why, refer to Birdsong and four other pieces.and why, refer to Birdsong and four other pieces.