The Dutch Caribbean can be defined as a group of Caribbean Islands that are a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. These include Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, Bonaire, and Saba. These islands were seen as useless when the Spanish Discovered it. The artist and country we will be focusing on is Aruba. Aruba was also classed as useless but it was later discovers that Aruba had Gold. The central Artist of focus will be Rufo Weber. Weber was born in 191 and died 1977, He is known to make contributions to Aruba and music such as the national anthem of Aruba, a music school was named after him, and He was a close friend to Juan Lampe.
Firstly, we can look at Aruba Dushi Tera translates to Aruba Sweet land. It is the National Anthem of Aruba. It was written by Lampe and composed by Weber. This song was written as aruba was looking for a national anthem However the song itself was very popular before then. The song itself talks about Aruba's beautiful beaches and the beauty in its native peoples.
Nationel anthem Aruba
Arubanita- This piece was written in the 1950s and it consist of piano as the solo instrument as well as some percussion instruments. I enjoy the piece because it is very joyful and lively. It is a waltz that can be danced to and it was composed by Weber during the visit of Queen Julianna
The Following Video contains the music written by Wever which shows the history of Aruba. Oranjestad is Aruba's capital and it displays How Aruba has changed over the years while observing historical events
Sambas- A samba is also known as a lively dance. most likely Rufo was inspired by Aruban carnival festivals and this sing was written to celebrate local Culture of Aruba.
Pensando is another waltz composed for duet piano by Weber. It is a lively and quirky piece for dancing as well
Gangelhoff, C., & LeGrand, C. (2019). Tour de force: A musical journey of the Caribbean. Sound Caribbean.
The French Caribbean refers to countries or islands that have been colonized by France and France would still have influences on that country presently, whether that be in culture or languages that are spoken. Some examples of these countries are Haiti, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Martin. The country I chose to focus on would be Haiti.
Central Artist :The option of choice is Mr. Justin Elie who was born on September 1883 in Cap-Haitien .He was known as one of the best pianist as well as composers and he began studying piano just at the age 6. He is known for Classical music. Elie began his studies and continued to study at Institution de Saint Louis de Gonzague before travelling to France. In 1922 Eli left from Haiti in the United states where he settled in New York. He is a Haitian musician who had knowledge of both classical melody and Haitian folk rhythms. Towards the ending of his life he developed cerebral hemorrhage suddenly and dies in December 1931 while composing a Fantasie Tropical. Some of his works are as Follows:
Legende Creole
Legende Creole is one of Elie's more well known pieces. It is a beautiful piece written for the violin and piano. I enjoyed this piece because it allows the violin to demonstrate its beautiful high registers which pairs and blends together well with piano. The piece sounds classical mostly. The piece was written in 1921 during his time in New York. The piece itself is unique because it combines Elie's Haitian heritage rhythms and classical skills together. The mood of the piece changes through out sometimes its solemn other times its spritely and lively. Additionally, the piece is very emotional.
Fantasie Tropicale
This piece although it is a bit lengthy is very beautiful it is entitled "Fantasie Tropicale". It is a compositional work and the name itself suggest that it was written although it sounds classical it does have some Caribbean rhythms while still being an orchestral piece. The overall feel of this piece is would be vibrant, and joyful. It eve includes native shakers which adds cultural uniqueness to the piece.The piece was written in 1930 and Interestingly, This piece was never published due to Elie's sudden death in 1931.
Chante de la Montagne #3
This piece was written in 1922 and it translates to songs of the Mountains#3 and it is a classic of Haitian music. It is a part of a suite and it is a nocturne which is a song inspired by the night. It has an eerie and slightly uneasy feel to it. It was wriiten to express the beauty of Haiti and its mountains while seen in the nighttime which causes the mood of the listener to be at peace. This song is the third of the pieces it has a #1 and #2
Another piece would be "Haytian Orchestra". This piece was conducted by the composer Justin Elie. This Orchestra was formed during the 1920s. It is called Voodo scenes as voodoo scenes pirestess dance because it was orginally inspired by Haitian Voudo Rituals and Voudo is an important ritual practice.
Lastly Meringue Popularities no 2. is actually a refined version of the traditional Haitian merinque. it is performed as a piano solo it was composed in 1920. This piece is a set of 6 dances and is a very cultural piece.
The term English Caribbean refers to regions in the Caribbean that primarily speak English. These consist of Jamaica, Barbados, Barbuda, Saint Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, St .Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Anguilla. This blog focuses on Barbados its music, artists and culture. Some of the Music Styles featured in Barbados would be Spouge, Calypso, Soca, and Tuk band music to list a few examples.
Central Artist: Rodger Gittens This playlist focuses On the influences and works of Rodger Gittens. Gitten was born in 1964 and he writes locally not for international audiences. His works are mostly known in the country of Barbados. He is a teacher and he writes styles such as calypso,jazz,choral, and gospel music. Most of the works I researched is that he did gospel, works for choirs, and cantatas.
Rodger Gittens Local Artist in Barbados
Playlist: The first song we will look at would be “I Believe” By Mr Roger Gitten. This song features Fiona John who is the vocalist of this piece. The song is from an Easter Musical movie "Fragrance of Love" which was produced in 2022 at Beluah Methodist Church. It talks about having a different perspective on love and Believing that a person who you love can truly be all and everything that matters as well as loving a person as they are.
Rodger Gitten Hymns, Pslams, and Songs
This video is a compilation of several gospel songs written by Mr. Gittens. It is his own interpretation of scripture in the Bible Psalms for example. In the Video shown above, Mr Gittens Himself speaks to the congregation about the different kinds of love. He mentions that there are 7 but he focuses on the Phillia Love which deal with the concept of brotherly love. The name of these songs are "Feed My Lambs" and "Love Thy Neighbor" the latter is sung by male voices. The instrumentation consist of a Keyboard and conga drums and voices of the Choir. There are other songs such as Psalm 23, Christ for the World sing, and Everyone needs a friend. As He interprets the music his theme is mainly on live, Unity and brotherhood.
"Boom Boom" Rodger Gittens
The previous Video . Mr. Gittens spoke about when he created this song it was a Jazz tune he created in 2021. This song was Requested By Dr. Christine Gangelhoff A song for flute and flugabone Tuba. The song essentially describes the sound of the drums and how people react by dancing to the sound of the drums. I feel this is an example of how Mr. Gitten has influenced his listeners and collaborated with Dr Gangelhoff and Mr. Justilien (Bahamas) to create a Unique piece for listeners to enjoy
The Song Rest of the Weary by Gittens has a calypso like feel and style and I like the feel and rhythm of this song. The Words are by John Monsell and Mr. Gittens did the Music. This was recorded in 2008. It is one of his styles on a known piece of music.
Another Playlist would be the song “Bethlehem” By Gittens. It is a song about the birthplace of Jesus Christ. It is from a series of advent music By Red Create and The World council of churches is also featured.
The King of Love My Shepherd is
The king of Love My shepherd is was also performed in 2019 the music was done by Mr Gitten and the words was written by Henry Williams Baker. This was one of his works recorded at Ebenezer Baptist Church. This showcases Glittens unique musical interpretations.
Blessed Is The Man
Lastly, Blessed is the Man which was written By Mr. Gitten is his interpretation of Psalm1. This Took Place at Ebenezer Baptist Church in April 2019. The it includes 10 voices consisting of the four voice type soprano, altos, tenors, and Basses.
Bibliography
Gangelhoff, C., & LeGrand, C. (2019). Tour de force: A musical journey of the Caribbean. Sound Caribbean.
https://youtu.be/AATN0GfabJs?si=hMvCeSP3W2lBL44s
Where are the English Speaking Caribbean Islands https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+english+region+of+the+carribean&sca_esv=38d5b1a6813f14da&sxsrf=AE3TifMfX2VvyeSUKNnbrrt8JlK5O7_k3Q%3A1759408310251&source=hp&ei=
The term English Caribbean refers to regions in the Caribbean that primarily speak English. These consist of Jamaica, Barbados, Barbuda, Saint Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, St .Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Anguilla. This blog focuses on Barbados its music, artists and culture. Some of the Music Styles featured in Barbados would be Spouge, Calypso, Soca, and Tuk band music to list a few examples.
Central Artist: Rodger Gittens This playlist focuses On the influences and works of Rodger Gittens. Gitten was born in 1964 and he writes locally not for international audiences. His works are mostly known in the country of Barbados. He is a teacher and he writes styles such as calypso,jazz,choral, and gospel music. Most of the works I researched is that he did gospel, works for choirs, and cantatas.
Rodger Gittens Local Artist in Barbados
Playlist: The first song we will look at would be “I Believe” By Mr Roger Gitten. This song features Fiona John who is the vocalist of this piece. The song is from an Easter Musical movie "Fragrance of Love" which was produced in 2022 at Beluah Methodist Church. It talks about having a different perspective on love and Believing that a person who you love can truly be all and everything that matters as well as loving a person as they are.
Rodger Gitten Hymns, Pslams, and Songs
This video is a compilation of several gospel songs written by Mr. Gittens. It is his own interpretation of scripture in the Bible Psalms for example. In the Video shown above, Mr Gittens Himself speaks to the congregation about the different kinds of love. He mentions that there are 7 but he focuses on the Phillia Love which deal with the concept of brotherly love. The name of these songs are "Feed My Lambs" and "Love Thy Neighbor" the latter is sung by male voices. The instrumentation consist of a Keyboard and conga drums and voices of the Choir. There are other songs such as Psalm 23, Christ for the World sing, and Everyone needs a friend. As He interprets the music his theme is mainly on live, Unity and brotherhood.
"Boom Boom" Rodger Gittens
The previous Video . Mr. Gittens spoke about when he created this song it was a Jazz tune he created in 2021. This song was Requested By Dr. Christine Gangelhoff A song for flute and flugabone Tuba. The song essentially describes the sound of the drums and how people react by dancing to the sound of the drums. I feel this is an example of how Mr. Gitten has influenced his listeners and collaborated with Dr Gangelhoff and Mr. Justilien (Bahamas) to create a Unique piece for listeners to enjoy
The Song Rest of the Weary by Gittens has a calypso like feel and style and I like the feel and rhythm of this song. The Words are by John Monsell and Mr. Gittens did the Music. This was recorded in 2008. It is one of his styles on a known piece of music.
Another Playlist would be the song “Bethlehem” By Gittens. It is a song about the birthplace of Jesus Christ. It is from a series of advent music By Red Create and The World council of churches is also featured.
The King of Love My Shepherd is
The king of Love My shepherd is was also performed in 2019 the music was done by Mr Gitten and the words was written by Henry Williams Baker. This was one of his works recorded at Ebenezer Baptist Church. This showcases Glittens unique musical interpretations.
Blessed Is The Man
Lastly, Blessed is the Man which was written By Mr. Gitten is his interpretation of Psalm1. This Took Place at Ebenezer Baptist Church in April 2019. The it includes 10 voices consisting of the four voice type soprano, altos, tenors, and Basses.
Bibliography
Gangelhoff, C., & LeGrand, C. (2019). Tour de force: A musical journey of the Caribbean. Sound Caribbean.
https://youtu.be/AATN0GfabJs?si=hMvCeSP3W2lBL44s
Where are the English Speaking Caribbean Islands https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+english+region+of+the+carribean&sca_esv=38d5b1a6813f14da&sxsrf=AE3TifMfX2VvyeSUKNnbrrt8JlK5O7_k3Q%3A1759408310251&source=hp&ei=
In second species there are 2 notes for every 1 note of the Cantus Firmus
2nds, 4ths, 7ths, augmented, and diminished are allowed in harmony
In Second counterpoint it is advised that approach and leave Dissonances by Steps only
For Third Species Counterpoint dissonances must be on the weak beats of the bar
Dissonances are to be "sandwiched" or covered on both sides by consonances
This video on second counterpoint was helpful because it went into details explaining the can's and cant's of second species counterpoint in under 10 minutes
Example of second species rotating in both upper and lower voices
Example of Third Species 3 notes in bar
my second species
My third species
NOTE : THE VIDEO TITLES FOR MY VIDOES WERE MIXES UP SO THE SECIND COUNTERPOINT VIDEO IS REALLY THE THIRD COUNTERPOINT AND VICE VERSA!!!
My videos are below
This vidoe was helpful as it orovided helpful information about third species
in a leadsheet there is always a 7th no matter what type of chord it is
A Seventh Chord can be defined as a triad made up of a root, a third, a fifth, and seventh counting from the root.
Types of 7th Chords include dominant seventh, major seventh chord, minor seventh Chord,half diminished seventh chord, diminished seventh chord to name a few examples.
each 7th is determined by finding out what the triad is first, then the 7th, for example a dominnat 7th consists of a major triad and minor 7th
dominant 7ths will resolve to the 1 degree of scale
These chords serve as dominant major key
An invesrion of a seventh chord is simply moving the lowest note up an octave
This videa was particulary helpful as it was engaging by asking questions and showing example of inversion
This video was also helpful to me asit gave examples from common songs
A picture of the diffrent types of seventh chords
A picture of the degree of the scale of 7 th chords
Below is a video of me demonstrating on my instrument the different seventh chords in root keys DM,e Flat M, and AM
A Seventh Chord can be defined as a triad made up of a root, a third, a fifth, and seventh counting from the root.
Types of 7th Chords include dominant seventh, major seventh chord, minor seventh Chord,half diminished seventh chord, diminished seventh chord to name a few examples.
each 7th is determined by finding out what the triad is first, then the 7th, for example a dominnat 7th consists of a major triad and minor 7th
dominant 7ths will resolve to the 1 degree of scale
These chords serve as dominant major key
The picture above explains each diffrent type of seventh Chord and how they are made based on the triad and 7th interval away from root
Examples to show what seventh chords look like in stacked form
I learned from this previous video that seventh chords are important because they provide a richer and fuller sound as compared to a regular triad. Very helpful video.
This video was usful as it used examples and had an eyecathing video title
This is me demonstrating seventh Chords on my instrument
A chord is two or more harmonic tones that are played at the same time.
There are 2 types of chords that were mentioned in class : 1.Closed Position Chord and 2. Open position Chord
Figured bass can be defined as a specific notation in which the composer writes numbers below the bass notes in the lower staff. These numbers represent chord made above the bass notes
Figured Bass started in the Baroque Period
Lead Sheet can be defines as a form of musical notation which features the melody of a song
The lead sheet tells :The Root, Quality, and Tone
The left letters matter not the right
This is me demonstrating Diatonic triad on my instrument
An interval can be defined as the distance between two notes
There are 2 types of intervals they are
Harmonic Interval
Melodic Interval
Qualities of intervals include: Major, Minor, Perfect, Augmented, and Diminished
C to D is a major interval, C to G Flat is a diminshed 5th and so on.
Interval numbers should add up to 9
The term inversion refers to the flipping or turning an interval upside down to form another interval
The video above was helpful to me because it was easy to understand by giving a clear definition of what an interval. The video talked about counting the lines and spaces to determine intervals
This video is particularly helpful as it gives examples of and differentiates between the harmonic interval as well as the melodic interval. The video also primarily focuses on interval qualities, measuring intervals as well as Inversion of intervals and how to do them.
https://youtu.be/r_mKodX86V4
Interval and Inversion Demonstrated on my Primary Instrument
1. A Minor Scale can be defined as a diatonic scale having a semitone between the second and third degrees and of several intervallic arrangements above the fifth according to thefreedictionary.com
2. The Three forms of minor scale would be:
Harmonic minor- a harmonic minor is a minor scale in which the seventh degree of that scale is raised by a half step in order to create a leading tone
Natural Minor- is the most basic form of the minor scale as its pitches match the pitches of the relative major of the harmonic minor
Melodic Minor- The Melodic Minor Scale is unique, when this scale is ascending the 6th and 7th pitches are raised and when descending the 6th and 7th are returned to its natural pitches.
3. The parts of the minor scale Degrees are
Tonic, Supertonic, Mediant, subdominant, dominant, submediant, raised submedient, subtonic, leading tone, and Tonic
4. Scale degrees 3,6, and 7 make the diffrence in sound between the major and minor keys
This video was particularly helpful because they gave me a definition of what a mode is why it is used and examples of the different modes in C major for clarity.
E Flat Modes Video
Correct E flat redone modes
The Song Above uses 2 modes ionian and dorian in minor key (week 5 Vidoe) Right hand is played
