Runaway Blues
Ma Rainey
Alternative embedded performance: Ma Rainey — Runaway Blues. The preferred recording remains linked on YouTube.
First listen
Listen once without writing. What do you notice?
Listen closely
1 TIMBREHow would you describe the singer’s voice?
Sentence stemThe singer’s voice sounds ___.
Vocabulary
- strong
- warm
- rough
- clear
- expressive
2 RHYTHMHow does the voice fit with the accompaniment?
Sentence stemThe voice sings ___ the beat.
Vocabulary
- on
- around
- before
- after
3 STRUCTUREWhich musical pattern keeps returning?
Sentence stemThe ___ pattern keeps returning.
Vocabulary
- chord
- bass
- short
- repeated
4 PITCHHow does the singer bend or slide between higher and lower notes?
Sentence stemThe voice moves ___ by ___.
Vocabulary
- higher
- lower
- sliding
- bending
- repeating
5 DYNAMICSWhich words or phrases receive the strongest emphasis?
Sentence stemThe singer makes ___ stronger by singing it ___.
Vocabulary
- a word
- a phrase
- louder
- more forcefully
How does this piece make you feel?
There is no right or wrong answer. Which words match your response?
calmexcitedhopefulcuriousjoyfulpowerfulpeacefultensedreamybravethoughtfulenergeticmysteriouscomfortedrestlessproudsadsurprisedupliftedfocused
Music through time
1920s · Blues
- Medieval500–1400
- Baroque1600–1750
- Classical1750–1820
- Romantic1820–1900
- 20th century1900–2000
- Contemporary2000–present