Symphonic Variations on an African Air
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Alternative embedded performance: Coleridge-Taylor — Symphonic Variations on an African Air, UT University Orchestra. The preferred recording remains linked on YouTube.
First listen
Listen once without writing. What do you notice?
Listen closely
1 PITCHWhat is the shape of the main melody?
Sentence stemThe main melody ___.
Vocabulary
- rises
- falls
- arches
- repeats
2 TIMBREHow do different instruments change its sound?
Sentence stemThe ___ make it sound ___.
Vocabulary
- strings
- woodwind
- brass
- percussion
- bright
- dark
3 STRUCTUREWhat is different each time the melody returns?
Sentence stemEach return is ___.
Vocabulary
- louder
- softer
- faster
- slower
- more decorated
4 DYNAMICSHow does each variation use louder or softer sounds?
Sentence stemThis variation is ___ than the last because ___.
Vocabulary
- louder
- softer
- stronger
- gentler
5 TEXTUREHow does the number of instrumental layers change?
Sentence stemThe texture changes from ___ to ___.
Vocabulary
- thin
- thick
- simple
- layered
How does this piece make you feel?
There is no right or wrong answer. Which words match your response?
calmexcitedhopefulcuriousjoyfulpowerfulpeacefultensedreamybravethoughtfulenergeticmysteriouscomfortedrestlessproudsadsurprisedupliftedfocused
Music through time
1906 · 20th-century orchestral
- Medieval500–1400
- Baroque1600–1750
- Classical1750–1820
- Romantic1820–1900
- 20th century1900–2000
- Contemporary2000–present