Timbre

Timbre refer to the tone colour and quality of instruments or voices.
Timbre of different instruments bring changes to the expressions and mood of the music.

Listen to this year's National Day theme song " What can you see?".
Talk about the timbre, melody , articulation, rhythm and the mood it creates.

Articulation

Articulation can affect how we express ideas in music. Broadly, there are two types of articulation:
a. Legato - smooth sounds
b. Staccato - short, detached sounds

Listen to the following versions of 'Can't Help Falling in Love'. Describe how each articulation is different and the mood that it creates.

1. Elvis Presley
2. Celine Dion
3. A*Teens

Click here for the lyrics.

Rhythms Across Cultures

Watch any of these videos.

a) African Rhythms in Latin American Music
b) Indian Tabla Rhythms on DrumKit
c) STOMP - Basketball

Comment on:
1. What interest you?
2. What is your learning from this video?

Expressive Power of Rhythm

Watch and listen to "Rock Island" The Music Man (Opening Scene) from 0:49 to 3:19.

Comment on:
a) What is interesting about the rhythm?
b) What effects do you think the composer is trying to achieve?

Click here for the lyrics.

Danny Boy

Compare the following versions and describe the differences:
a) King Singers
b) Andy Williams
c) Declan Galbraith
d) George Benson (Solo Guitar)

Here are the opening lines:
Oh Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountainside.
The summer's gone, and all the flowers are dying.
'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow,
For I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow.
Oh Danny Boy, oh Danny Boy, I love you so.