Expressive techniques
What Expressive techniques means in Music A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Expressive techniques
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Reference: AQA
The growl or talking trumpet transforms the traditional pure brass tone into a highly expressive, vocalised, and gritty sound, adding intense emotional depth and character to solos.
A technique adding a highly expressive, vocal-like quality to jazz solos, allowing performers to mimic human speech patterns and inject intense emotion.
Methods such as slides that convey deep emotion, sighing or a conversational tone, blurring the boundaries between speech and song.
Performance devices such as portamento, used to heighten emotional intensity and connect notes in a lyrical, legato phrase.
Musical techniques such as pitch bend that add emotion and stylistic flair to a performance.
New means of expression brought by the development of the piano, notably pedalling.
Topics that use Expressive techniques
- Area of study 1: Western classical tradition 1650–1910 (compulsory) - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
- Area of study 2: Pop music - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
- Area of study 4: Music for theatre - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
- Area of study 5: Jazz - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
Using Expressive techniques in the exam
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