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Chapter 2 Thought Questions
- Assume that you are a composer commissioned to write a piece for symphny orchestra that "has biblical overtones." Describe the style of music that you would write. Why would you choose that style?
- Explain some of the things Leonard Bernstein
did in his composition of the Chichester Psalms that showed
he was knowledgeable about, and made use of, what we know about Psalm
performance in the days of the Temple.
- A student has written a rock version of the
23rd Psalm, complete with drums, electric guitars, a
laser light show, and a wildly gyrating dance group. The
composer herself sings the lead vocal part. In an interview
with the local newspaper, she stated that this piece was conceived
for use in the synagogue in hopes that "by bringing the
liturgy into the 21st century, it might become more
attractive to young people.” Write two letters to
the newspaper in response to her interview and the ensuing
performance of the piece. In one, take a position defending
the composition; in the other, play the role of a person who
finds such a composition inappropriate. Support those positions
by reference to the Jewish traditions and laws we have studied in class, NOT just your own personal
taste. You may use material from our textbook or from any other
sources to which you have access.