Word Painting
Word Painting is when the written text is represented in some way by the music. This is a common technique used by composers in a variety of genres, and can happen melodically, harmonically, rhythmically, etc.
Graindage employs this quite frequently throughout Wheatbelt. See if you can spot some of them!
Examples:
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Bar 38-43: "hear the easterly stirring" utilises a displaced ostinato, with an emphasis on the "ss" sound. Imitates the sound of wind.
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Bar 44: "screech" is emphasised by an accent, and is a relatively wide interval from the previous note (perfect 4th)
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Bar 55-60: "then rise" - the interval between each time this phrase is sung becomes wider - 5th, 6th, 7th. A key change occurs from C to D mixolydian in bar 60 (a whole step up).
It's Your Turn!
Click here to have a go at composing music that uses word painting.