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Area of Study 6: New Directions

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are the key features of the first of Cage's Three Dances for two prepared pianos?

John Cage: Three Dances for two prepared pianos, No. 1. The prepared piano, rhythmic structure (proportional/nested rhythm), percussive altered timbres, ostinato and the influence of gamelan and percussion music.
A focused answer on the Edexcel A-Level Music set work, the first of John Cage's Three Dances for two prepared pianos. Covers the prepared piano, rhythmic structure, percussive altered timbres, ostinato, the gamelan influence and the features the appraising exam rewards.
14 min answer →

What is the New Directions area of study, and how do its three set works break with tradition?

Area of Study 6 New Directions: the three set works (Cage's Three Dances, Saariaho's Petals, Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring), and the twentieth-century techniques of prepared piano, live electronics, extended techniques, and rhythmic and harmonic innovation.
An overview of Area of Study 6 (New Directions) for Edexcel A-Level Music. Introduces the three set works by Cage, Saariaho and Stravinsky and the twentieth-century techniques of prepared piano, live electronics, extended techniques and rhythmic innovation that the appraising exam rewards.
13 min answer →

What are the key features of Kaija Saariaho's Petals for cello and live electronics?

Kaija Saariaho: Petals for solo cello and optional live electronics. Extended cello techniques, the contrast of pure and noisy sounds, live electronic processing (reverb, harmonisation), spectral timbre and free form.
A focused answer on the Edexcel A-Level Music set work, Kaija Saariaho's Petals for cello and live electronics. Covers extended cello techniques, the contrast of pure and noisy sounds, live electronic processing, spectral timbre, free form and the features the appraising exam rewards.
14 min answer →

What are the key features of the first three sections of Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring?

Igor Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring, first three sections (A-level only): Introduction, The Augurs of Spring, Ritual of Abduction. Irregular and additive rhythm, polyrhythm, ostinato, dissonance, polytonality, and huge orchestration.
A focused answer on the Edexcel A-Level Music set work (A-level only), the first three sections of Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring. Covers irregular and additive rhythm, polyrhythm, ostinato, dissonance, polytonality, the huge orchestration and the features the appraising exam rewards.
15 min answer →