Exploring Barry's Seachanges: Leaving Cert Focus
Exploring Barry's Seachanges: Leaving Cert Focus
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Exploring Barry's Seachanges: Leaving Cert Focus
What do you already know about Barry's 'Seachanges'?
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will be able to analyse Barry's 'Seachanges', reference 'danse macabre' elements, and confidently answer different types of Leaving Certificate exam questions about the piece.
About Raymond Deane Barry and the Work
'Seachanges (with danse macabre)' is a contemporary Irish composition. Barry blends traditional and modern elements to create energetic and eerie soundscapes.
The Title: 'Seachanges (with Danse Macabre)'
A 'seachange' means a profound transformation. The music reflects many shifts in mood, texture, and atmosphere.
Danse Macabre Influence
What is a 'Seachange'?
Refers to the 'dance of death', symbolised by clattering bones and mysterious musical motifs.
The Danse Macabre: Musical Features
Listen for percussion such as maracas and the use of pizzicato to portray skeletons dancing. Repeated, unsettling motifs add to the macabre mood.
Notable Musical Features in Seachanges
Seachanges uses a heterogeneous ensemble, shifting time signatures, motifs like BACH, and extended instrumental techniques to create its unique sound.
Previous High-Scoring Exam Questions
Describe the use of percussion in 'Seachanges'. How does Barry create atmosphere using rhythm and sound?
2018 HL Q2
How does Barry represent 'danse macabre' musically? Identify specific instruments and techniques.
2015 HL Q8
Ordinary Level Questions: Key Areas
OL questions typically ask about the mood, instruments, and changes in the music. Focus on being able to describe the atmosphere and the way instruments are used.
Exam Technique: How to Approach Seachanges
Read the question carefully. Reference musical features: motifs, rhythms, timbres. Quote examples from the piece to support your answers.
Review: Key Points for Revision
Remember: Identify seachanges, danse macabre elements, use of instruments, and practice past questions for best results in the exam.
Reflection: What Will You Remember?
Consider what aspect of Barry's 'Seachanges' you find most interesting. How will you approach exam questions differently now?
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
