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2. Arsenal Report
Pinnacle Treasure
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Take 6
Now You Speak
WELCOME BACK TO ANOTHER ARSENAL REPORT! AS WE CONTINUE ON WITH LEARNING ABOUT
THE BASIC ELEMENTS WE WILL BE UTILIZING FOR THE SAKE OF IMPROVEMENT. I’D LIKE TO
ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE THE TIME TO TAKE A FEW MINUTES AND DECIDE IF YOU ARE TAKING
YOURSELF SERIOUS. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH REFLECTING JUMP BACK IN AND LET’S GET
STARTED. BE AS OPEN AND RECEPTIVE FOR YOUR OWN SAKE.
Let’s Jump in!
Musical Expressive Elements:
1. Expressive Elements:
- These elements include dynamics, articulation, tempo, phrasing, and musical
interpretation, which collectively shape the emotional and expressive qualities of a piece.
2. Dynamics:
- Variations in volume and intensity. The basic dynamic markings such as pianissimo (pp),
piano (p), mezzo piano (mp), mezzo forte (mf), forte (f), fortissimo (
ff
), crescendo (cresc.), and
decrescendo (decresc.).
-
1. Nina Simone - "Feeling Good":
- This iconic song by Nina Simone features dynamic contrasts between soft, introspective
verses and powerful, soaring choruses. Listen and explore how the shifts in dynamics
contribute to the message of empowerment and liberation conveyed in the lyrics.
2. Heatwave - "Boogie Nights":
- "Boogie Nights" by Heatwave is a disco-funk anthem that incorporates contrasting
dynamics to create a dynamic dance-
fl
oor experience. Listen how the interplay between softer
verses and energetic, explosive choruses enhances the infectious groove and party
atmosphere of the song.
3. Earth, Wind & Fire - "September":
- "September" is a feel-good classic by Earth, Wind & Fire. The song features dynamic shifts
between softer verses and catchy, high-energy choruses. Listen for how the contrasting
dynamics contribute to the joyful and celebratory vibe of the song.
4. Stevie Wonder - "Superstition":
- "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder is a funk-rock masterpiece that showcases a range of
dynamics. Listen to the impact of the song's alternating dynamics, from the quieter, more
mysterious verses to the explosive, energetic chorus and instrumental sections. Explore how
the dynamics enhance the song's groove and create a sense of anticipation and excitement.

3. Think and take notes as to how the dynamics shape the mood and expression of the music.
Share your interpretations and observations, while fostering a deeper understanding of
dynamics in musical expression.
3. Articulation:
- refers to how notes are played or sung. Common articulation markings such as staccato,
legato, accent, tenuto, and marcato.
Explore di
ff
erent articulation styles:
- Take notes on their impact on the overall character and expression of the piece:
1. Hip-Hop: "Lose Yourself" by Eminem:
- Eminem's "Lose Yourself" showcases rapid-
fi
re, intricate articulation with precise and rapid
delivery. Listen to the song's rhythmic patterns, wordplay, and how Eminem's articulation
enhances the intensity and urgency of the lyrics.
2. R&B: "Adorn" by Miguel:
- "Adorn" by Miguel features smooth and soulful articulation with melismatic vocal runs and
expressive phrasing. Listen for how Miguel's articulation adds sensuality and emotional depth
to the lyrics, enhancing the overall romantic atmosphere of the song.
3. Pop: "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran:
- Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" combines pop and dancehall elements with crisp and clear
articulation. Listen and focus on how Sheeran's precise articulation complements the
infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics, contributing to the song's energetic and playful character.
4. Jazz: "Take Five" by The Dave Brubeck Quartet (Jazz):
- "Take Five" is a famous jazz composition with a unique time signature (5/4). Explore the
instrumental articulation in this piece, especially the syncopated and staccato notes played by
di
ff
erent instruments. Discuss how the speci
fi
c articulation choices create a sense of tension,
swing, and improvisation in the music.
Notate your observations and interpretations. The goal is to obtain a deeper understanding of
articulation in music.
4. Tempo:
- the speed or pace of the music. Common tempo markings such as adagio, andante,
moderato, allegro, and presto.
Explore di
ff
erent tempos and notate how tempo choices in
fl
uence the mood, energy, and
expression of the piece:
1. James Brown - "I Got You (I Feel Good)":
- "I Got You (I Feel Good)" by James Brown is an upbeat and lively song with a fast tempo.
Listen how the brisk tempo contributes to the song's infectious energy, creating a sense of
excitement and joy.
2. Brothers Johnson - "Stomp!":
- "Stomp!" by Brothers Johnson is a funky and groove-driven song with a mid-tempo feel.
Listen for how the moderate tempo maintains a steady groove, allowing the song's rhythmic
elements and instrumental interplay to shine.
3. Prince - "Purple Rain":

4. - "Purple Rain" by Prince is a powerful and emotional ballad with a slower tempo. Explore
how the slower tempo of the song creates a sense of intimacy and allows Prince's heartfelt
vocals and guitar solos to be fully appreciated, intensifying the emotional impact.
4. Curtis May
fi
eld - "Move On Up":
- "Move On Up" by Curtis May
fi
eld is an uplifting and soulful song with a moderate tempo.
Listen how the mid-tempo choice contributes to the song's sense of positivity and forward
movement, allowing the layers of instrumentation and May
fi
eld's smooth vocals to shine.
Remember to notate your observations !
5. Phrasing:
- refers to the shaping and grouping of musical phrases. The concept of breathing points and
natural musical phrases.
Explore how phrasing choices contribute to the overall expressiveness and musical
fl
ow:
1. Hip-Hop: "N.Y. State of Mind" by Nas:
- "N.Y. State of Mind" by Nas is a classic hip-hop track that showcases intricate and
storytelling phrasing. Focus on Nas' rhythmic delivery, use of internal rhymes, and how his
phrasing choices contribute to the vivid imagery and lyrical
fl
ow of the song.
2. Jazz: "My Favorite Things" by John Coltrane:
- John Coltrane's rendition of "My Favorite Things" is a jazz standard known for its distinctive
and adventurous phrasing. Listen for Coltrane's melodic improvisations, unique rhythmic
choices, and how his phrasing adds depth and complexity to the musical conversation
between the instruments.
3. R&B: "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston:
- Whitney Houston's rendition of "I Will Always Love You" is a powerful R&B ballad that
showcases her remarkable vocal phrasing. Pay close attention to Houston's expressive and
emotive phrasing, her use of dynamics, and how she shapes the lyrics to convey intense
emotion and vulnerability.
4. Blues: "The Thrill Is Gone" by B.B. King:
- "The Thrill Is Gone" by B.B. King is a blues classic that features soulful and poignant
phrasing. Listen to B.B. King's unique guitar phrasing, bending notes, and use of vibrato
contribute to the song's emotional depth, capturing the essence of heartbreak and longing.
6. Musical Interpretation:
- Lets cover the importance of personal interpretation in music. Interpretations can vary
between performers and that musicians have the freedom to express their own feelings and
ideas through their performance.
Here are four songs originally performed by Dionne Warwick, but covered or remade by
di
ff
erent artists and genres. These renditions can serve as examples for your notes to explore
di
ff
erent expressive choices and interpretations:
1. Song: "Walk On By"
- Original by Dionne Warwick (R&B/Soul)
- Cover by Isaac Hayes (Soul/Funk)

5. - Cover by The Stranglers (Rock)
- Cover by Seal (Pop/R&B)
2. Song: "I Say a Little Prayer"
- Original by Dionne Warwick (R&B/Soul)
- Cover by Aretha Franklin (R&B/Soul)
- Cover by Diana King (Reggae Fusion)
- Cover by Glee Cast (Pop)
3. Song: "Al
fi
e"
- Original by Dionne Warwick (R&B/Soul)
- Cover by Cher (Pop/Rock)
- Cover by Stevie Wonder (Soul)
- Cover by Burt Bacharach (Instrumental)
4. Song: "That's What Friends Are For"
- Original by Dionne Warwick and Friends (R&B/Soul)
- Cover by Rod Stewart, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder (Pop/Rock)
- Cover by Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, and Patti LaBelle (R&B/Soul)
- Cover by Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, Shania Twain, and Carole King (Pop)
Explore the unique expressive choices made by each artist. Pay attention to how slight
variations in dynamics, articulation, tempo, and phrasing can create distinct interpretations.
Experiment with these expressive choices in your own playing or singing.
7. Listening and Analysis:
- Listen to recordings of various musical pieces and practice identifying and attempting the
expressive elements present in each piece.
The use of dynamics, articulation, tempo, phrasing, and interpretation contributes to the
emotional impact and overall expressive quality of the music:
1. Song: "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen (Various Covers)
- Explore di
ff
erent covers of "Hallelujah" by artists such as Je
ff
Buckley, Rufus Wainwright,
and Pentatonix. Pay attention to how each artist uses dynamics, articulation, tempo, phrasing,
and interpretation to evoke di
ff
erent emotional responses and enhance the expressive quality
of the song.
2. Song: "Moonlight Sonata" by Ludwig van Beethoven
- Analyze di
ff
erent interpretations of Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" performed by various
pianists. Note how the pianists' use of dynamics, articulation, tempo, phrasing, and
interpretation shape the emotional impact of the piece, from the gentle and introspective
moments to the more intense and dramatic sections.
3. Song: "Strange Fruit" by Billie Holiday
- Examine Billie Holiday's rendition of "Strange Fruit" and the way she uses dynamics,
articulation, tempo, phrasing, and interpretation to deliver a haunting and powerful message.
Note how her expressive choices contribute to the emotional impact and social commentary
conveyed in the song.

6. 4. Song: "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
- Analyze Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and how the band utilizes dynamics, articulation,
tempo, phrasing, and interpretation to create a dramatic and theatrical experience. Note how
these elements contribute to the song's emotional journey, from quiet and introspective
moments to grandiose and powerful sections.
Actively listen to these songs, while focusing on the use of dynamics, articulation, tempo,
phrasing, and interpretation. Discover how these elements contribute to the emotional impact
and overall expressive quality of the music, and note your interpretations and observations.
This analysis will help develop your understanding of how these musical elements shape the
listener's experience.
8. Practical Application:
- Apply your understanding of expressive elements in your own musical performances.
Experiment with di
ff
erent dynamics, articulations, tempos, and phrasing choices to convey
speci
fi
c emotions or moods.
9. Contextual Interpretation:
- “The how” the expressive elements can be in
fl
uenced by the style, genre, historical period,
and cultural context of the music. Listen to understand how di
ff
erent musical traditions and
historical periods have their own expressive conventions.
Expressive Elements in
fl
uenced by style, genre, historical period, and cultural context:
1. Song: "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert
- Explore di
ff
erent renditions of Schubert's "Ave Maria" performed by various artists. Notate
how the expressive elements in this classical composition re
fl
ect the style and cultural context
of the Romantic era, with its emphasis on emotional depth, beauty, and spirituality.
2. Song: "Naima" by John Coltrane
- Analyze John Coltrane's composition "Naima" and its performance by various jazz
musicians. Note how the expressive elements in this piece re
fl
ect the improvisational and
soulful nature of jazz, as well as the cultural context of the mid-20th century African American
experience.
3. Song: "Summertime" from the opera Porgy and Bess (George Gershwin)
- Explore di
ff
erent renditions of "Summertime" from the opera Porgy and Bess, composed by
George Gershwin. Note how the expressive elements in this piece re
fl
ect the style and cultural
context of early 20th-century American jazz and the African American experience. Analyze the
use of blues-infused melodies, soulful vocal interpretations, and the in
fl
uence of the operatic
tradition.
4. Song: "La Bamba" by Ritchie Valens
- Analyze Ritchie Valens' rendition of "La Bamba" and compare it with traditional Mexican
folk versions. Note how the expressive elements in this song re
fl
ect the cultural context of

7. Mexican folk music, including rhythmic patterns, instrumentation, vocal style, and dance
in
fl
uences.
Listen to these songs with an awareness of the style, genre, historical period, and cultural
context in which they were created. Notate how the expressive elements are in
fl
uenced by
these factors and how they contribute to the unique characteristics and conventions of each
musical tradition. This exploration will help develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity of
expressive possibilities in di
ff
erent musical styles and cultural contexts.
10. Re
fl
ect:
- Examine your notes and do your best to articulate your thoughts and feelings about the
expressive choices you observed.
That was a lot to digest. Think about it, you have a lot to say. I think we can all agree it’ll be
easier with the know how. Not just the awareness o
ff
the existent. Asking you to listen to these
songs on top of what you already listen to isn’t just for mere content. It’s the research of the
craft to share with other craft improvers, like yourself. Listen. Take notes. Try some new
techniques on your art. Until next time…
This has been your Arsenal Report Take 6: Now You Speak
- CHVNGE THE WORLD
https://youtube.com/@Thechvngetheworldrecords?si=aQoW1AUSlqRBtzGN
https://www.ctwlibrary.com/