Music: "Belle" from Beauty and the Beast.

Question

1. Describe the Dynamics- (How loud or soft the music is) How is the music at the beginning different from the music at the end? Do different characters have different dynamics? Why does the composer use different dynamics for different characters?
2. Describe how the music "tells us" what to think about the characters. What does Belle's music sound like? How does the music change when Gaston enters?
What musical ornamentations are used?
3. Describe the Orchestration- (What instruments do you hear?) Describe the singers- what types voices do you hear? How does the texture change throughout the song?
4. Pretend you are the musical director for this film. Would you change anything about this piece of music? Why or why not?
Answer each question in 1 sentence

Answer 1

1. The dynamics of "Belle" begin softly, reflecting Belle's introspective nature and gradually build in intensity toward the end, highlighting contrasting characters like Gaston, whose entrance is marked by louder, more forceful dynamics to emphasize his arrogant demeanor.

2. Belle's music features lyrical, flowing melodies that evoke her sense of yearning, while Gaston's entrance abruptly shifts to a more aggressive and boisterous sound, signifying his overbearing personality, with musical ornamentation like crescendos and accented notes enhancing these character contrasts.

3. The orchestration includes strings, woodwinds, and brass, with singers employing a mix of soprano for Belle's soaring lines and deeper voices for Gaston's assertive phrases, creating a rich texture that evolves from primarily solo sections to more complex harmonies as the ensemble joins in.

4. As the musical director, I would consider fine-tuning the orchestration in certain sections for a greater emphasis on the contrasts between characters, enhancing their individuality and emotional depth, but overall, I believe the piece effectively captures the essence of the narrative without significant changes.