Rhythm + Form:
The first 4 bars though in 5-4, form the usual short-short-long structure(is that called a sentence?)
From Bar 5, the vocal part is then phrased in groups of 8 quavers(3 sets), with the last set serving as an overlap(ending phrase + reprise).
Ending 2 phrases are re-extended to the 5-4 meter, perhaps to serve as closure?
Is there any asymmetrical effect for the piano right hand to break away from the 8 quaver groupings? Only leaving the left hand in the same hypermeter as the vocals?
十三幺,
ReplyDeleteGood start! You've made some pertinent observation and comments. I'd like you to refine your interpretation with these pointers:
i. the first four bars of the vocal melody do "look" like a sentence structure, but when you listen to it (or sing it yourself), do you feel that that it is really short-short-long? Listen to the accompaniment as well.
ii. You are spot-on to point out the switch to 4-beat phrasing within 5/4 metre at bs. 5-7 as well as the 'reprise' function of the third phrase. Can you comment in more detail about the rather unusual reprise? Hint: compare bs. 1-2 with 6-7.
iii. Examine/listen more closely the rhythmic/metric handling in the final two bars?