Macagba, Jamila Aria G.

2012-13341
HUM 2 B-5R
Music Critique Paper

Last April 22, 2015, "Anthology" by the Choral Ensemble was held. Upon entering the
DL Umali hall, one can feel the formality ambiance around. This was certainly complemented by
the formal attire of the audience and the set-up of the stage. The set-up was simple and very
direct. However, at most parts, there was too much negative space in the stage that should have
been filled up. Nevertheless, the concert was very informative and pleasant.
One of my favorite composition is the "Bituing Walang Ningning" by Willy Cruz and its
genre is OPM. The rhythm of the song not very complicated; it did not seem rushed and the beat
is very mellow. Let us divide the properties of melody, namely: direction, progression, mode,
range and register. The direction of the melody goes up as the song progresses. As for the
progression, the song moves higher in a step wise progression as it nears the chorus. As I have
perceived it, the organization of tones in a scale were mostly major. The range is very wide and it
very distinguishable during the performance. The high notes were reached by the girls and the
low notes by the boys. The high notes were more evident during the chorus and the end part of
the song. While, the low notes were heard from time to time and usually in the verses or the
second voices. The location of majority of the notes are in the higher register. The harmony in
the song was very pleasant to the ears. The texture is thick and homophonic; there is a single
melody with harmonic support. The harmonic support were majority by the boys, with low
tones. Although, there were also harmonic support from the girls, with high tones.
There are also the expressive elements which are the tempo, dynamic, and timbre. The
tempo of the song was not really fast although I cannot really specify if it is slow or moderate as
I am not particular about it. I think it might be between andante (walking pace) or moderate. This
tempo contributed to the solemn ambiance around the hall. The dynamic was mostly soft and
especially during the beginning of the song. The dynamic changes was crescendo which
gradually becomes louder as the song progresses, especially as the song approaches the chorus
and the ending. This dynamic changes had a great effect on the song, that is positive. The tone
color or timbre was very evident. One can clearly distinguish the soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto,
tenor, baritone and bass. However, from the nature of the song, mostly high notes are sang that is
why there were minimal bass. Mostly, the females were notable due to the high notes and I really
commend them for reaching those high notes without sounding like screaming. Also, I commend
how the different voice classifications were in unison with their own classification. The form of
the song is ABCBC where A is the verse, B is the pre-chorus and C is the chorus. The form was
easily identified since the song is a very popular song.
The artistic skill was very praiseworthy. I have a high respect for people who sing really
well and to be able to watch a group of people who sang very well was such a great opportunity.
There were people who stood out from the group, aside from the solo that is. One comment that I
could give is that most of the time the words were not very clear especially when you're far from

the stage. Also, the stage presence was very average and to some performances, poor. During the
Gregorian Chant, it felt lacking and I believe it is due to the few number of those who sang and
also I believe that the stage design has an effect on it. As for the solos, I also think it felt lacking,
and I think this is due to the stage design. Also, the soloist could have maximized the use of stage
and could have established rapport more. I also have to comment on the wordings of the soloist.
The notes were spot on however there were times when I found myself asking what was that line
that was delivered. I also believe that the words of the song has an effect that is why I felt
somehow disappointed.
The experience was really indescribable. I am really fond of music myself and, as I have
mentioned, I have great respect to those who sing well. It is one of the first concert that I have
attended to that required a semi-formal attire. That requirement itself an effect. I always watched
or heard choral ensembles through videos and usually in the church. It was a great experience
having to watch and hear songs during different eras. Since I am not really familiar with the
songs from the older eras, it was informative as well. Although it was a little hard to relate with
the song if one is not familiar with it; especially those songs from the medieval, renaissance,
baroque, etc. It was easier when the songs where from the Filipino Folksong, Kundiman and
OPM. During those songs, I was able to build a connection with the songs itself and I believe it
was due to their origin. I chose "Bituing Walang Ningning" as my favorite piece and one of the
factors that made me chose it was its period of time and genre. It is the closest era to our era now.
In general, all the songs were sang beautifully and to an aspiring singer, it was very uplifting to
watch them.
If there are any suggestions that I will say, I would suggest on improving the stage
design. I imagined how more effective and striking the performances could have been if the stage
design was improved. Also, more relatable and known songs that could liven up the audience,
that is considering the target audience. Lastly, more on the clarity of words during songs.
In conclusion, the experience was unforgettable and this concert heightened my love and
appreciation for music. Indeed, this will not be the last choral ensemble that I will watch.