La Brava Score Analysis

Analysis of Basic Musical Elements

Background
La Brava by David Schaffer. Published in 2006. Grade 2.

Form
ABCBD
- A: m. 1 through m. 7
- Percussion Interlude: m. 8 through m. 11
- B (Intro): Backbone established m. 12 through 19
- B: Backbone + Trumpet melody from m. 20 (pickup bar m. 19) to m. 27
- Basic structure of B repeated from m. 28 to m. 34, Transition m. 35
o Fl, Alto Sax 1&2, F Horn, Xylo have counter melody quarter-note triplets
- C: Swing section, m. 36 to 43
- Repeat Swing section m. 44 to m. 50. Trumpet retransitions to straight time m. 51
- B: B section (+ Tpt melody) repeated m. 52 (pickup bar m. 51) to 59.
- D: Closing material (some motifs pulled from A): m. 60 to the end
Key
Consistently in f minor with some tonicization of VI or the relative major (Ab M).
Meter
Entirely in 4/4. Note the Americanized clave pattern (1, +, 4)
Ranges
Instrument Range Intrument Range Instrument Range
Flute E5 D6 Oboe F4 D5 Bassoon Bb2 Bb3
Clarinet G3 G5 Bass Clarinet A3 A4 Alto Sax D4 F5
Tenor Sax G4 G5 Bari Sax E4 E5 Trumpet C4 Eb5
F Horn C4 Eb5 Trombone Bb2 Bb3 Euphonium Bb2 Bb3
Tuba C2 C3 Timpani(notes) Bb2C3F3 29 26 23

Percussion Instruments
- Snare Drum - Bass Drum - Shaker
- (Ride) Cymbal - Congas - Guiro
- Claves - Hi- hat

Accidentals
- Concert E(natural), Concert D(natural), Concert A(natural), Concert B(natural)
 Pedagogical Analysis

What musical concepts are included in this piece?

- Clave (percussion rhythmic backbone) throughout entire piece
- Articulation differentiation throughout (legato vs. staccato, accents, etc.)
- Style differentiation from A (powerful) to B (smooth, almost lyrical) to C (Swing)

What technical skills are required to execute the concepts?

Students must be able to:
- Play the required range. Should be achievable by a first or second-year student.
- Identify and distinguish different note markings (staccato, tenuto, accent)
- Identify and understand sharps, flats, and naturals.
- Distinguish and perform different dynamics.

What problems do you anticipate when rehearsing the piece?

- Switching to and from (especially from) swing: mm. 36-51
- Having enough distinction on dynamics throughout
- Quarter note triplet countermelody beginning in m. 52