Name: Charles Moe
Competency B3
Artifact Title: Difficult Literature
Artifact Type: "O Gladsome Light" by A. Gretchaninoff, this piece qualifies as "difficult literature."
Rationale for Inclusion: Competency B3 requires that a teacher of vocal music be able to interpret choral music scores with an understanding of range, tessitura, phrasing, diction and articulation. A piece such as "O Gladsome Light" is full of such factors for which to watch. First of all the piece is in English (translated) and it is very important that the language be pronounced clearly because since this is primarily an English speaking country it is important that the audience be able to understand the text. It is also important that all the vowels be unified from person to person; this will help with keeping the song in tune. there are also great extremes in the high and low ranges. Before choosing to perform a piece like this you must make sure that you have singers that have the ability to sing the notes. The score is filled with all sorts of written instruction to indicate how the piece should be phrased . These directions typically take form in the shape of dynamic markings. However the conductor must constantly be aware of which words are important and where the strong beats are. This awareness will help the musical phrasing immensely.
