Music Appreciation 丨 Music Textbook Repertoire Appreciation "Red River Valley"

Original teaching materials

Overall analysis

"Red River Valley" is a folk song circulating in the Red River area of North America, which belongs to the folk song system. The sentiment expressed - a review of the arduous entrepreneurial journey of the people who migrated to the Red River area of North America and the prospect of a beautiful and happy life.

The song is in G major, 4/4 beats, ballad body, single segment structure, a total of 8 bars.

Some versions repeat the previous 8 bars as choruses. The rhythm of the song is steady and dynamic, and the melody is simple and stretched. The range is not wide, and the range of two voice parts does not exceed one octave. Easy to learn and easy to remember.

In terms of melodic structure, the song consists of two phrases, each of which is composed of two sections. The rhythm of both phrases is the same. The melody is based on progression, occasionally using jumps.

In terms of syntax, the method of one question and one answer, front and back response is adopted, and the first phrase is a semi-terminated binding, and the second phrase is a complete termination of the binding.

Each phrase consists of two sections, the rhythm of which is identical except for a slight difference at the end. It shows the characteristics of the song melody that is both unified and varied. These form the simple, unpretentious, emotional and deep style of this song.