March

Definition

In music, a march is a piece characterized by a strong, regular rhythm that is often composed for military or ceremonial purposes. Marches typically feature a steady beat, often in 2/4 or 4/4 time, and are designed to accompany marching troops or to be performed at parades and official ceremonies, showcasing discipline and order.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marches are often characterized by their repetitive structure and strong rhythmic drive, making them easy to march to.
2. Berlioz incorporated elements of the march form in 'Symphonie Fantastique' to evoke military imagery and enhance the narrative of the symphony.
3. The famous 'Marche au Supplice' movement in 'Symphonie Fantastique' vividly depicts the protagonist's descent into madness with a march-like quality that reflects impending doom.
4. Marches have historically been associated with the military but have also found their way into various genres, including classical, popular music, and film scores.
5. 'Symphonie Fantastique' was revolutionary in its use of the march not just as a musical form but as a storytelling device, highlighting Berlioz's innovative approach to symphonic writing.

Review Questions

• How does Berlioz's use of march elements in 'Symphonie Fantastique' enhance the overall narrative of the symphony?
  • Berlioz's incorporation of march elements in 'Symphonie Fantastique,' particularly in the 'Marche au Supplice' movement, serves to heighten the emotional intensity of the protagonist's journey. The strong rhythmic drive of the march mirrors the inevitability of fate as the protagonist faces his demise. This rhythmic structure not only evokes a sense of urgency but also underscores themes of conflict and resolution throughout the symphony.
• Analyze the impact of military music on the development of the march genre during the early Romantic period.
  • Military music significantly influenced the development of the march genre in the early Romantic period by establishing a formal structure that composers could utilize for expressive storytelling. The strong rhythms and disciplined character associated with military music provided a framework that composers like Berlioz could adapt for more personal narratives. This blending of traditional march forms with emotive content allowed for new creative possibilities in orchestral music, reflecting broader changes in society during this time.
• Evaluate how Berlioz’s innovative use of march motifs in 'Symphonie Fantastique' reflects broader trends in Romantic music and its emphasis on individual emotion.
  • Berlioz’s innovative use of march motifs in 'Symphonie Fantastique' exemplifies broader Romantic trends by marrying traditional forms with personal expression. By employing march elements not just for their rhythmic qualities but also as tools for narrative development, he foregrounds individual emotion over structural conformity. This approach highlights the Romantic era's shift towards exploring inner psychological landscapes through music, where even robust forms like marches can convey vulnerability and despair within a larger emotional context.

Related terms

Marching Band: A musical ensemble consisting of musicians playing brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments, typically performing at outdoor events, parades, and competitions while executing coordinated movements.

Processional Music: Music composed specifically to accompany a formal procession, often used in ceremonies like weddings, graduations, and religious services.

Military Music: A genre of music specifically composed for military purposes, often incorporating marches, anthems, and fanfares to motivate troops and boost morale.