Robby Pittman

Curricular/Conceptual Analysis
Scenes from the Louvre
Mvt. 2 Childrens Gallery

Broad Description: Scenes from the Louvre is a 5 movement suite for band based off the original
film score for the 1964 documentary, The Louvre.

Type/Genre Label: Theme and Variations

Background Information: This piece was written by Norman Dello Joio (1913-2008) and
published in 1966 by Hal Leonard. Dello Joio was an American composer born in New York.
He attended Julliard for three years under Bernard Wagenaar. The second movement is based on
Tielman Susatos Ronde and Saltarello. The Ronde is a French Renaissance dance consisting
of three phrases ending with a refrain.

Elements of Music:

Form: Theme and Variations After a 9 measure introduction, the theme starts at measure 10.
There are three subsequent variations.

Melody: Eight bars long, first stated by the first clarinet in measure 11. Countermelody first
stated by the first trumpet in measure 17. The second variation is in 6/8 and uses the same
harmonic structure as the theme but instead with a lyrical lilt. The melody and countermelody
return in the last variation starting in measure 39. Each variation has one or two bars of
transition between them.

Harmony: Most of the movement is in the key of F major except for the second variation which
is in C major.

Texture: Sixteenth not melody is primarily played by woodwinds with brass accompaniment and
trumpet countermelody. During the second variation, high brass play the first phrase of the
chorale and the clarinets and flute take over on the second phrase. Low brass play staccato
eighth note accompaniment in variations 1 and 3.

Timbre: A light, buoyant timbre is needed for lyrical and staccato French style. Sixteenth notes
should be playful and the second variation should sound effortless as well as smooth and legato
for contrast.

Dynamics: Both extremes are represented, often changing drastically and instantly.

The Heart of the Music: Childrens Gallery is an excellent example of programmatic music.
The almost exaggeratedly light character is almost akin to baby talk, or the speech used when
coddling children. This character is applicable again during the lullaby setting of the second
variation. The parts are independent but still require extensive use of matching skills.

Teachable Concepts:
Articulation
Drastic dynamic contrast
Light, buoyant style
Rhythmic independence
Theme and variations
Matching style across instruments
Renaissance style
Lyrical playing

References:

Armstead, Alexander L. Unit Plan for Scenes from "The
Louvre"Alexanderarmstead.wordpress.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Mar. 2014.