Calling on musically-inclined folks - question

[helwen]

Recently Concentus has started work (for next year) on Alleluia: A Newe Worke, and some of the sections are referred to as "burdens". Burden I, Burden II, etc.

Does anyone know what a "burden" is, on a written piece of music?

Thanks!

Comments

[oakmouse]

It can mean several things, but in this context I think it's either the repeated section of music --- the A part, which is sung through twice, would be Burden I, followed by the B part, which is sung through twice, and which would be Burden II --- or it's the musical theme that dominates each section.

It can also be a drone part but it sounds from your description as though that's not the case here.

[oakmouse]

That's right, as soon as I hit post I remembered the other one. It can also signify a repeating chorus.

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[druidharper.livejournal.com]

According to Wikipedia, take it FWiW:

In music, the burden is an archaic term[1] for the drone or base in some musical instruments, and the pipe or part that plays it, such as a bagpipe or pedal point in an organ. Burden also refers to a part of a song that is repeated at the end of each stanza, i.e. the chorus or refrain.

The term comes from the French bourdon, a staff; or a pipe made in the form of a staff, imitating the gross murmurs of bees or drones.

This is what was anciently called proslambanomenos.

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[isabeau-lark.livejournal.com]

It can also, when you're working with a carol, refer to a verse.

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Ah! Interesting. Although in this case, really really short verses :D Mind, it isn't take us a short time to learn, oy. But we have until next winter.

[isabeau-lark.livejournal.com]

I've actually only done the modern Wishart arrangement of this one. That's a fun ride. Here's a performance that's not bad, though it's a bit fast: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoG8Xza9xNw

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Interesting. Modern is right -- sounds nothing like the one we're learning. Anonymous 4 has performed and recorded it.