Exploring Music in Context Section 1: AOI 1

 The Song 'Bella Ciao' was made in Italy around World War 2 (More specifically, Northern Italy). Although its composer is unknown, it was originally sung among female rice workers protesting against unfair working conditions. This shows that a song with such a powerful meaning can be used to protest against multiple unjust rules and regimes. This song was later taken by the Italian partisans. These were the people who resisted the fascism in Italy during World War 2, and the song turned into an anti-fascist protest song.

    This piece carries significant cultural importance, as it is more than just a song. It is unifier of rebels, and a social message to the opposition, while also being a patriotic anthem sung in pride. Some of the lyrics describe how if the singers and rebels were to die, they should be buried in order to honor their fight toward Italy's liberation.   


Musical Analysis:

Melody:
This is the beginning melody of the song (the rhythm section below includes the second rhythm or the main rhythm, which is performed by the vocals). Both rhythms are similar to each, and are very bold, being in minor keys.

Rhythm:

This song is played in the 4/4-time signature as seen in the screenshot, and mainly consists of whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, and eight notes. This gives the vocals a simple but powerful message. While the Treble clef is for the vocals as mentioned earlier, the bass clef is for the supporting instruments, such as the accordion and the guitar. These instruments in the background work together in order to add strength to the singers, but not take away from their main melody, creating a balanced harmony between a protest message and a nice casual tune.

Expression:

The Vocal delivery has high and low points for emphasis, usually created through dynamics. These dynamics bring out the lyrics and their meaning when said at these points. This anthem does not switch between happiness and sorrow like other songs but rather keeps a similar expressive tone throughout. As the instruments on the bass clef serve as background supports, the vocals keep a strong consistent, and powerful dynamic for the entire 2 minutes of the song, showing relentless pride, protesting, and nationality.    


Expression and Context:

Vocals:

The vocals begin around measure 11 (the first 11 measures are just the instruments). These vocals are sung with a similar rhythm to the beginning of the song but in a different pitch, in an attempt to stand out. They sing a song of protest, loss, but also courage. These minor keys and notes help to provide a scary add intimidating but also brave tune. The vocals remain as the holders of the melody throughout the entire 2 minutes, and sing the same tune but with different stanzas, each singing something different about the war.

Dynamics:

As said earlier, the dynamics affect the high and low points of the song, created emphasis on the different things being said throughout the piece. Although this specific score does not have dynamics, Bella Ciao usually sits in the mezzo forte zone, and occasionally slips into the forte and fortissimo dynamics, but never gets quiet.