Music is an important part of a TV show. But, in Arrested Development, it's not just a background layer - it's almost just as important as one of the characters in the show. It's practically a character of its own. Let's look at how...

A journey through the hit song “Killing me softly” in order to work out what makes it such a success. We look at the design of the melody and how one phrase relates to another. We also examine the rhythmic structure and the colourful...

Arrested Development has an incredibly unique use of music. In fact, they couldn't have actually told the story without the music. Music is an important part of a TV show. But, in Arrested Development, it's not just a background layer -...

Introducing a step-by-step guide to music analysis. Complete with helpful questions, and exercises to guide you through the wide world of studying scores.

Find out how Bach makes use of seventh chords inside his music. Join us as we examine the choice of harmony and modulation, the part writing, the use of accented and unaccented passing notes, plus other features of the Bach Chorale...

An introduction to the 48 Preludes & Fugues and Bach's Prelude & Fugue in F# Minor (BWV859). This music analysis video provides a simple examination of the work. Through this study one begins to understand the structure and musical...

A detailed look through the opening of the first Chorus movement in Handel’s “Messiah”. In particular word painting is explored, namely how Handel paints the text “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed”. Choice of key and tempo are...

An analysis of Pp.79 no.2 G minor Rhapsody by Brahms. It takes Brahms a considerable number of bars to establish the home key and meanwhile he travels through a range of other keys. The melodic line is explored, including the growth of...

An insight into the orchestration and harmonic language contained within Holst’s “Venus - the bringer of peace” from his Suite ‘The Planets’. Holst makes an original and colourful combination of a Horn solo with 4 Flutes and 3 Oboes,...

Beethoven is often labelled the ‘bridge composer’ because, more than any other composer, he provides the transition from Classical to Romantic style. Step inside the mind of Beethoven as we examine the opening of his op.79 Sonata for...

Step inside the mind of Beethoven as we explore the opening section of Beethoven’s “Waldstein” Piano Sonata, one of the most famous of his middle period works. In particular we explore how rhythm and modulation are used to create...

Domenico Scarlatti wrote over 550 single-movement sonatas for the harpsichord, making characteristic but innovative use of the instrument. This composer insights lesson explores sonata K208 in A major. Having clarified the Binary...

Step inside the mind of Beethoven as we explore the opening section of an early Piano Sonata by Beethoven in F minor. In particular we examine how Beethoven derives his melodic design from the harmonic scheme. The video demonstrates...

“Saving all my love for you”, made famous by Whitney Houston when she released her cover of the single in 1985. The harmony forms the focus of this composer insights lesson, with the use of extended chords and slash chords fully...

How does Chopin create and express emotion in his music? We delve into the mind of the composer and explore Chopin’s Nocturne in G minor, explaining how Chopin delivers emotional impact through his approach to harmony, melodic...