AS / A Level Edexcel Wider Listening and Unfamiliar Music: New Directions

Analyses Edexcel’s Musical Elements:
  • Organisation of pitch
  • Tonality
  • Structure
  • Sonority
  • Texture
  • Tempo, metre and rhythm
  • Dynamics

Prepare students for Section B of the exam with these comprehensive guides.

Introduce
  • Contextual information provided on all relevant periods sets the scene
  • Introductory vocabulary broken down by musical element gives students a foundation for study
Analyse
  • Thorough analysis of the genre using Edexcel’s musical elements ensures all aspects are covered
  • Keywords are defined throughout, and a full glossary reinforces the essential terminology
  • Analysis are very good, clear and level appropriate

    G Capra, Teacher & Expert Reviewer
  • Learning activities get students familiar with the music and teach analysis skills
Assess
  • Information about the exam shows students exactly what to expect
  • Concise revision summaries for each period and piece bring it all together
  • Exam-style questions give students the practice they need. Plus! Sample essays annotated by AO3 and AO4 show them how to gain marks!


Area of Study 6: New Directions

Reacting drastically to the strict musical conventions of the Romantic era, 20th century composers found a new course of artistic expression. Help students traverse the new timbres, tones and technologies with this focused guide.

Breaks down recommended wider listening pieces by musical element:

  • Olivier Messiaen – Des Canyons aux etoiles: Nos. 8 and 10
  • Peter Maxwell Davies – Eight Songs for a Mad King: Nos. 6‒8

Plus! Plenty more music from the period including: Macmillan, Schaeffer, Schönberg, Riley, Varese, Berio and Webern.

Co-teachable! A Level only sections clearly signposted.


What do teachers say about this resource? (9096)

Very good overall with suitable use of technical terms for the level and clarity of wording... Analysis are very good, clear and level appropriate.

G Capra, Teacher & Expert Reviewer