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From: dep@allegra.UUCP (Dewayne E. Perry)
Newsgroups: net.music.classical
Subject: Re: How do you hear polyphony
Message-ID: <2664@allegra.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 3-Aug-84 10:46:19 EDT
Article-I.D.: allegra.2664
Posted: Fri Aug  3 10:46:19 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 4-Aug-84 03:28:46 EDT
References: <3022@rabbit.UUCP>, <1479@ucbvax.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill
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As to whether the subject 'jump out at you' or you have to listen intensely:
there are a number of factors involved.  

First, it depends upon the particular piece of music - ie, how much the 
composer helps you in listening to the piece.  This kind of help includes
such things as the distinctiveness of the subjects and the kinds of 
transformations performed on them.  For example, contractions, fragmentation, 
etc are fairly easy to find; while inversions and retrogressions are not.  
These latter kinds of things can usually only be detected by careful
analysis of the score.

Second, it depends upon how familiar you are with the particular form of
polyphony.  If you know what the intended form is, then you know what to
expect and when.  Of course, hardly anyone follows the standard form, but
that is what makes it interesting - you get suprises and twists.
Lack of familiarity can easily be remedied by a certain amount of study.

Third, it depends upon your physical capabilities - whether you have good
tonal memory.  To a certain extent this is a matter of concentration.
On the other hand, some people are just more naturally gifted.  Don't
despair! You can extend your gifts by diligent practice.  (This is true
of all of your musical skills).

Study, listen, practice - dep