Analyzing Scores

Hey guys

I"m relatively new to analyzing scores and I was wondering what methods people use. I just simply copy them down from the original ones, is that a good way? I"m curious for other methods to sort of get the melodic, harmonic and rhythmic language of the piece internalized.

Best

-Yuri

I think copying them down works, it did for me. Also just reading a score with a recording is good too. 

How you analyze a piece of music changes based on two factors: what you are trying to gain through the analysis and the time period it was written in. 

I typically start my analysis with trying to find the themes and key area. With that knowledge I try to figure out the form and see if and how the themes are developed. I make note of the how the rhythms are used, interesting harmonies that don't sound typical for the genre or time period. I also observe the orchestration to see how the harmonies are placed through the instruments and how the melodies are treated. 

  On 1/31/2015 at 11:07 PM, danishali903 said:

I think copying them down works, it did for me. Also just reading a score with a recording is good too. 

Likewise. I once copied down the whole exposition of Tchaikovsky's 4th Symphony's first movement. And I think I've learned a lot more following a score by Mahler while listening to it.