Describing character of a piece

[princessmoose]

What types of words would you tell/give pupils to help them in describing the character of a piece played?

Suggestions welcome .

[Nocturne]

I usually use moods to describe the character of a piece, like sad, happy, stressed, fear. Colors can help to (although that is rather subjective, I think) or terms like dark, light, bright. Those are the first things that I can think of. Hope it is of any help

[princessmoose]

They're good, thank-you .

Any more anyone?

[SuzyMac]

I start off with simple bits, prompting with direct questions at first if they need it:
Happy or sad?
Lively or gentle?
Angry or calm?
Spooky and scary, or celebratory and trimuphant?

I get them to talk about the tempo, the dynamics and the articulation to 'back up' what they say. "I don't like it" is not acceptable! "I don't like all those horrible chords, it makes me think of a graveyard" is good (one of last night's offerings - first bit of Beethoven's Pathetique)

If it paints a mental picture, I get them to describe it; if it reminds them of something, they try and remember what and describe that. Another e.g. from last night - I played a polonaise...
"It reminds me of a dance"
"what dance?"
"It was in a film, and all the ladies were dressed up and the men had to bow to ask them to dance. It was very posh."
Pretty decent really

[princessmoose]

Sounds good Suzy, your pupils sound ace!!

Thanks for the suggestions!

[SuzyMac]

They are! I'm gonna miss them

[princessmoose]

Awwww .