Comparisons

Comparisons

It may be natural to think that Japanese and Filipino music have similarities (which is true) because the two cultures are both from the Eastern World. As we take a look at the two pieces, keep in mind that the Philippines, during the time period in which the song "Carinosa" was from, was not yet invaded by the Japanese, however it was under the rule of the Spaniards. For Japanese modern music, the Philippines might have influenced Japan's modern music after the invasion, or maybe not.

Link to the sheet music for "Theme of SSS"

Link to the sheet music of "Carinosa" (video)

Elements of Music

Rhythm: The two songs have the same syncopation, which is organized and no improvisations.

Melody: Both songs use the pentatonic scale, both coming from the Eastern World.

Harmony: Both have consonant chords, meaning they both have smooth-sounding chords for harmonies.

Timbre: Both songs have light/bright timbre although they use predominantly minor chords.

Form: Very similar considering the repetition of one or two sections throughout the song, although using different instrumentation for each repetition (variation).

"Theme of SSS"

• ABCA, although can be categorized as binary due to the repetition of the melody, but different variations of it.

(This portion, A, is used throughout the song, repeating it in different variations using other instruments like the violin and the synthesizer.)

"Carinosa"

• ABCBCA, using A as the intro and the ending, and mostly repeating B and C mostly throughout the song

(This is section B of the song that is repeated throughout the song, but using different instrumentation as the backing track for the repetition.)

Texture: For the most part, the texture of the two songs is similar.

"Theme of SSS"

Mixture of homophonic and polyphonic texture. It is mostly homophonic n A and A" (the beginning and the end) because of the use of only the melody and the single-note harmonies on the piano.

"Carinosa"

It is polyphonic throughout the song.

*The two songs do have a lot in common in some elements of music, but let's take a look at the differences, and see if they differ more.