Choose one composer from the Romantic Period through Contemporary. Choose one piece that they wrote. The paper should consist of two main components: • Background (historical context) • Musical analysis

Format: MLA for paper and sources.
• Minimum word count: 2,000
Minimum number of sources: 4, including the following:
• Must use at least one article from JSTOR
• Must cite at least one audio recording.
• The course textbook cannot be used as a source
• Use reliable websites, such as .gov, .edu, etc…. Make sure that they cite their sources!
Choose one composer from the Romantic Period through Contemporary.
Choose one piece that they wrote.
The paper should consist of two main components:
• Background (historical context)
• Musical analysis
Background 40% of body content
What was innovative, groundbreaking, or new about the piece?
Where was it written? When and where was it premiered?
What personal events in their life influenced or inspired the creation of the piece?
Were there any political events taking place that had an impact on the piece?
Other relevant and interesting information.
Music Analysis 60% of body content
What is the genre of the piece?
What instrumentation/voicing is used?
What is the form of the piece?
How does the form make the piece more impactful and better overall?
Be sure to use proper terminology from weeks 1 & 2 (Elements of Music) to discuss the music.
Discuss other musical elements that emphasize the piece (word painting, use of dynamics, use of tension and dissonance, etc…)
When referencing the recordings, use time stamps to clarify what specific moment you are discussing (ex. 4:33)
If you use sheet music, please include a copy of the score.
Structurally the direction of your paper will be fairly open, granting you the ability to focus on the aspects of the music that you find most interesting.
Forbidden websites: Wikipedia, Biography.com, online encyclopedias, mozartroses.com

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