(NOTE: This is not a research paper. Use class content and the textbook as resources – do not include any additional research or citations. Since all information will come from the textbook, no works cited is needed, but be sure to review the annotations requirement, listed below.)
Type your essay offline, using Word or other software, and the upload to the link provided
Click on the upload link to see a copy of the rubric which will be used for grading purposes
Please keep in mind that your paper will be scanned for plagiarism.
ESSAY PROMPT:
Write a critical listening review. As the focus of your review, choose ONE of the composers/musical examples we have studied in class this semester (or that are included in the textbook): Bingen, Dowland, Lully, Monteverdi, Vivaldi, or Bach. If you decide to write about Bach, choose only ONE of the pieces we discussed.
As a reminder, critical listening is a 7-part review of a musical work, and includes the following response types: Mood, Imagery, Culture, Biography, Meaning, Musical Elements, and Genre. Your essay must include commentary on all of these perspectives, while also explaining their significance, meaning, context, and relationship to each other. Wherever possible, use and explain musical terms discussed in class.
SUGGESTED OUTLINE: Title your paper with the piece and composer you chose.
Start with your opinions (Mood and Imagery) as an introduction, then discuss the composer’s life and times (Culture and Biography), the impact and construction of the work (Meaning and Musical Elements), and conclude with a discussion of the composer’s style (Genre), and how/why it was like/unlike others of the period. Please remember that “Genre” should be as specific as possible (“Classical music” or a time period will not suffice).
ANNOTATIONS (Required):
Annotate your paper, according to response type. Type each response type in parenthesis and bold text, after the sentence or section, in which it was discussed. An example is below:
Bach was only 14 years old when he traveled on foot to his first job. (Biography)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Essay must be a minimum of 350 words
College level writing skills are required (this includes both syntax, and supporting opinions with facts)
Critical Listening: All 7 response types must be included, accurate, and well-explained
Meaningful connections between response types must be included and well-explained; Essay must include sufficient detail
Wherever possible, terms from class are used, and correctly explained
Response types must be annotated, i.e. after you discuss the cultural response type: (Culture)
IMPORTANT NOTE: THIS IS NOT A RESEARCH-BASED ESSAY. The goal is to recall and discuss concepts from class only. No outside research is needed, and will, in fact, muddle the clarity of your paper, in terms of demonstrating your understanding of course concepts.
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|