Essay for Unit I Exam
Write at least two pages that trace the development of the symphony from
1740 to 1824 (from Sammartini to Beethoven) in chronological order. Be
sure to discuss:
-
Important cities, schools, composers, their works and other contributions
-
Important changes in sonata form as it grew and matured
-
Changes in the number, type, order, and forms of movements
-
Changes in the size and instrumentation of the orchestra
Cite specific composers, compositions, and dates whenever possible.
Return to top
Return to Music 343 Syllabus
Return to Music 343 Course Schedule
Essay for Unit II Exam
Describe important developments in 19th century opera. Consider the three
main operatic types separately—French grand opera (centered in Paris),
Italian opera (from Rossini to Verdi), and German opera (from Weber to
Wagner’s late music dramas). Then compare and contrast the three types.
Follow this outline:
I—French Grand Opera
-
describe important developments in French grand opera during the 19th century
-
describe a typical French grand opera
-
identify the main contributions Meyerbeer made in his operas
II—Italian Opera
-
describe important developments in Italian opera during the 19th century
-
describe a typical Verdi opera
-
identify the main contributions Verdi made in his operas
III—German Opera
-
describe important developments in German opera during the 19th century
-
describe a typical German Romantic opera
-
describe a typical Wagner music drama
-
identify the main contributions Wagner made in his operas
IV—Connections and Distinctions
-
Draw connections and distinctions between 19th century French, Italian,
and German opera.
Identify specific dates, cities, composers, and operas wherever possible.
Your essay should fill at least two pages.
Return to top
Return to Music 343 Syllabus
Return to Music 343 Course Schedule
Essay for Unit III Exam
General Instructions
-
Choose one of these two essays—on Atonality
or on Electronic Music
-
Follow a chronological sequence in your essay
-
Identify dates, composers, and specific compositions as often as possible
-
Write at least two pages for your essay on blank paper supplied
by the instructor
Essay 1—Atonality
One of the radical changes in music of the 20th century was the development
of atonal music. In this essay, describe the evolution of atonality and
the styles and compositional techniques associated with it, while contrasting
these with significant tonal styles. Discuss these three phases:
-
Before World War 1—styles & techniques that led to atonality
-
Between the World Wars—discovery and proliferation of the 12-tone method
-
After World War 2—expansion of serial procedures & development of other
atonal styles
For each major development and style you name:
-
Describe stylistic features and important musical techniques
-
Identify composers, specific compositions, and dates wherever possible
Return to General Instructions |
—OR—
Essay 2—Electronic Music
Electronic media revolutionized music-making in the 20th century. In this
essay:
-
Trace significant changes in musical style and compositional technique
that led to the development of electronic music (especially before WW1)
-
Describe (in chronological order—before WW1, between wars, after WW2) electronic
devices used by composers and performers to create music in this century
-
Explain the impact of these changes and devices on 20th century music
Throughout the essay:
-
Identify styles, composers, specific works, and dates wherever possible
-
Describe stylistic features and important musical techniques
Return to General Instructions |
Return to top
Return to Music 343 Syllabus
Return to Music 343 Course Schedule
Page created by Mark Harbold 1/09/01—last updated 1/09/01.