Literature of the Western World

Music Couth-ity!

Shadows of shadows passing.  It is now 1831, and as always, I am absorbed with a delicate thought.  It is how poetry has indefinite sensations, to which end, music is an essential.  Since the comprehension of sweet sound is our most indefinite conception, music, when combined with a pleasurable idea, is poetry.  Music without the idea is simply music.  Without music or an intriguing idea, colour becomes pallor, man becomes coccus, om becomes catacomb, and the dead are, but for a moment, motionless. . . .

                                                                      Edgar Allan Poe

It’s time to get intimate with music.  I’ve given you a CD (or a tape for you techno-barbarians!)  featuring a particular composer’s works.  Listen to it.  Listen often.  Listen carefully.  Listen casually.  Make it a part of your background studying.  Carry it with you.  Absorb it.

Only after listening to it several times (after a couple of weeks or so), go find out about it.  Discover the period, the composer, the work, the culture surrounding it.  There are three assignments around the work, but the most important part of the CD is for you to know this piece of music like no other . . . .

Assignment One: 

Consider the theme/message/expression of the work.  Some of the pieces are programmatic (that is, the theme is stated or obvious); some require more interpretation on your part.  Write 250-500 (1-2 pages) words highlighting one or more of these aspects of the work:

·        the composer’s life as it relates to the theme of the piece

·        the musical period as it relates to the theme

·        the musical structure of the work (how the different parts, instruments, motifs, themes are assembled)

·        the cultural life of that period as it relates to the theme of the piece

·        any other peculiarity as it relates to the theme of the piece.

All of these, obviously, require some research on your part.  Let me know if you’re having trouble finding information.  See my web site for some possible links.

                                                                                                            Due:_______

Assignment Two (Optional Extra-Credit):

Present your ideas to the class by introducing us to the work and the ideas behind it.  Like paper presentations, discuss the main points, play key passages, etc.  The presentation should not be more than 5 or 10 minutes.   (Can add up to one letter grade to any other assignment!)

Assignment Three: (Couth Extra Credit)

On certain days, I will play a short selection from the various pieces the class has.  Raise your hand the very second you positively identify it as your piece.  If you can also name the subtitle/movement, etc., bonus points!