Answer the following 3 questions in short essay format. Please provide 10-12 sentences per question!
1. Discuss the compositional traits of minimalist music. Choose an example we have studied in class to show evidence of these traits. Be sure to identify the composer, and the year it was composed. Explain any special technique(s) that were used to compose this piece. To conclude your essay: Do you think the piece you discussed is an example of absolute music or program music? How does this alter the effect the music has on you?
2. Define the compositional technique, leitmotif. Identify which composer developed leitmotif and explain the multimedia production within which the technique was first used. Next, discuss a contemporary composer who uses leitmotif within their compositions for film, television, or video games (You may use an example from the textbook, or elsewhere). Is leitmotif present in underscoring music or source music? In your own words, what power do leitmotifs give to a score?
3. Define the genre “parlor song.” During what span of time were these songs composed? Name a composer and piece that is a good example of this genre. What two traditions did this genre combine? How were these songs disseminated across the country, and where were they performed? Were parlor songs considered art music? In your own words, summarize the difference between art music and popular music.
