READ CAREFULLY!!!
1)Please use the Plagiarism checking Tool (Mandatory – 5 points)
2)If you use the outside sources, you must include the work cited page. ( 5 points )
3)Since we will be using the recording, you must include the time frames. Always be specific! ( 5points )
*At least a minimum of 7 different timeframes must be included for full credits
*A set of timeframes is counted as ONE (“From 2:32 – 2:45 ”, the musical texture changes…. “)
*0:00 will not be counted
*For instance, In the Recording 1 of Option 2 from 1:30 – 2:04… or the ornamentation played by the violin at 3:04…
4)Your unnecessary info does not count toward a minimum 900 -word requirement ( 3 points )
At the beginning of your work, ONLY include your name & the title
Do NOT include class info, instructor’s name, submission date
5)Do not write your entire paper in a very long paragraph ( 5 points )
6)Follow the academic writing structure ( do not list the answers)
7) Including in text citations and long quotations are not allowed
–
Early in the history of Western art music, notation was sometimes quite vague and did not specify every aspect of a performance – there were a lot of choices left up to the performers. This means that two modern recordings of the exact same composition may actually vary quite a lot.
For your first longer paper, select a pair of recordings from the options at the bottom of this page, and write a paper of 1,000 words (MIN 900 words, MAX 1000 words) explaining some differences between the two recordings. Be specific, detailed, and use technical terms including meter, mode (major/minor), texture, musical device, and instrumentation wherever possible. You are not required to use external sources, but anything you quote from another author must be acknowledged with appropriate and accurate citations.
You will have to listen to the recordings a few times to get to know them properly and compare them closely.
First think of the similarities that are consistent through the recordings – these might be meter, mode, musical device, and texture. Take stock of these similarities and mention them.
Then listen to the differences. While listening, use the following questions to guide your notes on the differences between the recordings:
Answer ALL the questions! (when you discuss each question, you must include timeframes)
·What types of instruments/voices can you hear? Do they differ between the two recordings? Do the timbres differ between the recordings? (Tip: search online for the names of the performers to find out who they are, what they specialize in, and about the instruments they play or their voices.)
·For each moment you compare use timings to indicate when and what you are talking about. Also include specific terminology where appropriate like: meter, mode (major or minor), musical device and texture (i.e. are there moments you hear a bass framework or ostinato, when are they and are they in major or minor; are there moments where you hear homophony and other where you hear polyphony? where/when are they? etc…)
·Are the two recordings at the same pitch? Is one higher/lower than the other? (Tip: listen to the first couple of seconds of each recording to compare them.)
·Are the two recordings different speeds? Which is faster/slower? If there is a difference in speed, what effect does this have on the overall feel?
·Are there differences in the dynamics, articulations, and/or rhythms?
·Are there any substantial differences in the music they play? Does one of the recordings add an introduction, or other additional sections? (Tip: if you are comfortable reading music, search online for a copy of the music and follow it while listening to the two performances.)
·Does one recording add more ornaments to the melody lines than the other? Can you tell what the performers are adding?
What is the overall difference in mood or effect between the recordings? What of the above elements contribute to this?
·Which of the recordings did you prefer, and why?
Do not take up space with composer biography, performer biographies, or general background information (3 points). Be focused and discuss the recordings in detail. While discussing the recordings in your paper, refer to the two different recordings as “Recording 1” and “Recording 2” to save space.
Deadline: June 28, 11:59pm. It is strongly recommended that you start working on this paper early so that you have enough time to become familiar with the recordings and organize, write up, and edit your observations. Late assignments will be penalized by 10% per day late.
Word count: (MIN 900 words, MAX 1000 words) Include a word count at the bottom of your work.
