Assignment task:
Topic: Traditional CD Report
You will choose an album/CD and write a concert report about it (please read the instructions thoroughly, there are a few differences)
The chosen album should be at least 40 minutes long
You may select an album on Spotify, Naxos, CDs, Cassette Tapes, LPs etc. If you choose something online, please provide the link to the songs.
Critically listen to the entire album
Content
For your introduction, please state the album name, artists, composers (if different than the artist), date of publication, and the platform that you have listened the album on.
Then discuss your observations for THREE songs on the album. You must use specific musical terminology as we have studied in the elements of music section of the class.
Keep in mind the following elements of music and categories:
Melody (contour-conjunct/disjunct, range-wide/narrow), Harmony (dissonant vs. consonant), Texture (monophonic, homophonic, polyphonic), Dynamics (pianissimo, piano, mezzo piano, mezzo forte, fortissimo), Changes of Dynamics (crescendo, diminuendo), Tempo (adagio, andante, moderato, allegro, vivace, presto), Change of Tempo (accelerando, ritardando), Instrumentation (what performance forces are used?), Text setting (syllabic, neumatic, melismatic- text setting must have text, cannot use this category for instrumental music). Etc.
Each piece must mention:
- The title (Italicized):
- Composer/Artist full name: (if it is the same artist/composer for all three pieces, simply state that this is the artist/composer for all three pieces).
- Your choice of musical elements from at least three different categories: 15 points (Foreign/Italian terms must be Italicized)
More helpful questions that might help guide your writing:
What dramatic effects does the piece have? What specific musical elements achieve that?
It is often helpful to start with a subjective reaction to a song (how does it make you feel) and try to figure out what is causing that reaction (musical elements)
Conclude your project with your overall reactions to this album.
Some questions to consider: why did you choose this album? How did critical listening change your perspective/understanding/meaning of this album?