Comparing Composers

create a PowerPoint presentation comparing a performance of Classical music to pop/rock music using musical terms and scholarly information to express your ideas.

Choose an excerpt from two concerts, one of a pop or rock concert of your choice and one of a performance of music from the Classical Era (1750-1800 AD) chosen from the list below. Watch approximately 10 minutes of each concert.

After viewing the concert excerpts, construct a PowerPoint presentation comparing the two concerts. The presentation should include the following slides:

Slide 1: An introduction providing an overview of the main points of the presentation. The introduction slide should mention both concerts.

Slide 2: Describe the music performed at each concert. Be sure to discuss specific musical attributes of the concerts, such as melody, harmony, timbre, texture, rhythm and form.

Slide 3: Explain why you did or did not enjoy the concerts.

Slide 4: Evaluate similarities and differences between music in the Classical era and rock/pop music. This section should reflect knowledge and understanding of the information presented about Classical music in the course reading. Be sure to address specific attributes of your chosen Classical composition.

Slide 5: Discuss the types of people who attended concerts in the Classical era and those who attend rock or pop concerts today, and why people attended concerts in the Classical era versus today. (Be certain to use specific information from scholarly sources to support your points about the types of people who attended concerts during the Classical era.)

Slide 6: Analyze how new technologies, such as digital media and the internet, change the ways music is experienced.

Slide 7: A conclusion wrapping up the main points of the presentation. The conclusion slide should mention both concerts.

Full Answer Section

     

Slide 2: Describing the Music

  • Title: A Tale of Two Concerts
  • Classical Music:
    • Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
    • Piece: First Movement of Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467
    • Musical Attributes:
      • Melody: Clear and memorable main theme with contrasting sections.
      • Harmony: Primarily diatonic with some chromaticism for emotional expression.
      • Timbre: Rich and diverse sound from a full orchestra with piano as the soloist.
      • Texture: Homophonic with a clear melody accompanied by chords.
      • Rhythm: Varied rhythmic patterns with a steady tempo.
      • Form: Sonata form with exposition, development, recapitulation, and coda.
  • Pop/Rock Music:
    • Artist: [Insert your chosen artist]
    • Song: [Insert song title]
    • Musical Attributes:
      • Melody: Catchy and repetitive with simple intervals.
      • Harmony: Simple chord progressions using common pop music formulas.
      • Timbre: Primarily electronic sounds with vocals and guitars.
      • Texture: Primarily homophonic with a focus on the melody and rhythm.
      • Rhythm: Strong, driving beat with consistent tempo.
      • Form: Verse-chorus structure with repeating sections. (Speaker Notes: The chosen classical piece by Mozart showcases a complex melody, diverse instrumentation, and a traditional sonata form. In contrast, the chosen pop/rock song utilizes a catchy melody, simple harmony, and a repetitive structure typical of the genre.)

Slide 3: Personal Enjoyment

  • Title: A Matter of Preference
  • Bullet Points:
    • Briefly explain your personal preferences for classical or pop/rock music and why you enjoyed or did not enjoy each concert.
    • Acknowledge that musical taste is subjective and there is no right or wrong answer. (Speaker Notes: Briefly discuss your personal experience with each concert. Explain what aspects you found enjoyable or why the music might not have resonated with you. Remember, musical taste is subjective, and the goal is to analyze the music objectively and appreciate its unique qualities.)

Slide 4: Classical vs. Pop/Rock: A Deeper Look

  • Title: Bridging the Centuries: Similarities and Differences
  • Similarities:
    • Both music styles aim to evoke emotions and connect with the audience.
    • Both utilize melody, harmony, rhythm, and form to create a musical experience.
  • Differences:
    • Musical Period: Classical music from the 18th century versus contemporary pop/rock.
    • Complexity: Classical music often features more complex melodies, harmonies, and rhythms compared to pop/rock.
    • Instrumentation: Classical music typically uses acoustic instruments in an orchestra format, while pop/rock music often incorporates electronic instruments and amplification.
    • Form: Classical music frequently adheres to established forms like sonata form, while pop/rock music often utilizes simpler, repetitive structures.
    • Purpose: Classical music in the 18th century was often commissioned by patrons or composed for religious ceremonies, while pop/rock music is primarily for entertainment and personal enjoyment. (Speaker Notes: While classical and pop/rock music differ greatly in their historical context and musical elements, they share the fundamental goal of connecting with listeners and evoking emotions. Analyze the chosen classical piece and your chosen pop/rock song to illustrate the specific similarities and differences mentioned.)

Sample Answer

Slide 1: Introduction

  • Title: Comparing Musical Worlds: A Classical and Pop/Rock Concert Analysis
  • Image: A split image showing a classical orchestra on one side and a rock concert on the other. (Speaker Notes: In this presentation, we will compare and contrast a classical music performance from the 18th century with a modern pop/rock concert. We will analyze various musical elements, audience demographics, and the impact of technology on musical experiences.)