Compare two musical works with strong commonalities but equally strong differences.
These two works should be major works or a movement from a major work by each composer, i.e. not short, light pieces. For example, choose a movement from a sonata instead of a sonatina or divertissement. They may or may not be from the same era, but must be from different composers. You must provide links to the sound files for these works.
The same instrument(s) or genre, or structural form can be handled in quite different ways. How does each composer put his or her individual stamp on a work? There are stylistic trends in each era, but a great composer can represent the best of a tradition.
• Establish the context of the works in question, including dates of composition and particular circumstances surrounding their creation. Explain why you have selected these specific works.
• Describe the works under comparison. Compare and contrast the essential elements of each composition using all the knowledge you have gained in the course. Include a listening guide for each piece in order to focus on the elements that you want the listener/reader to hear and understand. Use the following linked blank grid, from the text, to create your listening guides, or just create your own with a similar format.
Please send a brief outline to me before or on March 30. The purpose of this outline is very important; namely to allow the professor to review what you are planning. The feedback you receive may save you much grief by providing clarification or refocus of your ideas.