Music Assignment

Being a good listener is important no matter what path in life you take.  One of the best ways to “study” music is by repeated listening.  You probably have a favorite book, movie, or song you like to listen to over and over again. When you repeat that activity you are able to pick up on something you might have missed the first time.  It is through repeated encounters that we gain familiarity and appreciation.

How to listen

1st time: Actively listen to the piece. Be Still and Be Quiet, No distractions!

2nd time: Listen and follow along with the provided listening guide from the module.

Next: Think about questions in your journal entry from what you have just heard

3rd time: Listen and fill out the entry form below while listening and reflecting.  

Rules and Requirements for Journal

A. You will need to fill out 4 separate journal entries from the list below. (Blank Journal Entry Form)

1. Focus Compositions of the Renaissance  4 must be from the Focus compositions or listening guides in this module. You can choose from any of the 5 examples or choose to focus this assignment just on Beethoven’s 5th Symphony (a movement for each journal entry). 
   1. String Quartet in D major, Op. 20, no. 4, Movement III. Allegretto alla zingarese, by Franz Josef Haydn
   2. Symphony No. 94 in G major, “Surprise” (Movement II. Andante), by Haydn
   3. Deh, vieni alla finestra,Testo (Aria) from the Opera Don Giovanni, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
   4. Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551 — 1st Movement, Allegro Vivace, by Mozart
   5. Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67, by Ludwig van Beethoven, Movement I, II, III or IV or all four movements. 

B. Journal Entry: In each Journal entry fill out the following information

• Composer: 
• Composition: 
• Time Period: 
• Genre: 
• Purpose of the piece or what is the piece about: 
• Reflection: See directions “C” below on how to answer each prompt. 

C.  Answer at least 3 of the reflection prompts. Back up each reflection prompt using musical terms and examples. Points will be taken off if you just answer the question in a bullet point without explaining or giving music examples of what led you to your answer. Each prompt should be at least 2-3 sentences. 

• What is the main message or mood of this music, based on your listening experience?  
• Which music aspects work together to provide the message you heard?
• What changes seem to happen as the music moves forward? In these changes, what things do you notice about the message of the music?
• Do any of the changing music elements add to the emotion you feel in this music or the message, mood, idea, or storyline?
• Does the music remind you of anything? Back up with musical examples.

2. Click Terms to use  Download Terms touse for more examples of using terms when reflecting on the music. Also see Modules 1-3 for more terms to use when reflecting on the music. 

3. You will have up to 2 attempts and can resubmit. See rubric for grading.

Example:  Use for each Journal entry

Composer: Haydn 

Composition: String Quartet in D major, Op. 20, no. 4 (I: Allegro di molto)

Time Period:  Classical

Genre: string quartet

Purpose of the piece or what is the piece about: (Is there a purpose, was it written for something or about something?): 

The string quartet was written for entertainment.  It is designed for a small more intimate feel between musicians and the audience.