LAB ELEVEN
Due Date: Mon. Nov. 18; bring papers to lecture
Choose one topic and prepare a report of 2-3 pages in length of double-spaced type. Be sure to indicate which example you have chosen in the heading of your paper and follow other expectations for format and good writing.
Option One - A Study of Impressionism - Ex. 71
The music of Debussy is often described as "impressionistic," a term that
Debussy himself grew to dislike. What does the term "impressionism" mean
in the visual arts? (Don't hesitate to consult sources beyond your
textbook.) In what ways does La Mer seem impressionistic to
you?
Use Willoughby's listening guides on pp. 281-283 to assist you.
Option Two - Stravinsky, Ex. 72
Compare Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms to Beethoven's 9th
Symphony (Ex. 66). In what ways are these works alike? In what ways are they different? As you write, consider the following:
- the relationship between the text and the music (look up the texts to each work)
- the relationship of vocal parts to the larger instrumental texture
- the composer's perspective at the time of composition (for example, where does the Symphony of Psalms fit into Stravinsky's life? Was it an early work? Is it more or less daring than his other compositions (according to reliable sources, you
do not need to listen to all his works and make that evaluation yourself!!)?
Compare these selections from Schoenberg's Pierre Lunaire to the Schubert lieder you encountered in chapter 11 (Ex. 67). In what ways are the songs similar? How do they differ? In your answer make use of the questions Willoughby raises in
his Reflections on page 264.
Option Four - Villa Lobos and Bach, Ex. 74
Listen to a recording of J.S. Bach's "Air on a G String" from his Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D. Compare that work to Ex. 74. What techniques does Villa Lobos employ to give his work a contemporary flavor? Do you judge his efforts to be successful? Why or why not?
Option Five-Two choice regarding Bela Bartok
Willoughby introduces Bela Bartok in your text, but provides no corresponding musical example. Do ONE of the following.
- Search the Internet for information regarding Bartok. Write a report explaining what kind of information is available, and telling the reader what information you wish Willoughby would have included in the text.
- Listen to any recording featuring music by Bartok. Write a report
introducing that work to a new listener. Explain what features the
listener should attend to; offer any necessary background on the work; and
describe how this work is representative of Bartok's style of composition.