21M.350 | Spring 2008 | Undergraduate

Musical Analysis

Assignments

Paper 1

Compare and contrast Bach’s Prelude in C major (WTC I) and Schumann’s Kleine Studie (Album for the Young). Both works appear to consist of undifferentiated arpeggiation throughout. How is a sense of melodic structure, phrase, and form achieved in each work? How do they differ?

Scores

Paper 2

In his Mazurka in F minor (Op. Posth. 68, No. 4), Chopin writes the following indication: D.C. dal segno senza fine. Imagine that you are a pianist and you plan to program this piece. Obviously, Chopin’s indication is impractical. Using the tools of musical analysis, make an argument for where or how you should end the mazurka.

Scores

Paper 3 (and Oral Report)

Present an analysis of an eighteenth or nineteenth century tonal composition of your own choice. If you prefer you may choose 2 (or more) shorter works in the same genre (e.g., Lied, character piece, etc.) for comparative analysis. Your topic should be approved before you begin working.

In your presentations, bring recorded excerpts to illustrate your main points (in the case of short works, we can listen to entire movements). Bring xeroxed copies of scores (or excerpts) and analytical diagrams as handouts. Presentations should be 20-30 minutes long.

Example Final Papers

The following exemplary final papers are presented courtesy of the students and used with permission.

Amick, Charles. “Theme and Variations in Schubert’s String Quartet no. 14, #2” (PDF)

Sheil, Geoffrey. “Rhythmic Structures in Mozart’s Linz Symphony.” (PDF - 1.1 MB)

Ovsey, Simone. “Jupiter: The Musical Journey of Outward Conflict and Inner Resolution.” (PDF)

Course Info

Instructor
As Taught In
Spring 2008
Learning Resource Types
Written Assignments