Music History

Order Description

One Major Essay (700-750 words).
Topic: What is the literary basis for West Side Story? For Porgy and Bess? What do the two stories have in common? How do they Differ? Describe the following for each: (a) Setting: the location of the story’s action, along with the time frame in which it occurs; (b) Characters: the protagonist(s) [the leading character(s)], male and female, and the antagonist (male). (C) Story: Chronological sequence of events/episodes. Give a brief synopsis in your own words; (D) Resolution: the ending or outcome, the tying up of loose ends.
Three Minor Essays (300 words EACH, 900 for all three essays)
1) What are the ways modern Western composers have been influenced by Asian music? Include the following three composers: Gustav Mahler, John Cage and Tan Dun. Choose from the following areas, TWO for EACH composer: melody, rhythm, timbre, harmony, or subject matter. Cite one specific work by name as an example for each of the three composers.

2) What kind of new musical techniques have the following composers incorporated into their music in traditional genres? Cite two techniques each for Messian (chamber music), Ligeti (Orchestral Music), and Crumb (art song)? Give your personal reaction (good or bad) for each. For what social/intellectual audience do you think each was intended?

3) Describe how technology was used in composing and performing the following pieces: (A) Vareze- Poeme Electronique. (B) Stockhausen – Gesang der Juenglinge (C) Machover – Deux Jeux.
Include a bibliography of the items consulted. There should be at least 5 entries, TWO for the Major Essay and 1 for each Minor Essay. Please include books and not only online articles.