In previous semesters this has been known as an Opinion-Oriented Paper. This semester we are going to try something new. This will be a “creative writing” assignment based on one of the pieces listed below. You are to choose one of the listed pieces (each are significant works among the classical canon), listen to it multiple times, and write 2-3 pages, 12 font Double space (not 2,000-3,000 word count) on what types of visual imagery your imagination can manifest. This paper must be written in the first-person – in other words, you are the subject.
Classical music (being more “methodical” than popular music) has a tendency to be more abstract. One problem we have as listeners is that unlike nearly all other art forms, the part that we are to play is not inherent to the composition. We are often left to our own devices as to what a particular piece of music is about and what it means. Music is supposed to stimulate the imagination. I am therefore going to allow each of you to explore your creativity through the aural, mental, and intellectual stimulation of one of the pieces below. This is a creative writing assignment, grades will be based on how well you tie the music into your visual imagery.
Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Ilyich, 6th Symphony Berlioz, Hector, Symphony Fantastique Bartok, Bela, Concerto for Orchestra Mahler, Gustav, Symphony 5 Shostakovich, Dmitri, Symphony 5Dvorak, Anton, Symphony from a New World Brahms, Johannes, Symphony No. 1 in C MinorBeethoven, Ludwig Von, Symphony No. 9 in E Minor Bruckner, Anton, Symphony No. 5 Holst, Gustav, The Planets
Mendelssohn, Felix, Violin Concerto in E Minor Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Ilyich, Piano Concerto in C Major Monteverdi, 8th Book of Madrigals (Guerrieri et Amorisi)
Rimsky-Korsakov, Sheherazade