Choose a famous piece of music from the Classical, Romantic, or Impressionist era. Imagine that this piece is being used as the soundtrack for a modern film or television show. Describe the scene or sequence in which the music would be featured, explaining how the music’s mood, tempo, and instrumentation contribute to the overall atmosphere and narrative of the scene. Note much of what is considered classical on modern radio is NOT (Bach for example is Baroque, not classical and therefore not included in this assignment).
For example: If you choose Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata,” you might imagine it playing softly during a poignant, emotional scene in a drama.
Your homework should:
Clearly identify the musical piece you have chosen.
Analyze the key musical elements of the piece, such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and form.
Describe the scene or sequence you envision for the music.
Explain how the music’s emotional impact and aesthetic qualities enhance the storytelling.
Possible Musical Pieces for Inspiration:
Classical:
Mozart: Symphony No. 40, Eine Kleine nachtmusik, Overture of marriage of Figaro, Queen of the Night Aria, Piano Concerto # 21 (any other work)
Haydn: Surprise Symphony, Water Music, Hallelujah Chorus (any other work)
Beethoven: Fifth Symphony, Ninth Symphony (Ode to Joy), Fur Elise, Moonlight Sonata (any other work)
Any works by Salieri, Martines (Marianna), Stamitz, Grieg
Romantic:
Chopin: Nocturnes, Minute Waltz, Funeral March (any other work)
Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 (any other work)
Wagner: Prelude to Tristan and Isolde, Wedding March, Ride of the Valkyries (any other work)
Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture (any other work)
Or any of these composers and their works – Schumann (husband or wife), Mendelssohn (husband or wife), Berlioz, Schubert, Dvorak, Sibelius, Strauss, Rachmaninoff, Brahms, Saint-Saens, Massenet, Puccini, Verdi, Donizetti, Rossini
Impressionist:
Debussy: Clair de Lune, Arabesque (any other work)
Ravel: Bolero (any other work)
Satie: Gymnopédies (any other work)
Or any work by Boulanger, Albeniz, Fabregas
Additional Tips:
Be creative and imaginative in your scene description.
Use vivid language to convey the visual and auditory elements of your scene.
Consider the genre of film or television show that best suits the music.
Proofread carefully for grammar and spelling errors.
Length: 500 words