Assignment: Concerts Across Time
Choose two excerpts of a concert, one of a pop or rock concert from modern times and one of a performance of Baroque music. (This performance would by necessity be a performance of Baroque music performed in modern times.) Each excerpt should be approximately 10 minutes in length. If you are using Youtube, you may need to combine two clips from one performance in order to meet this requirement because most clips on Youtube are less than 10 minutes in length.
After viewing the concert excerpts, construct a comparison of these two concerts. Did you enjoy the concerts? If so, why? If not, why not? How does the music differ between the Baroque era and now? How is the music similar? How does the role of concerts differ between the Baroque era and now? What types of people attended concerts in the Baroque Era? Who attends concerts now? Why do people attend concerts? How do new technologies, such as digital media and the internet, change the ways we experience music?
This paper should be 750-1000 words in length. This paper should be written in paragraph form using complete sentences with a clear introduction and conclusion. In addition to these elements, please be sure to fulfill the Requirements for Writing Assignments, including citing all sources (including the concerts) both in the body of the text and in a reference page. Please note that MLA is the standard citation style in the humanities. Here are some good sources of information for Evaluating Online Resources, Citing Sources, and Writing & Grammar Resources. It is not necessary to upload your chosen video clips with the submission of your paper, however the links should be cited in the body of the text and in your reference page. Also, information about Baroque era music from the course materials should be incorporated into your paper.
Papers must be uploaded as an attachment. Please also double check that your attachment is in .doc, .docx or .rtf format as explained in Requirements for Written Assignments (see above link).
Concert Resources
Here are some resources to find Baroque music concerts online or live concerts in your area. Internet searches are another way to find live Baroque music where you live.
YouTube
Gardner Museum
SymphonyCast from American Public Media
BBC Radio
WGBH Radio
Archival Recordings of the National Arts Centre Orchestra
Keeping Score, San Francisco Symphony
Classics for Kids
Meet the Music: This is a resource for live music concerts in your area. It is highly recommended to attend a live performance if possible as this is the best way to experience music!