Research Paper Topic:

Select one of the works from the list below. 

Beethoven                          Seventh Symphony

Schubert                             Schwanengesang

Chopin                                Ballade no.1 in g minor

Mendelssohn                        Octet for Strings

Schumann                            Piano Quintet

Berlioz                                 Harold in Italy

Liszt                                     Piano Sonata in B minor

Brahms                                Symphony no. 1 in C minor

Wagner                                Das Rheingold

Verdi                                   Rigoletto

Mussorgsky                          Night on Bald Mountain

Bruckner                              Fourth Symphony

Mahler                                 Fourth Symphony

(If you would like to focus on another work not listed here but of interest to you, you may propose an alternate work for approval.  Any paper submitted on a work that has not received written approval will not be accepted for assessment.

Outline the distinctive aspects of the composer's style evident through the chosen work.  Discuss and illustrate these in relation to some specific score examples. Outline briefly the place of this work in its composer's output, its sources of influence/inspiration and, if significant, the context and reception of its first performance. Relate the work to the historical development of its genre discussing both its relationship to preceding traditions and identifying any original and distinctive features. Consider how the work balances aspects that could be considered "Classical" and "Romantic". Also discuss any pertinent aspects of performance practice through briefly evaluating two or three contrasting recordings of the chosen work.

Chosen piece: Brahms Symphony No.1 in C minor. Please also include diagrams and score analysis in paper.

1750 words

8 APA references.