Search/SelectONE (1) of the following works:

• Handel - Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus
• Handel -Water Music: Suite No. 2 in D Major

Select - Mvt. II - Alla Hornpipe

• Bach -Baroque Brass -Contrapunctus I

Select - Contrapunctus I, BWV1080

• Bach - St. John Passion

Select - Leipzig - St. Thomas Choir

Select - Part II: Ruhtwohl, ihrheiligenGebeine (final Chorus, No. 25, at the bottom of the screen) (text translation provided at the end of this assignment)

Paper - Write a two page evaluation of the selection. Choose two (2) of the following elements to evaluate in your selection: melody, rhythm, texture, harmony, or medium.

Address the following question:

1)     How does the composer use, highlight or rely the musical element(s) on to help him convey his musical idea?

You may wish to conduct some research on the piece, but you are not required to do so.  If you do, make sure to cite your sources!

I am interested in knowing 1) what you hear, 2) how you can use the terminology and concepts covered thus far in describing what you think you hear and 3) seeing your best writing.

Formatting -

Do not list - Course number, instructor's name, or date at the beginning of your paper.  Only your name need appear (in the upper right hand corner) and the titles of the piece you selected (centered).  Example:                                                                    

Listening questions - These questions are meant to aide you in your active listening.  You will probably need to listen to your selections a minimum of 2 - 3 times.  You do not need to address all of these questions in your analysis/interpretation, only those that are significant to your hearing of the piece.  If your chosen pieces have text, read the provided translations before listening (and again as you revisit the piece).

• What do you notice first (what is the most dominant element) - melody, an aspect of rhythm, medium (or specific instrumentation) . . . ?
• What is the overall mood or effect? How do you think the composer created this effect?

Rhythm

• What is the tempo? (Find the best Italian term to describe the tempo.)
• Can you determine the meter?
• What is the articulation? (Find the best Italian term to describe the articulation.)

Melody

• Is there a significant, climactic moment to the piece?
• What is the melodic contour? How does this express/support the text?

Texture

• What is the predominant texture?
• Does the texture change during the piece? If so, why?

Harmony

• Is harmony achieved predominantly via a vertical (chords) or horizontal (melodies) combining of pitches?
• Is the music in major or minor?
• Is there a change/shift in the modality (major/minor)?

Medium

• What performers are performing the piece? How is this choice of performer(s) significant for the expression in the music? (This may be an overall analysis or analysis specific to a moment in the piece.)
• Is the medium (performing forces) the original as conceived by the composer? How does the medium heard enhance or detract from the piece?

Text for Bach - St. John's Passion  Part II: Ruhtwohl, ihrheiligenGebeine

A.      Rest well, Beloved, sweetly sleeping, That I may cease from further weeping, Rest well, and let me, too, rest well.

B.      The grave that is prepared for Thee And holds no further pain for me, Doth open Heaven to me, and closed the gates of Hell.

A.        Rest well, Beloved . . .