Paper 1
Compare and contrast Bach's Prelude in C major (WTC I) and Schumann's Kleine Studie (Album for the Young). Both works appear to consist of undifferentiated arpeggiation throughout. How is a sense of melodic structure, phrase, and form achieved in each work? How do they differ?
Scores
- Bach, J. S. Prelude in C major, BWV 846, from Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1
- Schumann, Robert. Kleine Studie (Little Study), No. 14, from Album für die Jugend, Op.68 (Album for the Young).
Paper 2
In his Mazurka in F minor (Op. Posth. 68, No. 4), Chopin writes the following indication: D.C. dal segno senza fine. Imagine that you are a pianist and you plan to program this piece. Obviously, Chopin's indication is impractical. Using the tools of musical analysis, make an argument for where or how you should end the mazurka.
Scores
- Chopin, Frederic. Mazurka in F minor (Op. Posth. 68, No. 4)
Paper 3 (and Oral Report)
Present an analysis of an eighteenth or nineteenth century tonal composition of your own choice. If you prefer you may choose 2 (or more) shorter works in the same genre (e.g., Lied, character piece, etc.) for comparative analysis. Your topic should be approved before you begin working.
In your presentations, bring recorded excerpts to illustrate your main points (in the case of short works, we can listen to entire movements). Bring xeroxed copies of scores (or excerpts) and analytical diagrams as handouts. Presentations should be 20-30 minutes long.
Example Final Papers
The following exemplary final papers are presented courtesy of the students and used with permission.
Amick, Charles. "Theme and Variations in Schubert's String Quartet no. 14, #2" (PDF)
Sheil, Geoffrey. "Rhythmic Structures in Mozart's Linz Symphony." (PDF - 1.1 MB)
Ovsey, Simone. "Jupiter: The Musical Journey of Outward Conflict and Inner Resolution." (PDF)