essay topics

Question 1

Discuss the contributions of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to the history of opera. Refer to The Marriage of Figaro to illustrate your points with focus on how this opera buffa represents a climactic point in the development of opera.

Question 2

Write an essay on the development of the Classical Symphony. Include a discussion of the origins of the genre, its sonata-cycle, design, and use of forms, as well as the innovations and contributions of the Mannheim composers, and of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.

Question 3

Write a paragraph describing the musical style elements and characteristic features of “Haec Dies” (chant).

Answer 3

Should include:

• melodic intervals: 3rds, 4ths, 5ths
• “melodic motion moves in steps and narrow leaps”
• “melodic range is wider than usual”
• melismatic - include an example
• unmeasured rhythm
• responsorial singing
• Dorian mode

[online]

Question 4

Discuss the development of polyphony in the Middle Ages, making reference to specific terms, genres, and works.

Question 5

Discuss ars nova and the musical style and contributions of Guillaume de Machaut.

Question 6

Compare the musical style of the Renaissance with that of the Middle Ages.

Question 7

Discuss secular vocal music in the Renaissance, making reference to specific works and composers to illustrate your points.

Question 8

Write an essay on the origins and development of opera. Describe its components and structural features as well as the contributions of each of the following: Florentine Camerata, Claudio Monteverdi, Henry Purcell, and G. F. Handel

Question 9

Write an introductory paragraph providing key background information on Haec dies (chant).

Answer 9

Should include key words:

• chorus
• soloist
• Latin
• Old Testament
• Psalms
• Easter
• Gradual
• Gregorian chant
• Middle Ages
• anonymous
• monophonic

[online]

Question 10

Describe the instruments and instrumental music of the Middle Ages. Include a detailed description of at least one work.

Question 11

Discuss instrumental music in the Baroque era with reference to specific works you have studied.

Question 12

Write an essay describing instrumental music in the Classical era. Include references to all major genres studied (symphony, sonata, concerto, and chamber music), as well as specific contributions of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.

Question 13

Outline the main sections of sonata form and explain how they function. Make reference to two or more specific works to illustrate your points.

Question 14

Describe the musical style and contributions of Guillaume de Machaut. Refer to genres and titles as appropriate.

Answer 14

Should include:

• motet
• Mass ordinary
• fixed poetic form
• chansons
• polyphonic
• monophonic
• isorhythm
• hocket
• syncopation
• intervals
• complete edition of works
• secular
• sacred
• ars nova

[online]

Question 15

Describe the development of instruments and instrumental music in the Renaissance.

Question 16

Discuss the roles of Josquin des Prez and Giovanni Pierluigi de Palestrina in developing sacred music in the Renaissance.

Question 17

Discuss the role of secular music in the Middle Ages, making reference to specific works and composers to illustrate your points.