October 6th, 2020 
For this project, the student is asked to choose a public work (symphony, concerto, concert aria,
melodrama, opera) from ca. 1760-1780. You may organize the paper as you wish; below I outline
the type of questions and content that should be the main focus of this project.
Social and historical context [ca. 2 pages]
Provide an overview of the specific period and location, if appropriate (i.e., the decade, not The
Classical Era), focussing on questions like (but not limited to):
When and where was the work was created? By whom?
What is the prevailing aesthetic and philosophical approach to music making at this time?
At what sort of venue was it introduced to the public?
Was it commissioned, published?
Immediate context of composition [ca. 1 page]
Give a brief sketch of the composer and their output during the time of writing. Consider how
this may play a role in the finished work. Cite any obvious or important influences or precedents.
What other music had the composer just completed? What were they working on at the same
time? Was the work revised for later performances?
The music in context [ca. 2 pages of discussion, plus musical examples]
Your goal here is to overview the work as an example of procedures, forms, musical behaviors,
mannerisms, etc. common at the time (not a detailed harmonic analysis). This section is a chance
for you to make connections to relevant repertoire/composers/genres considered in the course.
Focussing questions might be: How is this music characteristic or exceptional for its composer/
instrumentation/genre at this time? Evaluate the work a case study of its genre, type, composer,
city, etc.
Bibliography:
Please use 5 relevant sources, citing any quotations or paraphrases in the body of the work and
append a works cited/bibliography (you will not be graded on the style you choose – please just
be consistent), being sure to include any editions of music you consulted.
For all projects:
Page number guidelines refer to double-spaced, typed material.
Please include a copy of the score (it may include your annotations; it may be a separate doc).
In the body of your text, always cite measure numbers for your examples.
Please remember: carefully selected, short musical examples that clearly demonstrate your point
may save many words of explanation.
I am happy to read drafts and give comments – please just get these to me early, so that I can read
and return comments to you in a timely manner.
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