Music Appreciation Essay

Unit III Essay

IMPORTANT NOTE: For this essay assignment you will have to complete ONE of the assignments (A or B) that are listed below.

Compare and contrast two pieces of Baroque music.

Assignment A. Compare two sacred pieces of music from Bach and Handel: Movement 4 of Bach’s "Wachet Auf, Rift Uns Die Stimme IV" and Handel’s "He Shall Feed His Flock" from Messiah. These examples are some of the most famous compositions to emerge during the late Baroque Era. Focus your discussion on the musical characteristics that are heard in the music including form, genre, and any unique characteristics. Be sure to highlight any similarities and differences between the two pieces. Include your reactions to hearing and listening to the music.

OR

Assignment B: Compare Vivaldi’s "The Spring" Concerto with Bach’s "Brandenburg Concerto No. 5." Focus your discussion on the musical characteristics that can be heard in the music, including form, genre, and unique characteristics. Be sure to highlight any similarities and differences between the two pieces. Include your reactions to hearing and listening to the music.

Your response should be at least one page in length. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations.