A composer who lives during Classical times has come under suspicion. He has been accused of not using true Classical style in his music. You have been hired to investigate his music and determine whether or not these allegations are true.
This project will give you the opportunity to investigate the music of a Classical composer. During the project, you’ll accomplish the following:
PART 1 – INVESTIGATE A COMPOSER
- Choose a composer. Using your best detective skills, you must find out all that you can about a Classical composer of your choice. Then you’ll report on whether or not he truly uses Classical style in his music.
First. you must choose a composer who lived during the Classical era. Choose from the list below or find a different Classical composer. (You may not investigate Haydn, Beethoven, or Mozart.)
Antonio Salieri Luigi Boccherini Luigi Cherubini William Billings Johann Christian Bach 2. Investigate the composer. Find out as much as you can about the composer. Read about his life and his music. You’ll at least want to know:
birth/death dates country where he was bom and/or lived influence on Classical music and/orother composers
musical style, forms, or pieces he’s known for listening samples of his music (at least two) 3. Analyze the music. As you investigate, you should especially be concerned with his music. Listen to the two pieces you chose. Then, answer these questions to help you decide if he’s a “good” Classical composer that follows the rules of Classical music writing.
Does he write in the established Classical forms? Is his music simple, orderly, and balanced? Does he follow typical Classical style elements in the melody, harmony, tonality, rhythm, and expression he uses? Does he follow the music trends of the day (like instrumental over vocal or secular over sacred)?
Sample Solution
