Towards the very beginning of this semester, you were asked to consider a major theme
of twentieth-century composition. This theme was articulated as follows: In the twentieth
century, with the break-down of the tonal system and many of the forms that are associated with
common-practice tonality, composers seek out new ways to organize their music.
The time is coming for you to show that you understand this theme and can relate it to
some of the repertoire we have examined this semester. As part of your Final Exam, you will be
required to write a paper on this theme. The paper will be due at the start of the scheduled final
exam time: Wednesday, May 13 at 8:00 AM.
Your paper can either take a broad view—looking at a few works—or take a more indepth
view at a single piece. I suspect that the latter approach will be more successful.
of twentieth-century composition. This theme was articulated as follows: In the twentieth
century, with the break-down of the tonal system and many of the forms that are associated with
common-practice tonality, composers seek out new ways to organize their music.
The time is coming for you to show that you understand this theme and can relate it to
some of the repertoire we have examined this semester. As part of your Final Exam, you will be
required to write a paper on this theme. The paper will be due at the start of the scheduled final
exam time: Wednesday, May 13 at 8:00 AM.
Your paper can either take a broad view—looking at a few works—or take a more indepth
view at a single piece. I suspect that the latter approach will be more successful.