Created by Joshua Hummel, Music Program Coordinator
MUS 1001 Music History and Appreciation
MUS 1004 World Music
After attending the orchestra performance by the Hartford Symphony, take on the role of music critic and write a 200 - 400 word review (positive or negative) using our SHMIRF outline: SOUND: the texture, use of instruments, tone color - HARMONY: how does the composer use harmony; are the chords, thick, simple, complex, traditional, dissonant - MELODY: try to put into words how the composer uses melody, describe how the melody seems, what kind of aural shapes - INTERPRETATION: comment on the performance itself, the energy, the way the orchestra interpreted the piece, how the conductor seemed, if there were soloists, how did they perform - RHYTHM: is there a steady, pulsing rhythm, or is it free and fluid - FORM: how the piece is put together, the composition, structures, did you notice any motives or themes.
Attending a concert together as a class contributes several things to the course: 1 - Experiencing live music, seeing musicians perform in-person at professional levels validates the skills and concepts we are discussing in the classroom. 2 - It reinforces the value of art music that I present in the classroom. 3 - It creates a renewed interest in the subject matter for the remainder of the course.
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