Description
There are many full-length concerts now available on YouTube and other streaming video services. Be sure that the concert you view is a concert of popular music – including at least two musicians performing together in the same band, and is at least 60 minutes in length. Then follow the guidelines for the concert review. If you have any questions as to whether a concert is appropriate, just send me the link. You must describe in detail, five of the songs performed, with a paragraph of around 150 words for each song. This can include describing the general character of each song (melody, rhythm, tempo, texture, emotional content, etc., in your own words as it seems appropriate), and most importantly, how the song unfolds from beginning to end – this can include notable moments or shifts in mood and character, and interesting musical exchanges and dialogues between musicians. Aside from perhaps a few sentences telling me who the performers are, I’m not interested in additional biographical information concerning the musicians, or historical information pertaining to the songs performed. Your concert report should be written entirely in your own words – there’s no need to quote from outside sources. Please address the following points: • Date and venue of the performance. • Names of performers (the name of the band and/or the names of individual performers for small ensembles) • Ensemble type and/or instruments being played (list each instrument for small ensembles of 6 musicians or less) • Briefly describe the ambiance and/or decor of the venue. • Briefly describe the audience. • Identify the style of popular music performed. • Identify the titles of the pieces/songs that you discuss (including composer’s names only if possible/relevant). Be specific as possible, utilizing vocabulary and musical terms from the course if possible. Make observations on: • the general character of each song – melody, rhythm, texture, and timbre (melody, rhythm, tempo, texture, emotional content, etc., in your own words as it seems appropriate). • how the song/piece unfolds from beginning to end – this can include notable moments or shifts in mood and character, and interesting musical exchanges and dialogues between musicians. • In conclusion, sum up your experience. Did the music communicate to you on a deeper emotional or psychological level? Why, or why not? Was there a particular performer (or performers) who you really connected with – why? Did the information you learned in class impact your experience?
