Posted: December 5th, 2022

Paper Guidelines:
In an essay of at least three pages, present and defend a clearly articulated thesis
regarding the cultural significance and meaning of a musical work in the classical
tradition. The essay should examine one of the following works:
1. Handel’s Messiah
2. Mozart’s Don Giovanni
3. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9
4. Verdi’s Requiem
5. Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue
Additional research about the work and its composer outside of the textbook will be
necessary to complete this assignment.
The essay should be organized around a central thesis that is clearly stated in the
introduction. The essay should integrate the following issues and material into the
development of this thesis:
1. Identify a cultural theme or value exemplified by the work you have chosen, and link
this theme or value to the sociopolitical context in which the work was produced. Why is
this theme or value of relevance to the production of this work?
2. Who composed the work? Describe at least three important aspects of this composer’s
social and cultural environment that shaped his or her professional life.
3. To what period in music history does this work belong? Define at least three important
aspects of the musical style of this period. In broad terms, how does this work reflect the
cultural, aesthetic, and/or political values of this period?
4. What is the genre of the work (i.e. opera, cantata, program symphony, etc.)? What are
the basic characteristics and historical background of this genre? What kinds of
expectations might audience members have had when encountering a new work in this
genre?
5. Select at least one movement or extended section of the work and describe its
distinctive stylistic, dramatic, and/or formal aspects as they relate to the cultural and
aesthetic values of the period.
The paper should be organized clearly by stating and developing a central thesis across the
essay, supported by detailed description and examples. It should be proofread carefully
and have no significant errors in grammar, syntax, and spelling. The essay should be at
least three full pages in length, double spaced and should indicate any sources
consulted in a bibliography with footnotes or endnotes using MLA format.
How the grade is divided:
50% Content
20% Organization
15% Spelling and Grammar
15% Formatting/Citations/Bibliography
Just a friendly reminder:
As students of the College of Charleston, you are expected to adhere to the College of
Charleston Honor Code, which states that “Lying, cheating, attempted cheating, and
plagiarism are violations of our Honor Code that, when identified, are investigated.”
http://studentaffairs.cofc.edu/honor-system/studenthandbook/index.php

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