RCHUMS 356 Final Exam

This is a take home final. All parts must be turned in by Dec

19th 2014.
Regarding the Symphony Caf section: Menus that are done
by hand must be turned in during office hours. If you plan to do
your menu by hand and cannot attend any of my office hours,
email me ASAP to set up a time that you can turn it in.
All other work must be typed and emailed to me in PDF format
with the subject RCHUMS356 Final Submission.

Essay: Liner Notes

When a new CD is released, liner notes are generally published
and included. For a classical recording, good liner notes typically
contain a wealth of information about the piece and its composer. In
addition, there are short descriptions of many different parts of the
recording, with direct references to the music, its influences, and the
background of the piece. These notes are then printed in a small
booklet and placed inside the CD case.
You may choose any symphony we have discussed this semester,
as well as any we have not. Imagine that the Detroit Symphony
Orchestra is releasing a new recording of this symphony, and Leonard
Slatkin himself has asked you to write the liner notes!
Heres the catch: attendance at concerts is declining, and
Leonard would like you to help by writing your liner notes in a way that
anyone could read them and at least vaguely follow the form of the
piece and feel a connection to it. Easier said than done! But of course,
being a huge fan, you accept.
Assignment:
Write liner notes for your choice of symphony, from class or
otherwise. Be sure to include background on the composer, the
symphonys influences, relevant events from that time period, and a
well-composed description of the piece in parts. Be sure to use
descriptive language and keep readers interested!
Specifications:
600 1,000 words typed.
12pt serif font.
Use MLA for citations.
Things to Remember:
Context creates meaning. Be sure to include relevant context
that will inform your readers interpretation of the music.

Use descriptive language, and dont be afraid to be funny! The

goal is to keep readers listening and to get them engaged in the
music.
Walk your reader through exciting parts of the piece. Feel free to
use time numberings from a recording! If you do, though, you
must include a link or reference to the recording you are using.
Creative Option: Symphony Caf
Over the course of this semester, we have discussed various
symphonies spanning many different periods of growth and change in
the genre. We have examined short, beautiful pieces like Mozarts
Jupiter, and sublime behemoths such as Mahlers 7th Symphony. Yes
these pieces are both symphonies, but what else can we say to
compare and contrast them? Your task for this section of the final will
be to demonstrate your understanding of a range of varying
symphonies by arranging them in a menu for your new caf. Details
below.
Assignment:
Imagine you are opening a symphony-caf, where your patrons
can select a symphony from your descriptive and informative menu.
Organize your menu like a menu for a regular caf, with sections like
Starters, Main Dishes, Desserts, etc. The organization of your menu
is largely up to you feel free to add your own sections as well! The
goal of the assignment is for you to make connections between the
pieces we have discussed together, as well as provide a short detailed
description of each of the pieces you select. You must include at least
10 symphonies and at least 5 composers. Additionally, you must
include one composer from each of these groups:
Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven
Brahms, Schubert, Mahler, Dvork
Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Shostakovich
Still, Gorecki, Berio, Daugherty
You may feel free to include any others not listed above.
Example:
Below is an example for a possible menu item on this
assignment. The fact that this piece is being used as an example does
NOT mean that you cannot use it. Feel free to if you wish. You may also
decide to do this section by hand in which case instructions for turning
this section in can be found in the exam description.

Small Plates
Symphony No. 8 in B minor, the UnfinishedFranz Schubert

Sometimes referred to as the first Romantic symphony, this two-movement symphony will
delight any listener. The bouncing allegro and the lilting andante expose the brilliance of
Schuberts instrumentation in a majestic way, leaving you wishing for more!

Short Answer:
In this section there are seven (7) short answer questions.
Please type your answers in 12pt serif font, single-spaced. All your
answers should fit on a single sheet of paper.
1. Mozart, one of the greatest composers of all time, died young
and poor. Several unfortunate factors contributed to his lack to
success and thus his not-so-noble end. Briefly describe at least
two of these obstacles to Mozarts success.
2. It could be argued that the most crucial sense for a musician or a
composer is his or her sense of hearing. The loss of this sense
must then cause a profound reaction by the musician or
composer in question. Discuss in 2-3 sentences a few ways that
Beethoven dealt with his impending deafness.
3. Antonin Dvork was considered to be a Nationalistic composer,
and so he was invited to the US to help discover true American
music. In your own words, relate Dvorks opinions on where
true American music could be found.
4. The program associated with Berliozs Symphony Fantastique
involves a rather bizarre narrative, with five different scenes
corresponding to the five movements. Describe at least three of
these scenes, including with which movement they belong.
5. The Fisk Jubilee Singers became very successful singing
spirituals. On the other hand, William Grant Still preferred Blues,
which was seen by many as a low form of music. Relate, in
your own words, Stills feelings on Blues and spirituals.

6. Beethovens 3rd Symphony, the Eroica is vaguely dedicated to

the memory of a great man. Discuss, in 3-4 sentences the
meaning of the title and dedication, as well as changes they
underwent once Napoleon declared himself Emperor (hint hint).
7. Depending on whom you ask, the answer to the question, How
did Tchaikovsky die? could be anything from cholera to suicide
to murder. Discuss some reasons why this question is clouded in
mystery, and then briefly describe your favorite conspiracy
theory on the topic. (You can make your own, but it must be
plausible, i.e. NO ALIENS)
Exam written by: Noah Duchan nduchan@umich.edu