CONCERT REPORT GUIDELINES

FALL 2020 Revised

DUE to Covid 19, this assignment has been revised to include a video concert option. If
circumstances should change to allow a live concert attendance, Dr. Albergo will be back in
touch with all students to notify you of that option.

Concert Report Guidelines Purpose

To provide students with an opportunity to attend a classical music

concert and comment on the music using terminology discussed in class. To provide
students with an opportunity to listen to a classical music concert video and comment on the
music using terminology discussed in class.

Concert Video: I will provide a listing below of 6 options for listening to concert videos. A
typical classical concert ranges from 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. I have chosen videos
that would equate to this time. In some cases I have combined two or three videos in the
option in order to get as close to the original concert times as possible. Some videos
include narration. All videos were chose from a site that provides access through your
FGCU email account. I have provided links that you can click to take you to the login
screen and the video. If the link does not function, simply copy it into your browser and
access that way. I have attempted to provide a wide variety of instruments or voice and
types of experiences. Several of these are historical concerts or concerts with world
renowned musicians. This same site that includes more than 1400 classical videos –
enjoy.

Due Date: All reports must be submitted through the Upload Submission button on Concert
report page in the MUL 2010 CANVAS course by the due date indicated in the calendar.

Basic Requirements: Your concert report should consist of the following:

1. Minimum of 2 pages; 12 pt, Times Roman Font, double-spaced.

2. Heading: Your name, Option chosen and the name of the ensemble and/or soloist(s)
performing.

3. Include a list of all pieces performed at the beginning of your essay – sometimes the
Abstract lists those pieces, sometimes you must view the video and gain the information
that way. List all of the works included on the video(s) – include composer and name of the
piece,

4.In your introduction, discuss/describe the overall concert, venue and performers. What
was unique or what surprised you about the concert(s). You may discuss as many of the
pieces as you wish (only a few sentences) but you are required to discuss TWO works from
the concert more in-depth.

5. Discussion of each work should include a minimum 5 specific terms concerning SHMRG.
Therefore, there should be a MINIMUM of 10 DIFFERENT TOTAL TERMS for the entire
report. Each term must be in BOLD TYPE (you can refer to
your textbook for help regarding terms).

Content: Your report will contain your heading, list of pieces, five (5) sections and a final
concluding paragraph. Each of the two pieces you discuss must address the following:

• I. Introduction – A brief description of the concert and the venue. Include anything of
note or surprise for you.

For each of your two pieces:

• II. Historical Context: Write a paragraph of about 100 – 200 words describing the
composer and the specific piece in the context of the composer’s overall output. Cite your
using Chicago Style Manual (I have included the correct citation format for all videos but
that does not include other sources you use for historical context, etc.).

• III. Objective Description: While you are listening to the music, make note of whether:
the music seems logical and in some ways predictable or random; the music is harsh and
dissonant or sweet and pleasing; there is a soloist (or soloists) and if so, what he/she/they
play; the full orchestra is used a smaller group; the music seems difficult or easy (to play/to
understand/to listen to); there are any particularly interesting or unusual things you notice
about the piece. After the concert, transform you notes into complete sentences.

• IV. Subjective Reaction: After your description, include a subjective reaction. Did you
like it or not, why? Was there anything that particularly moved you or turned you off? Why?
You aren’t expected to like everything. There are no deductions for saying you hated a
piece of music, soloist, conductor, whatever.

Conclusion
• V. Overall Reaction After you have discussed each of the above concerning your two
chosen pieces, complete your concert report with your overall reaction to the concert itself.
Summarize your overall reaction to the concert. Did the performers do a good job? Did they
seem to be enjoying what they were doing?
- What was your favorite piece on the program (this can be any piece on the
program)?
- Did anything surprise you about the concert or the circumstances of your hearing it?
- Would you attend a classical music concert again in the future? Why or why not?

Grading:
The concert report is worth 50 points. It will be graded on the following:
1. Both works discussions include the required three sections.
2. The report ends with your overall reaction to the concert as a whole.
3. All sections are clearly indicated as shown in the example below;
4. Ten key terms are bolded and are used correctly;
5. Free of typographical and grammatical errors (spell check your document).
6. Citations of your sources (Include footnotes, citation at the bottom of the page, list of
references at the end.)

SHMRG

S - Sound (instruments used, dynamics, language, texture)

H- Harmony (major, minor, dissonant, consonant)
M - Melody (range, disjunct/conjunct, chromatic, diatonic)
R - Rhythm (meter, tempo, syncopation)
G - Growth/Form (overall layout of the piece; ABA form, AB form, etc)

These terms are addressed throughout the text in various ways, especially within the
listening guides.

Sample Concert Report Format

Cathy Albergo
Option 5: pianist Vladimir Horowitz

- Include complete list of pieces for the full concert

I. Introduction – see above for content.

II. Piece #1 – your choice on the program:

a. Identification/Historical Context (Beethoven 1st Symphony)
1a. example: The first piece on the program was the Symphony No. 1 in C
major, Op. 21 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827). It has four movements:
Adagio molto – Allegro con brio
Andante cantabile con moto
Menuetto: Allegro molto e vivace
Adagio – Allegro molto e vivace

Include information about this piece [you will have to read

about the historical context using online resources]. Remember to cite your
sources.

b. Objective Reaction – see original report description or refer to

content above.
 c. Subjective Reaction – see original report description or refer to
content above.

III. Piece #2– your choice on the program:

a. Identification/Historical Context Include information about this
piece [you will have to read about the historical context using
online resources]. Remember to cite your sources.

b. Objective Reaction – see original report description or refer to

content above.

c. Subjective Reaction – see original report description or refer to

content above.

After your Subjective reaction section of the second piece:

IV. Overall Reaction - example

Overall, I enjoyed the concert. I think the Beethoven Symphony
No. 1 was the piece I liked best. As noted above, I really hated the Four
Etudes by Evtuhovarimskikhov. The Ravel work had the most interesting use
of timbre and texture. I found the conductor’s gyrations and bouncing around
to be distracting. I got the feeling some members of the orchestra were
ignoring him. I liked the variety of pieces (the modern piece not withstanding)
and was surprised that I wasn’t totally bored by the concert. I was interested in
seeing how the players looked at each other and seemed to react to one
another (sometimes more than to the conductor). The brass players (which
surprisingly included a number of women because I usually think of brass
players as men) played very powerfully though sometimes – especially in the
Etudes – too loud. The lady behind me with the candy wrapper and older
gentleman who occasionally snored were very annoying. It
seemed like everyone knew when to applaud. Only two people walked out
during the Etudes which surprised me. I probably would have left except I
would have had to walk back to campus. I was glad I stayed for the Ravel.
 Video Concert Options
Option 1:

https://login.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/login?url=https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/sheherazad
e-an-oriental-night-with-the-berliner-philharmoniker

Abstract (Orchestra, guest soloists – violin, etc.) 1 hour 51 min

The Waldbühne in Berlin, one of the most appealing outdoor amphitheatres in Europe, is the
home of the Berlin Philharmonic’s annual summer concert. With over 22,000 in attendance,
these are some of the most popular classical music concerts in the world. On this recording,
which bears the title Sheherazade, Neeme Järvi takes the audience on a trip through an “Oriental
Night”. The program of music by Grieg, Rimsky-Korsakov, Nielsen, Saint Saëns and Massenet
explores oriental images in music. High-ranking soloists like the Dutch violinist Janine Jansen, a
rising star who has quickly become one of the foremost young violinists on the international
concert scene, join the outstanding orchestra. Estonian conductor Neeme Järvi can be counted
among the world’s leading musical personalities – he has conducted more than 350 CDs
productions. Recorded live at the Waldbühne Berlin in 2006 this state-of-the-art recording offers
a sensational concert to all those who want to relive the atmosphere of a relaxed and high quality
open-air event at home.

Citation in Chicago style manual format

Sheherazade: An Oriental Night with the Berliner Philharmoniker. Directed by Andreas Morell.
EuroArts, 2007. https://video-alexanderstreet-com.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/watch/sheherazade-an-
oriental-night-with-the-berliner-philharmoniker.

Option 2: Must include all 3 videos 1 hour 41 minutes total (Choose pieces from any video but
in the introduction you must discuss all three and list all pieces.

1)
https://login.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/login?url=https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/wolfgang-
amadeus-mozart-duo-no-1-k-423

Abstract (Two Violins) 21 minutes

This is the second half of a performance by Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman, two world
class musicians, of pieces for two violins.
Citation in Chicago style manual format
"Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Duo no. 1 K 423." , directed by Christopher Nupen. , produced by
Westdeutscher Rundfunk Studios, and London Allegro Films England. , Allegro Films, London,
England, 1977. Alexander Street, https://video-alexanderstreet-
com.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/watch/wolfgang-amadeus-mozart-duo-no-1-k-423.

2)
https://login.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/login?url=https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/piano-quintet-
in-e-flat-major-op-44-2

Abstract (Quintet for Piano and Strings) 33 min

Recorded live from the Cité de la Musique in Paris, pianist Hélène Grimaud plays chamber
music by Schumann – the Quintet for Piano and Strings in E flat major Op. 44, Fantasiestücke
Op. 73 and the 3 Romances Op. 94 – with soloists from the Orchestre de Paris: Roland Daugarell
and Nathalie Lamoureux (violin), Jean Dupouy (viola) and Emmanuel Gaugué (cello) and Pascal
Moraguès, (clarinet). Hélène Grimaud gives brief introductions to the performances.

Citation in Chicago style manual format

"Piano Quintet in E Flat Major - Op. 44." , directed by Oliver Becker. , produced by London
Reiner Moritz Associates England. , Digital Classics Distribution, 2001. Alexander Street,
https://video-alexanderstreet-com.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/watch/piano-quintet-in-e-flat-major-op-44-2.

3)
https://login.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/login?url=https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/symphony-no-
5-in-e-mino

Abstract (Orchestra) 47 min

Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 in E minor

Mariss Jansons conducts Richard Strauss's famous tone poem "Tod und Verklärung" together
with Tchaikovsky's famous 5th symphony and a work by Dutch composer Johan Wagenaar, who
died in 1942 and whose music was considerably influenced by Richard Strauss. PROGRAM:
Johan Wagenaar: The Taming of the Shrew/Richard Strauss: Tod und Verklärung/Peter Ilyich
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5

Citation in Chicago style manual format

"Symphony no. 5 in E Minor." , directed by Ferenc Soeteman. , produced by Concertgebouw. , C
Major Entertainment, 2013. Alexander Street, https://video-alexanderstreet-
com.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/watch/symphony-no-5-in-e-minor.
Option 3:

https://login.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/login?url=https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/live-from-the-
nac-an-evening-of-beethoven

Abstract (Orchestra and piano) 1 hour 45 minutes

The National Arts Centre Orchestra performs a gala evening of Beethoven conducted by the
internationally acclaimed conductor and violinist Pinchas Zukerman. With special guest pianist
Yefim Bronfman.
The Creatures of Prometheus, Opus 32: Overture
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major Opus 24 “Spring”
Piano Concerto no. 5 in E-flat major Opus 73 “Emperor”

Citation in Chicago style manual format

"Live from the NAC: An Evening of Beethoven." , directed by Michael Watt. , produced by
Katherine Jeans, and Sound Venture. , Sound Venture. Alexander Street, https://video-
alexanderstreet-com.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/watch/live-from-the-nac-an-evening-of-beethoven.

Option 4: Two videos – both include narrative sections Must discuss both videos in
introduction. Choose two pieces from either or both videos.

1)
https://login.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/login?url=https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/the-3-
tenors-the-birth-of-a-legend

Abstract ( Opera – 3 Tenors 1 hr 15 min) A historic concert. Some narration plus concert.

Excitement after a spectacular open-air concert. At the 1990 Football World Cup, the three
tenors, José Carreras, Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti met the first time together with
the conductor Zubin Mehta for an extraordinary musical experience. Six thousand excited live
viewers and one billion watching on television. The beginning of a new era of classical music. In
the following years, the 3 Tenors held audiences around the world under their spell in over thirty
performances. They helped to bring about an unexpected flourishing of classical music. The
concert in the Caracalla Baths of Rome was the Birth of a Legend. The program interweaves
performance and background information, including previously unseen material.

Citation in Chicago style manual format

"The 3 Tenors - the Birth of a Legend." , directed by Brian Large. , produced by Elmar Kruse, et
al. , C Major Entertainment, 2015. Alexander Street, https://video-alexanderstreet-
com.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/watch/the-3-tenors-the-birth-of-a-legend.

2)
https://login.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/login?url=https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/pavarotti-a-
voice-for-the-ages

Abstract Opera Sensation Lucianno Pavarotti - Music plus narrative 58 min total

This program celebrates the 50th anniversary since the launch of the international phenomenon.
In 1963 he debuted in Amsterdam, Vienna, Zurich and finally London where he substituted for
the ailing Giuseppe di Stefano as Rodolfo in La Bohème. Today it is still his powerful sound
with its natural grace and brilliant colour which is considered by many the world's greatest voice.
This one hour program includes that hit and other beloved arias from La Bohème, Rigoletto and
Aida; Neapolitan songs in arrangements by Henry Mancini including 'Mamma' and 'O Sole Mio';
favourite sacred songs like 'Panis Angelicus'; as well as popular duets with Bono, Sting and Eric
Clapton.

Citation in Chicago style manual format

"Pavarotti: A Voice for the Ages." , directed by John Walker. , produced by John Walker, Decca
Records, and Thirteen Productions. , C Major Entertainment, 2013. Alexander Street,
https://video-alexanderstreet-com.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/watch/pavarotti-a-voice-for-the-ages.

Option 5:

https://login.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/login?url=https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/horowitz-in-
moscow

Abstract (Piano) A historic concert with pianist Vladimir Horowitz 1 hour 47 minutes with
narrative

A recording of Horowitz's historic recital in Moscow, the program also includes highlights of his
return to his native Soviet Union - his first visit in 61 years.

Citation in Chicago style manual format

Horowitz in Moscow. Directed by Brian Large. C Major Entertainment, 1986. https://video-
alexanderstreet-com.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/watch/horowitz-in-moscow.

Option 6

https://login.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/login?url=https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/the-1786-
charity-concert
Abstract Orchestra with continuo (harpsichord), double chorus; soprano, mezzo soprano
1 hour 49 min

A concert in celebration of the 300th birthday of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach from the
Konzerthaus Berlin. The famous RIAS Kammerchor and the Akademie für Alte Musik are
performing works by C.P.E. Bach, his father J. S. Bach and G. F. Händel.
PROGRAM:
C.P.E. Bach - Introduction
J.S. Bach - Credo (Symbolum Nicenum)
G.F. Händel - Arie: Ich weiss, dass mein Erlöser lebt
G.F. Händel - Hallelujah
C.P.E. Bach – Sinfonie Magnificat (Lobgesang Mariens) / Heilig with double chorus.

Citation in Chicago style manual format

The 1786 Charity Concert. Anonymous C Major Entertainment, 2014. https://video-
alexanderstreet-com.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/watch/the-1786-charity-concert.