Concert Experience Report

Instructions

Frank Zappa famously said that “writing about music is like dancing about architecture.” But part of the composer’s art is to create a surprising narrative through sound, where none previously existed. Use this assignment to write as creatively about music, as the music itself is. View a concert or other extended performance between the beginning of the course and this week, and write a report. (Be sure to take notes while you watch!). The performance can be a livestream, youtube video, or other screen-based event. It need not be a performance of classical music. Professional or amateur performances are both fine, in any genre, so long as it is a minimum of 45 minutes long.

Use lively, well-informed language to construct your report. Apply course content to bring us there! Relay the viewing/listening experience through your own eyes, and use language and information from throughout the course to support your impressions.

Your report should include the following:

Which piece(s) you enjoyed most and least and why? Be specific and descriptive. Use terminology and other elements you have learned in this class to characterize your reactions/responses.

What surprised you the most? What disappointed you? What do you wish had been done differently, or conversely, what did they get right that other performers should do?

Make three additional connections between the performance you viewed and the content of the class. This can include vocabulary, time-frames/genres, musical elements, Discussion Board posts, readings, lectures, listenings, in-class conversations, or other elements from throughout the term. Be specific about these connections.

How has the information in this class changed how you view concerts such as these?