Write a minimum 350-word reflection about how the eras of Western European classical music from the Middle Ages to the Baroque, are or are not relevant to your experience of music today, using specific examples from ch 8-10 of the textbook. You must discuss at least three musical examples or pieces. You do not have to agree that these concepts are relevant to your musical experience today, but whether you do or do not agree, you need to explain why you hold your position.
Possible Topics
Some questions that you can answer to structure your reflection are:
1. How is music represented visually today as compared to the middle ages? What role does music notation play in contemporary musical practice, if any? How does this change depending on the type of music you are discussing?
2. What cultural, social, philosophical, or political influences shaped the musical practices discussed in chapters 8-10? What cultural, social, philosophical, or political influences shape the music you listen to today?
3. What type of instruments were used in chapters 8-10 and how do those instruments relate to contemporary instruments used in different musical traditions?
4. How does the use of lyrics and singing relate to the practice of chapters 8-10?
5. How does the practice of musical performance compare to today? What were concerts like in chapters 8-10, what are they like today, and are there any relationships between these?
You do not have to answer all these questions. You can write the entire reflection on one question, answer all five, or make up your own questions, but again, you do need to discuss three separate pieces of information or musical pieces found in chapters 8-10.
You are not required to use any sources other than the textbook, but if you use any sources other than the textbook you must acknowledge this by citing the source in some way.
The textbook is Music Appreciation – A Guide for the Active Listener. I have a digital log in if needed.
https://www.khpcontent.com/