Essays and Research Papers on Music

A 5 page research paper that outlines the development of the piano from the early eighteenth century through the early nineteenth. The writer outlines the major contribution made by various piano makers and also the influence that Beethoven had on piano development. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 5 page report discusses Giuseppe Verdi’s (1813-1901) “La Traviata,” created in 1853. In the nearly 150 years since that time, it has become one of the best-known and most frequently performed operas in the Western world. The story of the opera revolves around the courtesan Violetta Valery and the man she loves, Alfredo. Misunderstandings and confusions separate the two who ...

A 5 page research paper that analyzes Brahms' intermezzo in e-flat minor, op. 118, no. 6. The writer discusses the tonality and structure of the piece, as well as what might have inspired the sadness inherent in this work. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

5 pages. Why do Rap artists have such notorious reputations? In order for Rap artists to maintain their marketability they must keep these seamy reputations. The news media tends to report the scandalous news about rap artists, which gives them more free publicity; the reputation begins feeding on itself. Bibliography lists 6 sources. ...

A 5 page research paper that offers a detailed analysis of the structure and harmony of the last movement from Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, Nos. 2, 4, 5 and 6. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 13 page paper which examines the life and achievements of Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page research paper on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Piano Concerto in A Major, No. 23, K. 448. The writer offers analysis of all three movements, quoting experts on the musical form, harmony, themes, etc. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 10 page research paper that contrasts and compares the classical styles of Haydn and Mozart and discusses the influence that they had over each other. The writer specifically addresses several categories of their music, which includes symphonies, piano sonatas, and concertos. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

5 pages in length. Bebop jazz, which slowly evolved from late swing and transition period jazz, was quite a shock to the white population when it first appeared on the scene during the Depression. This intricate compilation of sounds became the staple for all that was anti-commercial and as much a part of ...

A 5 page paper which examines and analyzes Mozart's opera "Le Nozze di Figaro" as it relates to society. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 6 page paper which examines the theory that the Central Intelligence Agency had Bob Marley killed in May of 1981. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

A 5 page research paper in which the writer offers an analysis of The Marriage of Figaro by exploring the amalgamation of genius that is represented in this opera, as it combines the musical genius of Mozart with the brilliance of Lorenso da Ponte's libretto. The writer does this by focusing on the characterization ...

This 5 page report discusses one of the world’s best-known ballets and musical scores, Sergei Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet.” This analysis focuses on the second part or suite of the first movement which is referred to as “A Scene” or “The Street Awakens.” Bibliography lists one source.

A 5 page research paper that investigates the relationship between spirituals and the blues. The writer argues that both are forms of religious expression as well as vehicles for protest. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

18 pages. This paper is a discussion of the life of composer Franz Schubert and his song cycle Die Winterreise (The Winter Journey). The paper will explain the entire cycle but focus on only certain songs within it. Topics covered include the music's relationship to the text in each song, the symbolism ...

A 5 page research paper that examines Aaron Copland's Down a Country Lane and Gershwin's Three Piano Preludes, looking at structure, harmony and influences. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 9 page research paper that examines counterpoint and Bach's contrapuntal technique. The writer discusses various contrapuntal techniques and offers examples of how these were used by Bach. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 5 page paper uses information provided by a student as a springboard for discussion. The evolution of music genres are discussed. No sources.

7 pages in length. One of only two surviving children out of seven, Wolfgang Mozart was born into a family full of love, support and nurturing. His musical talents were noted at quite an early age, with his father – Leopold – taking a particularly stringent approach to cultivating his budding musical abilities. ...

This 10 page paper addresses the problem of the east coast and west coast rap wars. The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac are viewed as casualties of the rivalry. The murders of each rap star are highlighted and the problem is discussed in general. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

A nine page paper which looks at the development of African-American music and culture with particular reference to the concept of outsider culture, the way in which outsiders are defined, and the extent to which individuals can transcend the boundaries between the majority culture and subcultures. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 5 page research paper that contrasts and compares different strategies for piano instruction. The writer discusses various methods for beginning instruction and also a strategy that stresses theory for teaching older students and adults. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 6 page paper looks at the album first released in 1959. Some biographical information on Ella Fitzgerald is included. Jazz in the 1950s is discussed, and finally, an analysis of the album is provided. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 5 page report discusses the English composer, Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934) and some of the most characteristic features of his compositions. The Enigma Variations are specifically discussed. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page analysis and research paper that analyzes the structure and content of Mozart's Symphony in G-Minor. The writer argues that this emotional quality of this work stems from a variety of musical features that are discussed. Bibliography lists 1 source.