Essays and Research Papers on Music

A 5 page research paper that takes the form of a hypothetical concert review. The writer provides an example of how such a review might be written, specifically in regards to an actual concert that occurred in Ottawa in August, 2003 by Daniel Bolshoy and Julie Nesrallah, which featured Spanish classical guitar compositions. Bibliography ...

This 5 page paper discusses the musical stylings, trend, culture of Amandla. Artists featured as well as the film discussed. Bibliographpy lists 4 sources.

A 5 page research paper that discusses a sonata in G minor that has been attributed to both J.S. Bach and his son C.P.E. Bach. The writer discusses the controversy and provides analysis of the work, relating it to characteristics of the Baroque period. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 3 page paper provides an overview of Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique, which integrates a number of different movements that are distinct, thematic and produce specific feelings. Though Belioz attached definitive meaning to each of these movements, the feelings conveyed through the musical elements may be interpreted differently if the listener was unaware of Berlioz's ...

A 6 page paper which examines how this musical collection brought Madonna to the forefront of popular music as well as the forefront of national controversy; the artificial and self-gaining/motivating lyrical messages found in songs like “Material Girl,” “Like a Virgin,” and “Vogue;” how Madonna became a household name and fixture on MTV; and how ...

This 3 page paper examines this musical which was Streisand's first Broadway experience. Furthermore, this paper highlights the ways in which this play represented the 1960's and also how Streisand stole the show. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 4 pages research paper that offers an analysis of the Lennon/McCartney song "For No One" from the Beatles' Revolver album. The writer discusses the structure, harmony, and rhythm of the song, as well as its poignant lyrics and also addresses the contributions of the Beatles to music. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

A 4 page concert report on a performance given by the Borealis String Quartet. The concert consisted of Beethoven's String Quartet No. 2 in G major, Kelly-Marie Murphy's Quartet No. 4 (Another Little Piece of My Heart), and Schubert's String Quartet No. 14 in D minor (Death and the Maiden). Bibliography lists 4 sources. ...

A 6 page research paper that offers a comprehensive analysis of Beethoven's 6th symphony. The writer includes details from the work's debut, a discussion of the work, movement by movement and a brief commentary on its critical reception. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 3 page research paper that, first of all, discusses what is involved in being a recording sound engineer and then examines the best possible route for obtaining an education in this field, which the writer suggests is apprenticeship. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 12 page research paper that contrasts and compares trumpet concerti by Johann Nepomuk Hummel and Franz Joseph Haydn. It was at this time that the trumpet began to "escape the restrictions of the harmonic series" and also acquire chromatic capabilities" in the instrument's lower registers. This development ignited the musical imaginations of both Haydn, ...

A 6 page paper discussing positive aspects of hip-hop’s influence on society. At present, at least the “clean” versions of much of today’s rap is beneficial to society in that it diminishes the effects of racial prejudice, as predicted by Lewin’s theory. It has the ability to overturn the typical power pattern common ...

This 3 page paper expounds on an idea that everyone is part of hip hop. Hip hop culture is defined and explored. An argument is made as to why hip hop is a dominant theme in modern American culture. No bibliography.

Review of the early years as told by Count Basie to Albert Murray in the book "Good Morning Blues" Bibliography lists 1 source. jvBasie.rtf

A 6 page research paper that analyzes Anton Webern's work Five Pieces for Orchestra. The writer analyzes each of the five pieces, explaining Webern's style and his emphasis on brevity and lyricism. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 3 page paper explores the amazing contributions of Chita Rivera on musical theater. Rivera was a huge influence in the 1960's, and this paper delves into her many accomplishments. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines Mozart’s view of women as seen in his opera “The Magic Flute.” The paper also examines whether Mozart’s views of women are similar to those we have today. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 5 page paper which examines the life, songs and legacy of this African-American jazz vocalist. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 7 page research paper/essay that discusses the career and background of the New Rhythm and Blues Quintet (NRBQ). The writer argues that the career of this group reflects its origins in the Hudson River Valley. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 7 page analysis of the last movement of Ligeti's Chamber Concerto. The writer discusses the principal characteristics of this complicated movement, which features 13 instruments. The writer particularly focuses on the piano "solo" that occurs near the middle of the movement. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 5 page paper which looks at the life and death of rap artist Tupac Shakur. The paper focuses on the argument that Tupac was innocent. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 4 page essay that, first of all, presents lyrics from the song "My Name is Luka" by Suzanne Vega, which deals with the issue of child abuse. Then the writer offers a 3-page explication of the lyrics that describes the perspective presented by the song. No additional sources cited.

A 10 page production plan for a new television show, “Tomorrow’s Radio Fare,” which will highlight neglected musicians and their music. The paper includes a description of the show; a plan for when it will air and against what shows it will be scheduled; and a script for a mock presentation and interview with ...

A 6 page paper reviewing articles by Weber (1977) and Burkholder (1983) discussing the development of the classics and the inability of living composers to eclipse their popularity. The dichotomy had its origins in the mid-19th century, toward the end of the first Industrial Revolution. Neither author addresses the dramatic social changes initiated ...

A 12 page research paper that contrasts and compares the performance practice of the Baroque harpsichord with the Classical piano. Topics addressed including fingering, ornamentation, improvisation and accompaniment. The writer particularly focuses on the differences between the two instruments and how this affects performance features. Bibliography lists 9 sources.