In this assessment, you are to analyse three different musical settings of a poem by the Romantic poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The poem and the three settings (scores and recordings) will be available on the Moodle website. Through engagement with the score and recordings, you will complete the following tasks:

Task 1: Harmonic Analysis (40%)

Using the scores provided, analyse the harmony of each setting using chord symbols. Your analysis should focus primarily on the piano accompaniment, with attention to harmonic function, chromaticism, and tonal organisation.

• Write your analysis directly onto the provided scores
• Ensure every chord is labelled clearly and accurately
• Save each analysed score and compile them into a single PDF file.

Task 2: Comparative Written Analysis (60%)

Using the scores, recordings, and your harmonic analyses from Task 1, write a 750–1000 word comparative essay addressing how each composer sets Goethe’s text to music. Your essay should draw explicitly on harmonic analysis to support interpretive claims and may consider:

• Overall tonality, mood, and harmonic language
• The relationship between harmony, rhythm, and text meaning
• Treatment of melodic phrasing and vocal range
• The role of the piano accompaniment in shaping expression
• Text-setting strategies (repetition, spacing, continuity, interludes)
• Strengths and expressive effectiveness of each setting
• Which setting you find most successful and why.

Assessment Submission and Presentation

You must submit:

• Harmonic analyses (Task 1) compiled as a single PDF (.pdf)
• Comparative essay (Task 2) as a Microsoft Word Document (.docx), 750–1000 words in length, using 12-point Times New Roman, double-line spacing, and APA referencing, following the CQUniversity APA Style Guide.

*The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.

AI Assessment scale tool: 

Level 2: You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Please refer to the Moodle Assessment tile for specific details.

Please note: The 72-Hour grace period applies to this assessment.

Task 1: Harmonic Analysis (40%)

• Accuracy and appropriateness of harmonic analysis – Schubert (13%)
• Accuracy and appropriateness of harmonic analysis – Schumann (13%)
• Accuracy and appropriateness of harmonic analysis – Liszt (14%)

Task 2: Written Analysis (60%)

• Depth and insight of comparative harmonic and text–music analysis (30%)
• Integration of harmonic analysis into interpretive argument (15%)
• Critical evaluation and justification of musical effectiveness (10%)
• Clarity of writing, structure, and scholarly presentation (5%)

This assessment develops advanced analytical skills through close engagement with nineteenth-century dramatic and programmatic repertoire. You will analyse how composers use harmony, orchestration, texture, and thematic material to construct musical meaning in response to narrative and dramatic context.

Task 1: Operatic / Dramatic Analysis (35%)

Using the score and recording provided analyse three contrasting moments from the Wolf’s Glen scene that demonstrate Weber’s use of music to support drama and supernatural narrative.

Your analysis should address:

• orchestration and texture,
• harmonic language,
• rhythmic or gestural devices,
• how these elements contribute to characterisation and dramatic tension.

You must include bar numbers and/or timestamps and refer directly to the score.

Suggested moments include (you may choose others if justified):

• Samiel’s first appearance
• The casting of one magic bullet
• The storm or supernatural hunt imagery

Length: 500–600 words

Task 2: Programmatic / Symphonic Analysis (35%)

Using the score and Berlioz’s 1855 program, analyse how musical materials are used to represent both pastoral calm and underlying emotional tension. Your response should address:

• orchestration and instrumental colour,
• thematic material (including the idée fixe),
• rhythmic and textural contrasts,
• how these elements support the programmatic narrative.

Include bar numbers and timestamps in your discussion.

Length: 400–500 words

Task 3: Comparative Synthesis (30%)

Drawing on Tasks 1 and 2, write a comparative synthesis that examines similarities and differences in how Weber and Berlioz construct musical narrative.

Your response should:

• compare approaches to drama and programmatic meaning,
• identify contrasting uses of orchestration, harmony, or form,
• demonstrate clarity of synthesis and integration of analytical insights across works.

Length: 400–500 words

*The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.

Assessment Submission and Presentation

You must:

• Submit one Microsoft Word Document (.docx), using 12 point Times New Roman font and double spacing for the body of the assignment,
• Use clear headings for each task,
• Reference bar numbers and timestamps consistently,
• Follow the CQUniversity APA Style Guide.

AI Assessment scale tool: 

Level 2: You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Please refer to the Moodle Assessment tile for specific details.

Please note: The 72-Hour grace period applies to this assessment.

Task 1

• Accurate and detailed analysis of selected moments (15%)
• Demonstrates musical devices clearly linked to drama and narrative meaning (10%)
• Examples supported by appropriate score references and timestamps (5%)
• Clear, coherent writing using appropriate analytical terminology (5%)

Task 2 

• Orchestration and thematic analysis reflects programmatic narrative accurately (15%)
• Understanding of idée fixe development and contextual function demonstrated (10%)
• Score references and timestamps effectively support analytical claims (5%)
• Writing is clear, structured, and discipline-appropriate (5%)

Task 3

• Meaningful similarities and differences identified across works (15%)
• Clarity of synthesis and integration of analytical insights across works (10%)
• Writing is organised, academic, and clearly expressed (5%)

In this assessment, you are to research one of the following topics, and present your research as a 2000–2500 word essay.

Topic 1: Discuss the piano music of either Fanny Mendelssohn or Clara Wieck Schumann, in relation to Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schumann, respectively. Your focus should compare the musical stylistic influences of either Fanny to Felix or Clara to Robert, and discuss the legacy of either Fanny or Clara's music. This discussion should be contextualised within the representation of women's music in the 19th century more generally. Provide appropriate score samples, images and video excerpts to support your research.

Topic 2: Franz Schubert and Johannes Brahms were both innovative figures in 19th century chamber music. In this topic, you are to compare the chamber works of each composer (Schubert to Brahms) and discuss the stylistic influences, innovative quality and legacy of the music. Provide appropriate score samples, images and video excerpts to support your research.

Topic 3: The Mighty Five (or Mighty Handful) is the name given to a group of Russian composers comprising of Miliy Balakirev, César Cui, Alexander Borodin, Modest Musorgsky, and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. In this topic, you are to discuss the music of one of these composers. Your discussion should focus on the composer's use of orchestration, as well as the incorporation of folk elements in specific musical examples. Use appropriate score samples, images and video excerpts to support your research.

Assessment Submission and Presentation

Your assessment must be submitted as a Microsoft Word Document (.docx) and:

• Must use 12 point Times New Roman font, and double spacing for the body of the assignment
• Include your name and student number on each page as part of a header or footer
• Must adhere to the CQUniversity APA Style Guide
• All music score excerpts and or recorded audio/video examples should include an in-text reference, and full details included in the reference list.

*The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.

AI Assessment scale tool: 

Level 2: You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Please refer to the Moodle Assessment tile for specific details.

Please note: The 72-Hour grace period applies to this assessment.

Content:

• Appropriateness of introduction and conclusion (10%)
• Accuracy of information and depth of treatment of the topic (20%)
• Flow of information and development of argument or theme (15%)
• Use of primary sources to support argument or theme (15%)
• Ability to critically evaluate research findings (15%)

General points:

• Referencing system precision (10%)
• Accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar; clarity of writing style (10%)
• Meeting delivery requirements (presentation, word count*, style guide) (5%)