Choose a composer and a genre for your essay. The composers and genres must be found in the textbook unless approved by the instructor. Sample topics include the following: Hildegard of Bingen and the sacred song J. S. Bach and the fugue Mozart and the symphony Clara Schumann and the Lied Puccini and the opera John Williams and film music You may alternatively focus on a genre of music from chapter 37, which is not composer focused. In this case you would write about the selected genre and its cultural significance. Minimum of 1000 words (maximum 1200 words) Essays must meet the minimum word count or they will not meet the requirements for GELO credit. Students must complete the topical essay and receive above 70% to receive GELO credit. The essay is not a report or a biography of the composer. It must focus on the composer and their works within the selected genre. The student will compare and contrast two works found within the selected genre by discussing the background/context of the works, stylistic characteristics, and elements of music as we have been practicing in our listening guides.
