Voice Literature Research Sheet
Due 2 weeks after literature is assigned
To be used for Classical Music
Answer on separate sheet
Name: ____________________
Date Due: ______________
Name of Piece: _______________________________
Is it from a larger work? If so, what? ____________________________________
Composer _____________________________________________________________
(name, nationality, dates of the composer and date this piece was written, style period)
Poet ________________________________________________________________
(name, nationality, dates of the poet. Is he/she significant? How?)
CHARACTER/DRAMATIC SITUATION
Who is the character singing? What is the dramatic situation/motivation for this song? (What has happened just before the singer begins this song?) If this is not obvious due to a lack of plot, then create it. Has anything similar to this dramatic situation ever happened in your life? If yes, briefly describe. Where do you think you should be focusing (eyes, thoughts, etc.)? Does your focus change during the song?
TRANSLATION:
1. Translate the poem word-by-word.
2. Paraphrase the translation.
3. Whenever appropriate, relate the poetic idea to your own experiences.
4. IPA – On the score (required if appropriate diction class has been taken).
MUSICAL EXPRESSION
How does the composer represent his feelings musically to this text? (discuss elements such as melodic structure [e.g. range, contour, tessitura, conjunct/disjunct vocal lines], rhythm, accompaniment, dynamic levels, diacritical markings, et. al., tonal centers, form)
How does the composer effectively set the text? (harmony, rhythm, melodic contour, tempo, phrasing, articulations, etc.)
