Music 211-2 Winter 2018 Project I: Sonata Analysis (Carter)

To further your understanding of sonata form, your first project for the quarter will be to investigate a piece and present
it to the class as a group (typically 3 people, depending on your class size and your instructor's discretion). The piece must be
chosen from the following list; scores and recordings will be posted on Canvas. As soon as you have a group formed, contact
your instructor to see if your preferred piece is available. Presentations will occur during weeks three and four.

Composer Piece Instrumentation

Ludwig van Beethoven Egmont Overture orchestra

Johannes Brahms Cello Sonata Op. 99 Mvt. I cello, piano

Antonín Dvořak Symphony #8 Mvt. I orchestra

Josef Haydn Nelson Mass, Kyrie SATB chorus and small orchestra

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Oboe Quartet Mvt. III oboe, violin, viola, cello

Franz Schubert String Quartet #12 string quartet

The main tasks to complete for this project are a professional twelve-minute presentation focused on the most
important/unusual aspects of the piece and to complete a timeline. Each member must participate in the presentation in
some way. Because of time constraints, playing an entire piece is not possible, but you may want to play (or perform) a short
excerpt to explain an area of particular interest. Your analysis and talking points should center around form, key structure, and
your piece’s digressions from “standard” sonatas. You will not be able to discuss every part of the piece, so decide ahead of
time what aspects to prioritize. While a brief historical background can give your talk a suitable introduction, theoretical analysis
should be 95% of the content. For your timeline, you must include measure numbers, formal sections, key areas, and sonata
devices, though other elements that aid in your discussion are encouraged. You will be evaluated on your professionalism as
presenters, the content/neatness of your timeline, and the accuracy of your analytical points. You must also schedule a
meeting with your instructor 3-5 days before your presentation to make sure you are on track.

Some tips that will help you in your task:

1. Have 3-4 main points you want to emphasize in the presentation, focusing on what makes this sonata form
notable/unusual.
2. Do not feel you have to dissect every measure or do a Roman numeral analysis of the entire piece. Keep in mind that
twelve minutes is very short; stick to the things that make this piece notable/unusual.
3. Arrive at your own conclusions; while you may encounter a pre-existing “analysis” floating on the web, know that many of
these are grossly incorrect or misleading.
4. Listen to the pieces being presented ahead of time; besides being courteous to your classmates and getting much more out
of the presentations, you will be studying for the listening and repertoire portions of your first exam.
5. If you need help, ask your instructor! We want you to succeed.