Writing a Music Critique
What Is a Critique?A critique analyzes, interprets, describes,
and evaluates an event, answering the questions: How? Why? How
well? A critique does not have to be entirely negative; it may be
positive, negative, or a combination of the two.The object of this
exercise is to listen to music with a discriminating ear. This does
not mean that you cannot also enjoy the experience as well. A good
critic walks into an event with an open mind, seeking to gain
insight through a particular performance. There is also a human
side of being a critic. Although your critique will not be read by
the performers, you should always keep in mind that there are real
people involved who in most cases have put forth their best
efforts. Notwithstanding, an honest critique can also be a source
for valuable, constructive suggestions.When writing your critique,
please include the following:Introduce the titles of the piece(s),
composers, place of performance, date of performance, and
performers involved. If it is an operatic, musical, or vocal
performance, include the texts authors as well as a brief
description of the plot (if known).How Do I Write a Critique?The
very nature of music resists attempts to verbalize itthat said,
when doing analysis, avoid overly sentimental, precious description
of musical events, as they just take the place of more serious
discussion.***Avoid the one thing after another or listing approach
to writingthat is, always reporting the musical events in the order
in which they occur (i.e., the first movement does A, B, and C, and
then the second movement does D, E, F, etc.)You may critique the
performers, conductor, organization of the event, and even the
audience. Instead, try and answer the following questions:1. What
was your overall reaction to the performance? 2. What was the
strongest element of the performance? 3. What was the weakest
element of the performance? 4. Was there any element of the
performance that detracted from your concentration or enhanced it?
5. Did you feel the conductor communicated his or her
interpretation of the music to the players and the audience? In
addition, a simple method of describing the actual music itself is
SHMRG: Sound, Harmony, Melody, Rhythm, and Growth (texture/formal
structure). Even if you are not a music professional, you can
mention one thing about all or a few of these items that caught
your attention. Since our minds cannot retain all that our ears
hear in most cases, focus on a few key events and hold on to them
as the music unfolds.
Now that you have read How to Critique, Watch the video of the
Winter Concert. In essay format, answer questions #1- 5 about your
groups performance. The essay should be at least 5 paragraphs; an
Introduction, about 3 paragraphs for the Body, and closure; 5-7
sentences per paragraph.This will be graded as the second half of
your midterm. Have your full name and period on the top of your
paper.FULL SENTENCES AND IDEAS ARE NEEDED FOR EACH QUESTION!!!!
