‘Shostakovich’s response to Socialist Realism in the Allegro non Troppo of his Symphony No. 5’

Sample 1 is titled ‘Shostakovich’s response to Socialist Realism in the Allegro non Troppo of his Symphony No. 5’. This essay features a well-defined hypothesis demonstrating independence of thought, supported by excellent organisation, a clear, sustained and perceptive argument and an outstanding level of critical analysis and evaluation to draw convincing and valid conclusions. The essay demonstrates a sophisticated and perceptive understanding of the concepts of music and the relationships between them within the musical works selected for analysis. The essay presents evidence of outstanding research showing data collected from appropriate primary and secondary sources which were appropriately integrated into the discussion.

Marking guideline annotations

C1 – establishment of an hypothesis and application of the skills of critical analysis and evaluation

The student has presented a well-defined hypothesis that allows scope for the sustained and perceptive argument that analyses, explores, defines and evaluates appropriate musical material to draw convincing conclusions.

C2 – organisation, development and expression of ideas in a sustained argument supported by relevant musical examples and quotations

The student has demonstrated and sustained effective organisation, development and expression of ideas of the chosen argument through the area chosen for study. The student has selected, analysed and supported the argument with appropriate and relevant musical examples throughout the essay.

C3 – understanding of the concepts of music and the relationships between them within the relevant context

The student has crafted the essay response to focus on the concepts of duration, pitch, structure and tone colour. These concepts are analysed perceptively, with appropriate consideration of the resulting conceptual relationships between the works selected for study.

C4 – research and data collection skills from primary and secondary sources.

The student has demonstrated outstanding research skills in a sustained manner that integrates both primary and secondary source materials that consistently support the overarching hypothesis.