A-level Analyses of Set Works

Recommended Essay Structure

Very short introduction contextualising the set work (2-3 sentences max)

Paragraph 1: Element of Music 1

a) Sentence 1: Describe and contextualise

Describe: using musical vocabulary identify/describe the feature relating to the element of music (with an example if appropriate).

Contextualise: comment ‘…which is typical/atypical/advanced/conservative for that period/genre/style’

b) Sentence 2: Effect

Comment ‘The effect of this is to…’ Describe the effect / composer’s intended effect of this feature on the music.

c) Sentence 3: Comparison

Comment ‘This is similar to/different from X (composer & title) composed earlier/later/during the same/Baroque/Classical/Romantic period in which…’.

For each element of music, to complete the paragraph, follow steps (a)-(c) at least four times, identifying at least four features relating to that element, spending no more than 12 minutes.

Paragraph 2: Element of Music 2

Follow steps (a)-(c) at least four times, identifying at least four features relating to that element, spending no more than 12 minutes.

Paragraph 3: Element of Music 3

Follow steps (a)-(c) at least four times, identifying at least four features relating to that element, spending no more than 12 minutes.