A-level Question 5: Unfamiliar Listening & Analysis

Unfamiliar Listening Practice Questions AoS 2, 4 & 6

Question 1: Instrumental Music for Chamber Ensemble

This piece of music for Piano Quintet was composed in the 1860s. Described as ‘at times anguished, at times demonic, at times tragic’, discuss how the elements of music are used by the composer to heighten the expressive qualities of this extract. Relate your discussion to other relevant works. These may include set works, wider listening or other music. (20 marks)

The following extract, unfamiliar listening extract 1, will be played as you answer the question above.

Question 2: Instrumental Music for Orchestra

Discuss how this piece is a characteristic example of symphonic music of the early 19th century. Give musical reasons for your answer. Relate your discussion to other relevant works. These may include set works, wider listening or other music. (20 marks)

The following extract, unfamiliar listening extract 2, will be played as you answer the question above.

Question 3: Popular Music with Hip Hop and Jazz Influences

This song is a collaboration between artists influenced by a range of genres including hip hop and jazz. Discuss the evidence for this, referring to the artists’ use of the elements of music. Relate your discussion to other relevant works. These may include set works, wider listening or other music. (20 marks)

The following extract, unfamiliar listening extract 3, will be played as you answer the question above.

Question 4: Popular Music using Early Digital Technology

In this song the artist uses early digital technology to combine synthesised sounds with those created by traditional acoustic and electric instruments. Discuss how the artist’s use of the elements of music is characteristic of experimental popular music of the 1980s. Relate your discussion to other relevant works. These may include set works, wider listening or other music. (20 marks)

The following extract, unfamiliar listening extract 4, will be played as you answer the question above.

Question 5: British Popular Music in the 1960s

This song was released in the 1960s at a time when British popular music moved beyond imitating American Rock and Roll to develop its own distinctive sound. Discuss the artists' use of the musical elements in this song, and how they combine to create its distinctive sound. Relate your discussion to other relevant works. These may include set works, wider listening or other music. (20 marks)

The following extract, unfamiliar listening extract 5, will be played as you answer the question above.

Question 6: 20th Century Experimental Music

The title of this work composed in 1953 is ambiguous, and can be translated both as ‘counterpoint’ and as ‘counter-action’. Describe how the composer uses the musical elements to create music which reacts against earlier styles and traditions. (20 marks)

The following extract, unfamiliar listening extract 6, will be played as you answer the question above.

Question 7: 20th Century Orchestral Music

In 1943 the composer of this work introduced his audiences to new and unfamiliar sounds inspired by the folk music of his homeland. Describe how the composer uses the elements of music to compose a piece typical of other 20th Century orchestral works. (20 marks)

The following extract, unfamiliar listening extract 6, will be played as you answer the question above.