A level Question 6: Analysis of a Set Work using a Score

Analyses of Set Works

Question 6 Analysis of a Set Work Advice from Examiners Report 2022 Examiners Report

*Whilst no compulsory time-length is given to complete Q5, the examiner recommends that candidates spend at least 70 minutes on Section B, which could be a minimum of 30 minutes on Q5 and 40 minutes on Q6.

Successful Essays

The most successful essays:

*Are organised into three balanced paragraphs, each discussing a different element of music.

*Identify features which illustrate the composer’s use of the three specified elements in the set work.

*Describe and explain each feature using technical vocabulary, demonstrating a strong grasp.  

*Give musical explanations of the effect of each feature observed.

*Make links between the set work and the context in which it was created.

*Make links, embedded consistently throughout the essay, between the set work and other relevant pieces of music, giving a short explanation as to how the feature is used in the related piece.

*Are written as a discussion (as opposed to a list of features) using analytical and appraising skills to make evaluative and critical judgements.

Unsuccessful Essays

The least successful essays:

*Provide a list of vocabulary and musical features which occur in the piece without describing them or explaining their effect on the music as a whole.

*Are imbalanced in their discussion of the three musical elements: favouring one/two elements at the expense/omission of the other(s).

*Demonstrate an over-reliance on the illustrative pages of the score provided in the resource booklet, treating it as a source document to be worked through chronologically during the exam.

*Focus only on the illustrative pages of the score provided in the resource booklet (representing only a third of the work/movement): candidates are expected to discuss the specified work or movement in its entirety (including parts for which the score has not been provided).

*Give a chronological account of the set work, leading to repetition and imbalance between the elements.

*Discuss elements not featured in the question.

*Discuss movements not featured in the question.