Fundamentals of Music Theory Assignment

January 17, 2021

Listen perceptively to “O Magnum Mysterium” by the Renaissance Spanish composer Tomás Luis de Victoria.

“Kyrie” from Missa O Magnum Mysterium by the Renaissance Spanish composer Tomás Luis de Victoria.

In two pages response for question, describe the attributes of the musical selection, according to the following critical criteria:

RECOGNIZE AND DESCRIBE:

At least one example of each musical element—rhythm, tempo, melody, harmony, timbre, texture, and form—that occur in this particular composition. Use precise musical terms learned in the course and descriptive adjectives. Examples of descriptive adjectives might include: a “menacing” melody, “triumphant” dynamics, or a “racing” tempo. Use your imagination!

DEVELOP:

Your conclusions about what the composer was trying to represent. [Might a “racing” tempo represent an attempt to escape from danger or dancing at a celebration?]

INTERPRET:

The composition’s emotional value, using language that describes emotional states. Does the music express joy, fear, pleasure, optimism, sadness?

EVALUATE:

The composition’s creative quality: What makes this composition a valuable work of art?

ANALYZE:

The effect that the composition has on you. How does it express aspects of the human condition? Does the music suggest a philosophy for living?

Fundamentals of Music Theory Assignment Grading Rubric

Your assignment will be graded based on the following rubric:

Category	Unacceptable (0-1)	Needs Improvement (2-3)	Good (4)	Excellent (5)	Total Possible Points

Organization (x3)	There is no apparent organization to the answers. They shows some coherence but ideas lack unity.	There is some level of organization though digressions, ambiguities, irrelevance are too many. Transition evident but not used throughout the paper.	Answers are coherent and logically organized with transitions used between ideas and paragraphs to create coherence. Overall unity of ideas is present.	Answers show high degree of attention to logic and reasoning of points. Unity clearly leads the reader to the conclusion and stirs thought regarding the topic.	15
Content (x3)	Answers lack evidence of critical thinking. Writer uses superficial, simplistic, or irrelevant reasons and unjustifiable claims. Makes illogical, inconsistent inference.	Answers are primarily opinion without valid support. Little critical thinking is evident. Follows existing evidence to obtain conclusions.	Ideas are logical and reasoned, but demonstrate lesser degree of originality. Follows evidence and reason lead to obtain justifiable, logical conclusion.	Writer develops logical and reasoned independent ideas that go beyond predictable outcomes or the conclusions of researched materials. Follows where evidence and reason lead in order to obtain defensible, thoughtful, logical conclusions or solutions.	15
Grammar & Mechanics(x2)	Sentences are unclear and many grammatical errors in structure make answers virtually unreadable. Spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and vocabulary usage contain major flaws that impede readability.	Most spelling, punctuation, and grammar correct allowing reader to progress through the answers. Some errors remain.	Answers have few spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors allowing reader to follow ideas clearly. Very few fragments or run-ons.	Answers are free of distracting spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors; absent of fragments, comma splices, and run-ons.	5