Essays and Research Papers on Music

A 3 page paper which compares/contrasts William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 with Luther Vandross’ song “Here and Now” as it involves love. No additional sources cited.

A 4 page paper discussing the djembe drum. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 3 page analysis of Beethoven's Eighth Symphony in which the writer describes the artist's work as being more reminiscent of the Romantic Period than of the Classic. This argument is made in light of Beethoven's emphasis on being contrite, random, climactic uniquely emotional, and more. No Bibliography.

An 10 page comparative analysis on Chopin's Prelude Op. 28 No. 4 on editions of the piece by arranger/artists Autograf, Paderewski, Augener, Allans, and Henle. The paper analyzes this piece in conjunction with phrasing, pedal and dynamic markings, tempo indicators, and several of the notes themselves. This paper also has a short discussion ...

Antonio Vivaldi wrote his baroque concerto 'Four Seasons' in the 18th century, during a period of extended musical expressionism in Venice and throughout Italy. This 2.5 page paper provides a concise overview of Four Seasons and considers key elements such as composition, dynamics, medium, form and overall impression. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

Maurice Ravel's 'Bolero' is believed to be one of the most popular pieces of classical music that has ever been written. In 3 pages, the writer of this paper provides an analysis of Bolero that includes an overview of the type of composition, the dynamics, tempo, melody, harmony, and an overall impression. Bibliography lists ...

A 5 page research paper which looks at the life and musical career of this influential twentieth-century French composer. The writer discusses the differences between the work of Ravel and Debussy, with whom his work is often paired, and discusses how the intensely romantic nature of Ravel's work added to its popularity. Bibliography lists 5 ...

A 7 page paper that discusses some important aspects of Leos Janacek's life in relationship to his success as a composer. From a childhood spent in a monastery singing in the choir, to an adulthood where he fell passionately in love with an opera star, many events lent themselves to the creative process that made ...

In 6 pages, the writer discusses Billie Holiday and her influence on jazz. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

A 5 page research paper that looks at the life of jazz violinist Noel Pointer. His life was like a falling star across the night sky--brilliant and beautiful, awe-inspiring and all too short since he died suddenly of massive stroke at the age of 39 in 1994. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 6 page paper provides an overview of the life and times of this rock and roll legend. The connection with his New Jersey home town is emphasized. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

Bush's 1994 release "Machinehead" is analyzed in its relationship to conflict theory. Conflict theory is discussed as seen by sociologists Marx and Weber as well as later contributors such as Mead and Goffman. The focus of the 5 page paper is on the song itself and its exemplification of sociological theory. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 10 page paper describing the Grateful Dead's [classic rock -n- roll band] influence upon three generations of 'Dead Heads.' The writer was an avid fan of the group. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 10 page research paper on Madonna as a cultural symbol. The writer describes Madonna as a cultural image, how she reflects women's rights, rebellion, and sexuality, and what she says about our culture. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

A 5 page paper discussing the works of a controversial artist, Sinead O'Connor, in light of the philosophical interpretation and ideas of the listed philosopher/writers. Bibliography lists four sources.

A complete 5 page overview of the varying roles that minstrels played during the Middle Ages. The focus of the discussion is upon different types of music, instrumentation, lyrics, Gregorian chants, etc;-- Some mention of jugglers, fiddlers, dancers, and jesters exists in the body of the paper as well. Bibliography lists 12 sources.

A 10 page research paper on the life and work of the 16th century composer. The writer details the context of his life and work in regard to the music of the time, his harmonic theories, and his published works. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

This 5 page paper provides a sociological analysis of the lyrics of Lauryn Hills hit song. There is a focus on race, class and male/female relationships. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

An 8 page paper discussing the rock star Marilyn Manson in relationship to freedoms inherent in the first amendment. Many people are incredibly upset with popular stars such as Marilyn Manson due to their professed religious beliefs that differ from the norm, and therefor attract many of today's youth, who are drawn to the rebellious ...

A 6 page research paper on the nineteenth century Romantic composer Johannes Brahms. The writer argues that although Brahms came chronologically after Beethoven in the Romantic era, he considered himself to be a traditionalist who preserved the traditions of the classical era. To illustrate this point, the writer compares and analyzes Brahms Fourth Symphony and ...

A 10 page research paper that examines the 25-year career of the rock group Aerosmith. The writer looks at the factors that have contributed to this group's amazing longevity. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

A 5 page research paper that compares the lives and accomplishments of composers Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Schubert. Bibliography lists six sources.

A 6 page research paper that examines the unique style of Duke Ellington. The writer analyzes Ellington's writing style, and the unique characteristics of his orchestra, which contributed to his style. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

Jazz can be seen as the principle harbinger of the transition from rural to urban living in the United States, encompassing all races and ethnic backgrounds. This 9 page paper examines the connection between the inauguration of jazz music and the cultural foundations of an integrated America. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

A 3 page analysis of three ballads from the late eighteenth century that deal with the topic of murder. The writer argues that these ballads expressed the 'news' of their day, but emphasized moral considerations over factual recitation. Bibliography lists 1 source.