Introduction
Like all art forms, music a reflection of or a commentary on society. Composers (and other artists) have always used their platforms to make social commentary. Whether it was Guillaume de Machaut or Hildegard of Bingen in the Middle Ages, through Beethoven, Chopin, Smetana, Dvorak or Wagner in the Romantic Period, they often made statements with their music that were considered controversial or subversive during their time, all while making important contributions to the advancement of their art.
Guillaume de Machaut and Hildegard of Bingen were members of the clergy who did important things in music, but both also had problems with authority members of their churches for various reasons. Bach was thrown in jail at one point, Mozart had issues with authority, Beethoven was spied upon and had to deal with state censors, and many Romantic Period composers had their own run ins with authority. Richard Wagner was involved in a failed revolution and often left towns at night to run away from his debtors. We see similar issues with musicians and artists throughout the 20th century and with many of today’s performers.
Composers often dealt with significant mental or physical issues while making masterpieces. Bach and Handel went blind, both thanks to the same “doctor”. Mozart suffered from several illnesses since childhood. Beethoven and Smetana went deaf but continued composing. Several composers throughout history suffered from depression ranging from Dowland in the Renaissance to Schumann, Berlioz, and Tchaikovsky, all of whom suffered from depression and attempted suicide during the Romantic period.
Because of this I want you to compare a composer of your choice from before the 20th century with a current musician or performer. The composer can be one covered during the course, or one that you may be interested in that was not covered. The modern, or “current” musician can be anywhere from the 1940s or 50s to today and can be in any musical genre.
Assignment
In a two to three-page paper, choose a composer from one of the style periods covered during the course (Middle Ages to Romantic) and write a short biography of that composer. Give some specific examples of their music and some information about the composer’s contributions to the music of their time.
Then choose one modern day musician, composer or performer that you believe is comparable to the older composer. Give a short biography of the musician along with their contributions to modern music, include specific examples of songs, and give your reason for choosing that musician, composer, or performer.
Write about the similarities and differences between your chosen composers. Possible areas to consider could range from their social status, family situations, physical or mental issues that they may have had, issues with authority figures, or maybe similar subjects that they would often write about.
You must cite your sources on a separate page using MLA format. Cite at least two sources per musician listed. Your research assignment is due on the last day of class, but it can be submitted at any point during the semester.