Include the title of the listening example in your answer. After listening, address these six questions:
After listening, address the following six questions:
• How did the music make you feel? Why?
• What was the mood of the music? Why do you say that?
• How would you move your body to the music? Why did you choose that movement
• What facial expression would you associate with the music and why?
• Did the music make you think of a specific person, place, or thing?
• What did you picture in your mind while listening? Why?
Sample Answer
Listening Example: "The Four Seasons: Spring" (Movement I) by Antonio Vivaldi
1. How did the music make you feel? Why?
The music made me feel energetic and hopeful. This feeling stems from the bright, major key and the fast tempo (Allegro). The sudden, joyful bursts of the violins after the initial sustained chords suggest a feeling of emergence and renewal, like a fresh, optimistic start to something new.
2. What was the mood of the music? Why do you say that?
The mood of the music was vibrant and celebratory. I say this because of the brilliant, lively orchestration and the frequent use of rising melodic lines that convey upward motion and excitement. The interplay between the solo violin and the ensemble is playful and suggests a lighthearted, joyful occasion.
3. How would you move your body to the music? Why did you choose that movement?
I would move my body with light, bounding steps or perhaps a controlled, joyous skipping motion. I chose this movement because the music's rhythm is distinct and quick, but not heavy. The movement needs to be buoyant and reflect the energetic lift provided by the strings, like the energy of the natural world coming alive.
4. What facial expression would you associate with the music and why?
I would associate a wide, genuine smile with slightly raised eyebrows (a look of pleasant surprise or delight). The music is overwhelmingly positive and evokes the simple pleasure of sunshine or a pleasant discovery, naturally leading to an unforced, happy expression.
5. Did the music make you think of a specific person, place, or thing?
Yes, the music made me think of a large, sun-drenched garden or a royal court during a festive daytime gathering.
6. What did you picture in your mind while listening? Why?
I pictured a scene where a flock of birds suddenly takes flight from a tree, followed by a group of people starting a vibrant, synchronized country dance. I pictured this because the music uses high-pitched, quick trills and rapid scales (representing the birds/nature), immediately followed by the strong, driving rhythmic pulse of the ensemble (representing the coordinated human activity of the dance).