Music

1A. Although people often look for works of art and music to transport them from the harsh realities of life to a more idyllic place, great art often serves the opposite purpose. Many of the works we have studied this semester (especially neo-classic, romantic, realist, 20th century) have been inspired by conflict, war, revolution, social injustice, and oppression. Through their works, these great artists and musicians have drawn our attention to the plight of those adversely affected by the harsh realities of life and have allowed us to empathize with people who are forced to endure hardship and oppression. In some ways these works even encourage and motivate us to stand up against acts of injustice in the world today. Using the works you studied in class during the semester, discuss the relationship between art (music and visual arts) and social/political conflict. Identify four works you’ve studied this semester and discuss how these works were inspired by themes such as conflict, war, revolution, social injustice, discrimination, stereotypes, and oppression. Reflect on how these works helped you better understand the experiences of people dissimilar to yourself. Make sure you include specific information about how the artist veers from accepted artistic norms to highlight this situation and be sure to discuss details from the works themselves to support your essay. 1.B The second part of the essay asks you to select a contemporary/popular song and relate the work to a significant social, political, or cultural issue which inspired its creation. Begin the presentation by identifying the important issue which inspired the artist to write or perform the song. Make sure to provide evidence to show the significance of this issue to contemporary society. You should then provide information regarding the song’s message. Your essay should answer the following questions: · When was the song written, released/premiered? · Who wrote the song? · Who performed the song? · What was the song about? Quote a key line or lines from the text to support your analysis · Why did the performers take up this particular issue in their song? · What is the relationship between the musical style and the text? How does the music express the meaning of the text? · How was the work received/reviewed by the public and the press? Your essay will be assigned a grade based on your ability to address the questions above. In particular, you will be graded on your ability to provide a thoughtful description of the work’s relationship to the particular/historical/cultural/political/scientific/religious/social trend that inspired the song.