MUS 2020

Music Theory IV

Project #1
Sonata Analysis/Paper
Due: Friday, March 13th

Choose one of the following (Scores are on Blackboard in Week 7 folder):

Mozart, Piano Sonata in F Major, K. 332, I
Beethoven, Piano Sonata in G Major, Op. 14, No. 2, I

3.5 4 pages, standard 1 inch margins, double-spaced

Attach a clean copy of the score with all measures numbered
Include a brief introductory paragraph putting the work in historical context and in the
context of Mozart or Beethovens life.
Provide a diagram of the movement including major formal divisions, strong cadences,
thematic areas, transitions, closing sections, etc. Indicate measure numbers eyand
principal key relationships within the piece. This may be included in the body of your
paper or as an appendix at the end.
Provide musical examples within the body of the text to illustrate your musical points
Musical examples should be inserted using notation software or scanned from the score
and inserted into the body of the paper. (Make sure all clef and key signature information
is included).
Musical examples should be numbered consecutively, labeled, and referred to by number
in the body of the text
Discuss any use of compositional techniques such as imitation, sequencing,
ornamentation, change of textures, brief tonicizations, etc.
When using information from another source, provide appropriate citations (use a
standard format such as Chicago or MLA)
Write in an appropriately academic style. Use neutral, direct, and interesting language.
Remember. You are writing about the music, not necessarily about the composer.
Therefore avoid such statements as, here Beethoven gives us the C theme, preparing us
for the ingenious variations that are to follow. Instead, the following is an example of
more neutral, direct, and precise language: The C theme follows beginning in measure
79 (Example 1). This theme, consisting initially of a circle of descending fifths presented
in two voices in contrary motion, is subjected to a series of variations as explained
below.

In addition to length and format guidelines listed above, your grade will be based on the
following criteria:
Thoroughness and accuracy of your analysis
Clarity of organization of your paper
Appropriate use of musical terminology
Appropriateness of your examples do they illustrate your musical points
Writing style, grammar, punctuation, and neatness of your paper

An A paper is completely thorough and correct in its examination of the piece and is written in
a neutrally academic tone, but is fresh and interesting. It is clearly organized and its conclusions
are based on evidence that is discussed convincingly and accurately in the paper. Musical
Examples are clear, labeled and referred to by label throughout, and are neatly inserted into the
body of the paper. The writer demonstrates familiarity with the technical vocabulary utilized
throughout the theory sequence and uses it within the paper in convincing fashion.
A B paper is thorough and complete in its examination of the piece, but has one or two errors
of perception in its analysis or is not done to the same degree of thoroughness as the A paper.
It may have some grammatical errors, or the examples may not be chosen with the same
attention to detail as the A paper. It is, however, generally a strong effort, with one or two
minor flaws.
A C paper has some major flaws in its analysis, and may also be poorly written and tedious.
However, it is clear that the individual spent substantial time with the piece and demonstrated a
serious effort. Major flaws in the analysis and an inability to adequately use theoretical
vocabulary and/or poor writing style make it an average paper.
A D paper is lacking in specificity, is superficial and/or inaccurate in its analysis. It generally
shows little or no understanding of the structure of the piece. It is poorly written and
demonstrates little or no use of the theoretical vocabulary learned in class.