Download Pictures at an Exhibition Composition Project

Name: _________________________________________________ Date: _____________ Class: ____________
Pictures at an Exhibition Composition Project
Like Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, you will create a composition to represent an original piece of artwork created by an AA student using
Noteflight.com.
Describe the artwork you chose: ___________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
As a composer, your job is to tell a story through music alone. First, create a story or list of events to go with this picture.. Use details and be sure
your story has clear characters, a problem, a beginning/middle/end, and appropriate emotions. (You may continue onto another piece of paper if
needed).
Beginning
Middle
End
Describe the setting/events/characters:
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Describe the setting/events/characters:
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Describe the setting/events/characters:
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Dynamic(s) used and When/Why?:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tempo(s) of music and When/why:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Instrument #1: _____________________________
Primary Function (circle one):
Melody
Harmony
Ostinato
Percussion
What does it represent from the picture/story?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Instrument #2: _____________________________
Primary Function (circle one):
Melody
Harmony
Ostinato
Percussion
What does it represent from the picture/story?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Instrument #3: _____________________________
Primary Function (circle one):
Melody
Harmony
Ostinato
Percussion
What does it represent from the picture/story?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Optional) Instrument #4: _______________________
Primary Function (circle one):
Melody
Harmony
Ostinato
Percussion
What does it represent from the picture/story?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Optional) Instrument #5: _______________________
Primary Function (circle one):
Melody
Harmony
Ostinato
Percussion
What does it represent from the picture/story?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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CATEGORY
4
3
2
1
2 voices are used or more than 2
voices are used but they are not
used effectively. They may even
detract from the picture or seem
out of context.
Organization of the materials are
somewhat unclear. There are
identifiable musical ideas but may
not always make sense within the
composition.
Many musical elements are either
not controlled or developed
consistency throughout the music.
1 voice is used or voices are used
ineffectively. The texture of the
instrumentation doesn’t make sense
with the picture and/or are used
inappropriately.
There is little or no organization to
the music. There are few identifiable
musical ideas but they don’t make
sense together.
The music written doesn’t seem to
fit the picture all of the time or
doesn’t change to suit the events
of the picture effectively.
1 or 2 expressive markings are
used but may not be effective or
make sense.
The music written does not make
sense with the story and creates no
emotional connection to the picture.
Most or all of the music created is
original work by the composers.
Parts of existing songs may be
used but may not transition well
with the original music.
Most of the music created is
original work by the composers.
Parts of existing songs are used
but are ineffective or not altered to
fit the purpose of the project.
The length of the song is about 30
seconds.
The length of the song is between
20-30 seconds
Some of the music created is
original work by the composers.
Large parts of existing songs are
used taking away from the originality
of the project or are used
ineffectively.
The length of the song is 20
seconds or less.
The composition seems to follow
a beginning, middle, and end
format consistent with the
story/picture analysis with some
inconsistencies.
A three part form representing
beginning, middle, and end is
attempted but a part of the form
seems to be missing or
undeveloped.
Voices/
Instrumentation
3 or more voices are used in a
manner that characteristics of the
characters, setting, emotion, and
events of the picture.
3 or more voices are effectively
used throughout the composition
to represent the actions/emotions
of the picture.
Music Integrity
Coherent organization of materials,
identifiable musical ideas recur in
some form giving sense to the
composition.
Control &
Development of
Musical Elements
Exploration, control and consistent
development of chosen musical
elements, such as melody, harmony,
rhythm, timbre, and texture.
The music written dramatically and
compellingly enhances the overall
emotions, characters, setting, and
events of the picture.
Expressive markings and/or
instruments are used in a way to
change the expressions
(dynamic/style markings) throughout
the music to enhance
events/emotion impact of the
picture.
Most or all of the music created is
original work by the composers. If
parts of existing songs are used or
altered in order to effectively
enhance the picture in a creative
and thoughtful way.
The length of the song exceeds the
30-second minimum.
Piece has organized of materials
and identifiable musical ideas.
The music makes sense for the
most part but may have some
points of incoherency.
Most musical elements are
controlled and consistent but may
have moments in which these
elements are not developed.
The music written effectively
enhances the overall emotions
and events of the picture.
Mood/Emotion
Use of expression
Originality
Length
Form
The composition follows the form of
the story/picture analysis clearly
throughout.
Expressive markings and/or
creative use of instrumentation
are used occasionally and
effectively throughout the piece.
Musical elements are not controlled
or developed consistently
throughout the piece.
No expressive markings are used or
they are used ineffectively.
There is a clear attempt at a
beginning and end but the
story/picture analysis doesn’t seem
to match or is not developed clearly.
RUBRIC
Composition Score ______/32
Picture Analysis Score ________/25