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Year: 2004

Concept(s): Contrast, All concepts

Topic / genre: 20th/21st Century

Composer / artist: Ives, Charles

Excerpt title: Variations on America

Excerpt length: 1:42

Question:

04. How is CONTRAST achieved within this excerpt?

Question 4

Criteria	Marks
Demonstrates musical understanding with well-supported observations, including detailed descriptions of musical events Demonstrates in some detail, how contrast is achieved, and uses appropriate examples to support observations	7-8
Demonstrates musical awareness, although descriptions of musical events may contain some inaccurate observations Demonstrates how contrast is achieved and uses appropriate examples	5-6
Demonstrates some musical awareness, but often makes generalisations without providing examples Describes some ways the composer achieves unity	3-4
Demonstrates limited musical awareness in identifying how contrast is achieved in the excerpt	1-2

The better responses:

showed strong, detailed observations
demonstrated clear and logical organisation of thoughts, with correct musical terminology where appropriate. Some excellent graphic representations were used
included clearly identified contrasts

The poorer responses demonstrated:

a tendency to address each concept individually, rather than capturing the musical essence of each variation
a lack of musical understanding as to the variety of means used to effect contrast
a tendency to tell a story and give an emotional judgement rather than factual observation
a tendency to list words, with little or no relevance or support

2004 Q4 - HSC Music 1 aural exam revision