Concert Critique: 150 Points

One due each semester.

Choir and Piano Performing Arts Requirement

Independence High School

Attend a Concert and Write a Critique (One per semester).

One Critique is due each semester one week before finals. May be submitted early. 150
points possible.
The critiques (reviews) are to be of live concerts that you attend during the semester.
The concerts (or recitals) must be of “classical” nature (symphony orchestra, chamber
music, instrumental or vocal solo recital, choral concert, etc.). Operas are also
acceptable. If in doubt about a performance you are planning to attend, see the
instructor. You may attend an event with friends but all critiques must be ORIGINAL.
● The critiques are to include references to each selection performed at the concert
with details as listed below.
● The presentations are to be in essay form and additional research may be
necessary in some instances.
● The reports should be about three (3) pages in length, typewritten and
double-spaced.
● Include your reaction (like or dislike) but more importantly WHY you felt this way.

1. Concert setting: Title, Date and Location.

2. Name of performing group(s), performers, conductors and soloists

3. Briefly describe the concert setting (hall, performers’ dress, audience, etc.)

4. Include the concert brochure and ticket stub (if tickets were provided)

5. Were program notes provided?

6. Were there any spoken remarks about the concert?

7. What was the order of the concert? Could you follow it?

8. What musical forms were featured? (symphony, sonata, theme and variations,
concerto, etc.)

9. What historical periods were represented on the program?

10. Cultural and Ethnic Elements of the program?

11. Titles of Compositions.

12. Musical elements (beat, meter, rhythm, tempo, melody, harmony.)

13. Composer’s intention.

14. Short biographical notes about the composer(s).

15. Include you own subjective opinion, reaction, and judgment of the music heard, the
effect it may have had on you and the quality of the performance-but be very brief.
Below is a template for your notes. This isn’t required but may be helpful in
organizing your typed, essay-form critique.
Title, Date, Location

Performing Group(s)

Setting, Costume, Audience, Ambiance

Concert Brochure and Ticket Stub (attach

to your typed review).
Program notes: information about works
being featured in the concert.

Spoken remarks or lecture at the concert

Concert Order and Sequence

Musical Forms such as Aria, Sonata,

Concerto, Theme and Variations, etc.

Historical Periods Represented in Concert

(Renaissance, Baroque, Classical,
Romantic, Modern, Contemporary, etc.)

Cultural and Ethnic Elements of the

Concert (World music, unusual
instruments, Dance and Movement, etc.)
Titles of Compositions performed:

Musical Elements: Beat, Meter, Rhythm,

Tempo, Melody, Harmony, etc.

Composer’s Intention (Political? Spiritual?

Social? Other?)

Composer’s Biographical Information

Reflection and Reaction (Brief).

10 points per category. Prompt

answered completely. Appropriate
descriptive vocabulary. Complete
sentences. Thoughtful responses. ___________/150 points