A-Level
Appraising: 40%
AOS: A
Development of the Symphony
You will need to know the following two pieces in depth:
Haydn – Symphony No.104 in D major ‘London’
Mendelssohn – Symphony No.4 in A major ‘Italian’
Additionally you will need to be able to refer to a variety of other symphonies from 1750-1900.
This AOS will include three main questions:
An unprepared extract, with a skeleton score
Melodic dication, spot the rhythm and pitch error and evaluate the harmony
A detailed analysis question on the set works selected for detailed study
Use the score to find specific chords/features in a set section of a symphony
An essay question about the development of the symphony, in relation to both set works and to the wider social, cultural and historical context.
Referring to both the set pieces and to further listening. (15)
See https://alevelmusic.com/ for lots of resources and notes on symphonies.
AOS: E
Into the 20th Century
You will need to know the following two pieces in depth:
Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano, Movement II by Poulenc
Three Nocturnes, Number 1, Nuages by Debussy
You will need to have a working understanding of the following musical styles:
Impressionist (Debussy, Ravel, Delius)
Expressionist (Schonberg, Webern, Berg)
Neoclassical (Prokofiev, Stravinsky, Hindemith, Poulenc)
This AOS will include two main questions:
A question requiring you to analyse one of the set works (selected by the exam board).
Including both harmonic analysis using the score and listening analysis from the recording.
An unprepared listening extract in one of the styles above, with various questions.
General listening analysis plus a 5 mark question relating to further listening in these styles.
AOS: B
Rock and Pop 1960-2000
We will study the following musical styles:
Pop
Rock (including progressive rock, heavy metal, folk-rock and punk rock)
Soul
Funk (and disco)
Folk (and country)
We will study the music typical of each and develop our ability to analysis their music.
60s - Beatles, Shadows, Kinks, Who, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Joan Baez,Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Sam Cooke, Otis Reading, Aretha Franklin, Four Tops
70s – Abba, Bee Gees, Queen, Beach Boys, Deep Purple, Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Kool and the Gang, Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, Pink Floyd, ELO, Kate Bush, Billy Joel, Elton John
80s – Culture Club, Police, Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran, Guns N’Roses, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Journey, Luther Vandross, Prince, Michael Jackson, Shalamar, Earth Wind and Fire
90s – Take That, Oasis, Blur, Stereophonics, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, R. Kelly
AOS: C
Musical Theatre
You will need to know, and recognise, the works of the following six composers
Rodgers
Bernstein
Sondheim
Schonberg
Schwarz
Lloyd Webber
We will study the music of each and develop our ability to analysis their music.
This AOS will include two main questions
The first question will assess musical elements and language, and will be based on an unprepared extract to be played in the examination.
The second question is based on two unprepared extracts.
The first part of the question will assess musical elements and language on extract 1.
The last part of the section is a longer answer question which involves a comparison of extract 1 with extract 2. In this aspect, learners will be assessed on their wider understanding of the area of study.
Composition: 25% / 35%
Option A: 4-6 minutes of composition: 2 compositions
Option B: 8-10 minutes of composition: 3 compositions
One piece is free choice and one is composed to a brief set by Eduqas in the year 13. The third composition must be linked to a different AOS.
From Eduqas
Eduqas suggest considering the following in your compositions.
The following suggestions for developing ideas may be useful:
a) encourage exploration through rhythm – so often neglected. Try a few different rhythmic elements (syncopation, triplets, continuous semiquaver movement.)
b) remember the value of imitation, sequence and inversion.
c) textural change – at points where a phrase or passage of music is repeated / for a new section, or sudden change of mood
d) include a contrapuntal section
e) add variety to repetitions (by changing instrumentation/adding layers/countermelodies etc)
f) swap parts around
g) transpose ideas
h) vary the harmonic rhythms
i) introduce new types of accompaniment texture (this may coincide with a change in harmony which is a powerful combination)
j) develop dialogue and interplay between instruments
k) explore timbral possibilities (eg. tremelando, pizzicato)
l) explore a wider dynamic range
m) split the instrumental lines between more than one player
n) re-score the initial ideas
o) re-space harmonies
p) further elaboration of cadence points
q) modulate to related keys
r) develop motifs through augmentation or diminution
Choose no more than five of the above suggestions. Plan how these may be applied to the composition
Performance 35% /25%
Option A: 10-12 minute recital: Three piece minimum
Option B: 6-8 minute recital: Two piece minimum
Two pieces must be from different AOS. You must perform at least one solo. In Year 13 standard level is grade 6.
Performances will be judged against the following criteria:
