Unit G353: Intro to Historical Study in Music

Assessment 

Candidates are required to sit an externally-assessed timed examination paper of 1 hour 45 
minutes (plus 15 minutes preparation time). Candidates are provided with individual CD 
recordings containing extracts for Sections A and B, which they may play as many times as they 
wish, together with a printed insert containing skeleton scores for Extracts 1A and 1B, and a full 
score for Extract 2. 

Questions in all sections of the paper draw on prescribed repertoires relevant to the two areas of 
study: Tonality (The Language of Western Tonal Harmony) and The Expressive Use of 
Instrumental Techniques. In their answers, candidates may refer to music studied elsewhere in 
their course, i.e. to repertoire performed in Unit G351: Performing Music 1 or studied as models in Unit G352: Composing 1. 

Section A: Aural Extracts 30 marks 

Candidates are required to answer all the questions on one of two recorded extracts, either: 
Extract 1A, which is part of an instrumental movement drawn from solo, chamber or orchestral 
repertoire composed between 1700 and 1830 

or: 

Extract 1B, which is part of a piece of popular instrumental music, taken from 1900 to the present 
day. 

A skeleton score of each extract is provided on two staves. Some questions may require answers 
to be written into the answer booklet, others directly onto the score. Candidates are advised to 
spend not more than 40 minutes on this section of the question paper. 
Using appropriate technical language, candidates should be able to: 

• recognise aurally; 
• describe; and 
• compare 

techniques and effects within the extract, showing knowledge and understanding relevant both to 
the areas of study and to variation processes. They should also be able to use staff notation 
accurately to add short passages of music or rhythm omitted from the score. 

Section B: Prescribed Works 40 marks 

There are two sets of questions: 

1. The 18th/early 19th century Orchestra: Prescribed Orchestral Scores 
Extract 2: Candidates are required to answer all the questions on a short extract taken from one 
of three works prescribed for study in the series (see p. 25). The printed score of the extract 
contained in the insert is accompanied by two recordings, from different performances of the 
music, on the CD. Candidates may not take copies of any music into the examination room. 
 25 marks