1.An Arresting Moment

Everyone has a favorite song, one that always makes us stop and listen, takes us back in time, or evokes strong feelings. Tell us about the music that affects you in this way. What sensations, thoughts, feelings, and choices overwhelm you when you hear this song? (Remember, it is not the words that matter here—that is poetry, and this week we are focused on music.)

How does this auditory experience compare with the “conversation starter” story we considered in the discussion in Unit 1? Is there a basic life lesson in the power of music to influence our lives?

Response Guidelines
Review the posts of your classmates and respond to at least two of them. Do the styles of music that move us differ from person to person in interesting ways?

2.Classical Music

Our textbook readings for this unit include descriptions of the work of many composers from the classical and romantic periods. If you have the ability to do so, please listen to a few samples of the music created by these composers. Which features of music theory, as outlined in the unit introduction, do they contain?

What is your favorite piece of classical music? Why does this particular selection appeal to you more than any other?

Response Guidelines
Review the posts of your classmates and respond to at least two of them.