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Guidelines for Writing Program Notes
Identify the piece
- Include complete title with appropriate keys, numbers, opus numbers, and catalog numbers
- Date of composition (if known)
- Composer's full name, birth-death dates
- Movements, song titles, or excerpts to be performed
- Translation if needed
Give contextual background of the composer, work, or performance
- When/where did the composer live?
- What significant historical or life events may have impacted the composer?
- Did the composer study under someone important? Who influenced the composer?
- What is their most significant contribution to music history?
- Is this a well-known or little-known piece by the composer? Why?/Why not?
Describe the piece
- Describe the genre or style and how it originated.
- Is this work a common example of a particular style, movement, or school of composition?
- What are key musical elements of the piece? This may include elements such as form, rhythm, melody, harmony and accompaniment
Provide your interpretation of the work
- What do you hope to express to the audience through your interpretation? What should the audience listen for?