Professor
Cliff Leaman’s Guidelines for writing a review of a Musical
Event
When writing
a review of a musical event, always remember that this is a subjective,
personal opinion which may be agreed with or not by the reader.
Your opinion of what happened is the most important aspect of
the review. As a part of the review, however, you need to keep
in mind that your readers may not have been at the concert. Because
of this you will need to mention certain basic information as
a part of the review.
1. Who plays
-- Mention the performers by name if there are less than 6-8, and
mention the type of group which is playing. If they have some professional
name (ie. The Greenville Symphony Orchestra, The Canadian Brass,
etc.) be sure to include this name as well. Most reviews also include
a mention of the date, time, and place of the performance. If there
is a large group playing such as an orchestra, mention only those
performers who have important solos within the pieces and the conductor.
Always comment
on the overall quality of the performance including specific examples
of what you heard.
2. What was
performed -- List each piece performed and discuss it from the
standpoint of both the quality of the piece itself and the quality
of the performance. Include all of the vital information needed
to identify exactly what piece was performed.
Usually the
manner in which it is listed in the program will suffice. DO NOT,
however, list the entire program as the opening of your review.
List each work and discuss it immediately. Be sure to list any
changes to the program or encores played.
3. Include background
information -- Some background information can help the reader
to understand the program better, but do not go overboard on this
aspect. Any background information should be brief and should not
take up more than 10 percent of the total paper.
4. Tell the
reader whether or not you liked the concert. This is the single
most important aspect of a review. Was the program worth hearing?
Did you like the pieces chosen, the performance, both, or neither?
Please explain as specifically as possible what you did or did
not like about the performance. This is the most subjective area
of the review and should be the bulk of what you say. You may be
critical, but try not to get personal. DO NOT use the word "boring."
5. Refer to
performers by full name the first time, and thereafter by last
name only. Do not personalize your relationship by referring to
Dr. Billy Taylor as "Billy," even if you know him quite
well. It should be Dr. Billy Taylor the first time, and "Dr.
Taylor" or "Taylor" from that point on.
You may keep
notes during the performance, but take in only a small note pad,
or write your impressions on the program. It is not appropriate
to discuss what you are hearing with anyone during the concert.
You may discuss your impressions with your friends afterward, but
write your own review. Also, do not enter or leave the auditorium
at any time during a performance except in cases of emergency.
In all cases you should try to enter or leave during a silence
between movements or at the end of a piece. Most of all, have fun
and enjoy the concert. |