BInstrumental music that tells a story, paints a picture, or refers to non-musical ideas or images
CMusic played on a computer program
DMusic with lyrics that tell a story
Program music is instrumental music that connects to a narrative or non-musical idea, which the composer explains in a program note.
Question 2 True / False
Good program music requires a program note to be understood.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: False
While a program note can enhance understanding, excellent program music conveys its narrative or imagery through the music itself, so listeners can appreciate it even without knowing the story.
Question 3 Multiple Choice
Which of these is the BEST example of program music?
AA sonata form piece with no story
BVivaldi's 'The Four Seasons' (music representing winter, spring, summer, fall)
CPure abstract instrumental music with no connection to anything outside music
DA piece specifically written for a wedding ceremony
Program music tells a story or paints a picture. 'The Four Seasons' explicitly depicts seasonal natural phenomena through music.
Question 4 True / False
Abstract instrumental music with no story or program is less valuable artistically than program music.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: False
Abstract music (absolute music) and program music are both valid and valuable forms. The distinction is in approach, not in quality.
Question 5 Short Answer
Listen to a well-known piece of program music (e.g., 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice,' 'Peter and the Wolf,' 'In the Hall of the Mountain King') and describe how the music depicts or tells its story without words.
Think about your answer, then reveal below.
Model answer: Example: 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' uses a repeating magical theme that sounds mischievous and playful at first. As the spell spins out of control, the theme repeats obsessively faster and faster, with building intensity and chaotic orchestration, depicting the apprentice losing control. The wild climax then suddenly resolves, telling the story of restoration and control through purely musical means.
A good answer identifies how themes, tempo, dynamics, and orchestration work together to depict narrative events without words.