 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Aussie Nick
Date: 2006-07-17 11:50
I have to write a research paper (I believe about 3000 words but I will double check this) and need to devise my own topic which needs to be quite precise and focused. I am toying with 2 topics that really interest me:
The Brahms clarinet works, all written (I believe?) close to the end of his life. I need an actual question or something specific to suggest as my proposal, perhaps something to do with their stylistic similarities or the reasons behind their composition?
The second idea is something in relation to the Orchestral works of Rachminanov (Rachmaninoff - whichever you prefer). This is simply because I love his music, but I am not sure what angle I could take. Is there anything interesting about Rachmaninov's political stance in his music or something?? Any ideas would be great. Thanks guys.
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2006-07-17 12:33
Tough one... When I picked a topic for my Honours thesis, I chose something that I was interested in and knew I could get something out of.
Start with questions; question what you already know about the topics you're interested in and see which question drives you to look further.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2006-07-17 13:28
Nick,
Not so tough really if you follow a logical set of steps. Most beginning researcher struggle with finding a topic because of lack of focus. What you need to do is develop some research questions (this would not be a null hypothesis approach with statitisical tests but a descriptive piece of research). This website might be helpful:
http://www.esc.edu/esconline/across_esc/writerscomplex.nsf/0/f87fd7182f0ff21c852569c2005a47b7
While it is great to do something you are interested in, at a certain point you have to ask "so what?" What does your study contribute to the literature?
HRL
PS Also check on qualitative research approaches on just how to gather your data/information.
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Author: Bennett ★2017
Date: 2006-07-17 16:59
How about something like "the influence of Mozart's clarinet works on Brahms clarinet works" or "How Brahms clarinet works differ from his other, similar, works because they were written for clarinet" or "Why did Brahms choose (delay?) to write clarinet works in his old age?"
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2006-07-17 19:01
A lot depends on what you mean by "research".
Are you supposed to add to the sum total of academic knowledge about your subject, or merely to summarise and comment on work published by others?
If it is the former, then you need to pick a composer who hasn't been done to death already: Brahms would seem a bad choice. Then you need to find an angle that either involves musical analysis, or study of original literary sources. For example, "Unknownovski's motivic use of the augmented ninth", or "What do Hoothehell's letters to his aunt tell us about his views on programme music?" Though it might be best to pick a composer that the examiners have heard of: maybe a minor figure like Crusell or Finzi would fit the bill.
If it is the latter, then obviously you need to find a topic that has been well-studied; but still, perhaps, not done to death.
Avoid at all costs a topic where you will be tempted to hold forth with your personal views. That isn't research.
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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