Debussy, Arabesque, No. 1 in E

Arabesque No. 1 in E, by Claude Debussy, has a melody that, although a single line, is fluid yet somewhat complex, with little repeating. It is very smooth, with each note easing itself into the next nearly seamlessly. It is as if each note belongs to the one before and after it exactly so, for if it were to be between two other notes it would not belong. For the most part, the range of notes is quite narrow, almost closed, although there is the occasional “leap” to a much higher note, for what feels like a moment of emphasis and punctuation to the experience.

Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” and Socrates’ “Apology:” A Comparison

When reading Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” and Socrates’ “Apology,” one cannot help but be struck by the remarkable similarities – and differences – in the words, thoughts, actions and especially, the life experiences of the two speakers. Some similarities and differences are readily apparent, others less so. In many ways, Jesus and Socrates are two sides of the same coin leading to different ends: live life true to yourself and your beliefs.

The Sermon on the Mount

In “The Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus speaks on several old laws, and it quickly becomes apparent that, in his opinion, they do not go far enough. He also states that he is not intending to destroy the laws, but to “fulfill” them (Jesus 36), perhaps even to re-define and re-codify the laws.

For example, the law “Thou shalt not kill,” (36) states that those who kill “shall be in danger of the judgment” (37). Jesus’s response to this is that not only those who kill are in danger of judgment, but those who curse their brother are also in danger of judgment.

Fantasia in C Minor for Piano, Orchestra, Solo Sextet and Chorus, Op. 80 “Choral Fantasy” by Ludwig van Beethoven

Evaluation of an Event: Inaugural Concert of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic on Saturday, October 18, 2003

1. Relate the work to its historical period.

“Choral Fantasy” by Ludwig van Beethoven was first performed in December of 1808. According to MP3.com, Beethoven “staged an Akademie (that is, a public concert for his own profit),” and that he had not fully finished the composition before they were to perform it. Beethoven improvised much of the piano part “on the spot that night” (1).

Dramatic Conflict in Euripedes' "The Bacchae"

There are many examples of dramatic conflict in Euripedes’ play, “The Bacchae.” These include, but are not limited to: men vs. women, gods vs. men, wisdom vs. the rashness of youth, and others. One of the more significant examples of dramatic conflict is that of tradition vs. change, as shown through the character of Pentheus.

Although Pentheus is apparently young and inexperienced, he is surprisingly traditional and very resistant to change. He has strong beliefs in how the world around him operates, how people should worship, and especially, what is “proper” behavior for women.

The Apology

The Apology Study Question #1: Socrates defends himself against two sets of accusations.

1. What is the first set?
1. Who are the accusers?
2. What three responses does he present to these accusations?
2. What is the second set of accusations?
1. Who are the accusers?
2. Who does Socrates cross-examine? In what four ways does Socrates attack this man’s accusations?

In “The Apology” by Plato, Plato retells the defense – the apology – of Socrates used at the trial that resulted in his death sentence. Socrates has been accused of several crimes against the State, and defines his accusers as “two kinds; one recent, the other ancient”. (Plato 2)

Socrates is accused of being a corrupter of youth; a non-believer in the state-sanctioned Gods, one who questions the common beliefs and teaches that questioning is what one should do. He answers to the “ancient” accusers first, which is public opinion. People have heard for years that “Socrates is an evil-doer, and a curious person, who searches into things under the earth and in heaven, and he makes the worse appear the better cause; and he teaches the aforesaid doctrines to others.” (2). More concisely, he is accused of dabbling in natural philosophy (perhaps magic), of being a teacher who takes money from students but doesn’t teach “good” things, and of saying he is a wise man. The logic behind these accusations is simple: since so many people say he is “evil”, he must be guilty of such.

The Incidents Which Most Effectively Dramatize Pentheus's Blindness in "The Bacchae"

In The Bacchae, the author Euripides attempts to show the potentially negative consequences that await people who chose to not listen to reason, who refuse to open their narrow minds to the possibilities of other explanations and existences, and those that act before they think. Euripides does this through the character of Pentheus. Pentheus is “blind” to the truths in front of him, to the words of those who have more knowledge and reason than he, and most importantly, to the consequences of his actions and his own fate if he doesn’t open his eyes.