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The State University Academic Integrity Code Essay

Decent Essays

“I pledge on my honor that I have not violated the Appalachian State University Academic Integrity Code.” Each of the following excerpts, Act 2, Scene 2 from Siegfried by Richard Wagner, “Habanera” from Carmen (Act I, Scene 5) by Georges Bizet, and “Non So Piu Cosa Son” from The Marriage of Figaro (Act I, scene 4) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, present many different reflections of gender and gender stereotypes. In this short essay, I will address how each piece uniquely reflects gender, by discussing elements such as character dress, orchestral accompaniment, timbre, and body language. In “Habanera,” the main character is a woman named Carmen who is portrayed as an exotic seductress. The orchestra begins playing a hypnotic rhythm softly, and keeps the soft dynamic throughout the song. The orchestra is composed of strings, delicate chimes, and a tambourine. The softness in tone, and the choice of instruments show how feminine gender is being reflected through the music. Woodwinds and strings, symbolize softness and gentleness, in songs. Women have stereotypically been considered gentle and nurturing throughout history. The orchestra follows Carmen’s melody, while never overpowering the sound of her voice. The timbre of Carmen’s voice is full, but also delicate. She reaches high pitches, falling slowly down to the bottom of the scale, like a feather that is floating to the ground. In addition, Carmen’s body language also reflects her femininity. She takes gliding steps across

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