Programs notes guides

What kind of info needed?

the composer

the work itself

the context of the work in both history and music history

how the piece will sound

how the performer interprets the work

Many people find it helpful to organize program notes into three sections*:

Brief introduction to the composer

Information about the work's historical context and the circumstances surrounding its
composition

Description of the work itself

Background info

When was the composer born? When did they die?

Where was the composer born?

For what is the composer best known?

What is the composer's most significant contribution to music history?

What other works did the composer write in the same/similar genre(s)?

When was the piece written?

What else was going on in the composer's life or in the world around him/her when they
were writing the piece?

Details

What are the movement names?

What form or musical structure is being used in this piece or movement? (e.g. sonata,
ABA form, etc.)

Is there any terminology or lingo that needs to be explained? (e.g. definition of

passacaglia or scherzo)

What should the audience member listen for in the piece or movement?

Its personal
You are the performer, and have therefore chosen a specific interpretation of the work. If it seems
appropriate, add some remarks about your personal experience with the piece. Sources you use
might include:
Your personal practice sessions
While you are practicing, think about and write down your personal ideas about the work. (e.g.
what you think of when you perform it, how you think of the structure, etc.)
Listening
If you haven't yet, listen to the piece, as this can give you a more objective view of the work.
Yes, you have to cite your sources. It's not as tough as you think though. Here are some helpful
rules about citing.
When you find your notes...
On the web:
Assess the authority of the person who wrote the program notes. If the person is some one you
know you can trust for accurate information, look for a "terms of use" statement or copyright
statement. This may tell you whether you may use or reproduce the information.
TIP: Check "fair use guidelines" (next box) to determine whether your use is acceptable,
regardless of what the "terms of use" or copyright states.
If you can't tell, don't know, or have no way to determine either of the above, find a different
reliable source!
On Oxford Music Online:
You must cite the article from which the material comes. Look for a small, orange rectangle at
the top right of each article. Clicking on it will give you the formatted citation. (both MLA and
Chicago/Turabian styles)
In an online composer bio:
You may use it if copyright permits. You must cite the website from which you obtained it. (Be
sure that it is an authoritative website about that composer first!)
TIP: Check "fair use guidelines" (next box) to determine whether your use is acceptable,
regardless of what the "terms of use" or copyright states.
In a recording's liner notes:

You must cite the author of the liner notes. If it is not given, cite the recording and indicate that
the information was taken from the liner notes.
In a score:
You must cite the author of the program notes, whether the composer or someone else. If a name
is not given, cite the score and indicate that the information was taken from the program notes.