You've been introduced to the performing art, that is, Bedrich Smetana's symphonic poem cycle called My Country. In this project, you'll be using the cycle’s beautiful second symphonic poem—The Moldau. All you have to do now is choose one of two paintings below and compare and contrast that painting with the music.

1. Choose a painting.
Study the paintings below by clicking on the links, and then choose the one you'd like to use for comparison with Smetana’s music.

Choice A: John Constable The Hay Wain

Choice B: J.M.W. Turner The Battle of Trafalgar

2. Listen to the symphonic poem.

Before you officially compare and contrast the music and the painting, you'll want to learn as much as you can about each of them. Take some time to research both the musical work and your chosen painting. As you research, take notes separately about them, including information in these areas:

the artist and the composer—what is special about them
subject—what the subject of each is
historical context—when and where they were created
significance of the works—why they were created
theme of the works—what each of the two works symbolizes, stands for, or means
prevalent emotion(s) of the works—what feeling(s) they communicate

Write an essay of no less than 350 words comparing and contrasting the two pieces. Include reference to the following items:

the title and artist of each piece
subject of each piece
historical context of each piece
significance of each piece
theme of each piece
emotion of each piece
your opinion on which piece is most effectively Romantic in style, and why you think so