QUESTION 1.          

Most candidates were unable to exhibit a thorough knowledge of balance in melody writing as well as form and modulation to the relative minor key. However, a few candidates made attempt to modulate but lack the adequate knowledge in their modulation. Also, some candidates notes were shapeless and wrongly directed. These wrong responses made the candidates to lose substantial marks.
            OR

(a) Set the text below to a suitable melody. Indicate the tempo, phrasing and dynamics marks. Credit will be given for originality of the composition and proper alignment of texts to the notes.

Rest, rest in perfect peace.
May your creator lead you.
We shall all follow suit,
Like grass that withers.
Most candidates were unable to set the given texts to a suitable melody.  Some candidates assigned two or more syllables to a single pitch, while some set the text without recognising their importance in the melody. These led to poor performance in the question.

(b) TWO PART WRITING

Add an independent flowing part below the given part.

Candidates recorded a slight improvement in the exercise of adding an independent part/voice to a given melody to form agreeable melodic/rhythmic contrast. They performed impressively well in this question.

 

Candidates’ performance in this part was also impressive. Although, some candidates showed poor understanding in the final cadential progression, phrase marks and alignment were poorly done. Some candidates who were unable to do this lost enormous marks.