I started writing this personal essay yesterday because of my heavy schedule & this will be the Personal Essay that I use for all Common App schools.... I feel like I've picked an extremely odd topic, something I hope will catch the reader's attention. Does it sound decent so far? Am I going in the wrong direction? The prompt says to choose a creative work, but I really don't understand how I can move away from the work and bring it all back to me.. Any suggestions would be deeply appreciated.. This is also just a few paragraphs; There is more to go..
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Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.
As I silently took my seat in the colossal concert hall, I could not help but feel a bit anxious about the upcoming concert. I observed hundreds of musicians who lined the stage in preparation for the ninety-minute performance of Gustav Mahler's Second Symphony and was suddenly awestruck by the true art of music. Up until that night, I had only heard the Austrian composer's Second Symphony through the speakers of my iPod and was understandably eager to experience a live performance of the piece. Little did I know, this work would have a profound impact on how I viewed music and mold me into the person that I am today.
I was introduced to the works of Gustav Mahler and to classical music in general quite unexpectedly. My parents began sending me to take formal piano lessons at the age of eleven, but it was not until I began studying under a college music professor that I became acquainted with the classical musical genre. I discovered that a mere acquaintance was not enough and I delved into the genre, quickly discovering the massive Second Symphony, also fittingly called the Resurrection Symphony, and falling in love with it's singular ability to keep me on the edge of my seat while creating an ephemeral listening experience.
Although the music may seem abstract, the influence it continues to have on me is astounding. Every time I sit down to listen to the piece, I find myself drifting into another dimension and forgetting the stresses of the day. The piece opens with a dark, tumultuous tremolo from the cellos and slowly blossoms into hope, which is assured when the solo soprano softly explains that "the loving God will give me a little light, which will light me into that eternal blissful life!" The final movement is, for me, the apotheosis of all finales. All of my doubts are put to rest after the chorus triumphantly proclaims, "that for which you suffered, to God will it lead you!"
Good job. Yes, the topic is certainly unusual, but this is good because it will distinguish you from the other applicants. You did reflect on how this piece influences you, but, I do think you should work on this relection a bit more. For example, include why this piece is so important to you, and why this particular piece has such a strong influence, otherwise, you're just talking about a piece of music that you enjoy. Neverthless, you're certainly headed in the right direction, and the essay is very beautiful to read. So, good job, and good luck. =)
Thanks so much for the reply. I figured I should reflect more on how the piece influences me as well, but after reading tons of essays that always had a "and this is how so-and-so taught me discipline (or humility, etc.), I was quite honestly confused and wondered if the admission officers would even understand what I was talking about.
Do you believe I'm supposed to include some life-altering event that this music has had on me? I feel as if the admission officers are expecting something life-altering...
Anyways, thanks again.
I observed hundreds of musicians who lined the stage in preparation for the ninety-minute performance of Gustav Mahler's Second Symphony, and was suddenly awestruck by the true art of music.
Little did I know, this work would have a profound impact on how I viewed music, and would also mold me into the person that I am today.
I was introduced to the works of Gustav Mahler and to classical music in general, quite unexpectedly.
My parents began sending me to formal piano lessons at the age of eleven, but it was not until I began studying under a college music professor that I became acquainted with the classical musical genre.
