Level 5 exemplar 1 -

Paper 1A (Listening) -
 Comments

This candidate exhibits excellent abilities in identifying music elements (e.g., chord, interval,
instrument, texture, etc.). For example, s/he scores full marks in melodic & rhythmic dictations. In
answering Question 3, s/he shows outstanding listening skills and effective writing in describing the
subtle musical happening (e.g., the changes in tonality and texture). The candidate demonstrates
comprehensive knowledge of the artistic qualities of diverse music genres and styles in connection
with various historical contexts. S/he uses good music terminology as well as coherent arguments to
convey an understanding of music. In many cases, s/he does not simply answer the question with
just a few key words, but a comprehensive sentence full of details.
Level 5 exemplar 2 -
Paper 1A (Listening) -
 Comments

This candidate exhibits outstanding listening skills in identifying and notating music elements, e.g.
by getting full marks in Question 1 and in melodic & rhythmic dictations. His/her answers to
Question 3 were wide-ranging, demonstrating excellent ability in describing the music using the
right terminology. Paying attention to the subtle changes in musical happenings, this candidate
shows comprehensive knowledge of the artistic qualities of diverse music genres and styles in
connection with various historical contexts. Some of his/her answers to Question 5 were also
thoughtful.
Level 5 exemplar 1 -
Paper 1B (Listening) -
 Comments

This candidate exhibits outstanding listening skills in identifying and notating musical elements. For
example, s/he scored full marks in ding-ban notation and melodic dictation. S/he demonstrates
comprehensive knowledge of the compositional devices and artistic qualities of music of different
genres and styles, e.g. ornamentation in Jiangnan Sizhu, banghuang type in Cantonese operatic
music, singing manner in pop songs, etc. S/he uses sophisticated music terminology and coherent
arguments to convey an understanding of music. But the term pitch bending in the answers of
Questions 6a & 7c could have been replaced by something more specific.
Level 5 exemplar 2 -
Paper 1B (Listening) -
 Comments

This candidate exhibits excellent ability in identifying such musical elements as instruments,
playing techniques, texture, rhythmic themes, phrase structure, and intervals. S/he demonstrates
comprehensive knowledge of the compositional devices and artistic qualities of music of different
genres in connection with the given cultural contexts, e.g. sectional structure, type of shuobai, and
important scriptwriters of Cantonese operatic music. S/he uses effective music terminology to
convey an understanding of music effectively, e.g., alternations and variations in phrase structure,
amplified guitar, open hi-hat, etc.
 Level 5 exemplar 1 Paper 2

Comments

PiecesPerformed:
1. Cello Sonata No. 3 in A minor, RV43 byA.Vivaldi
2. Allegro Appassionato Op. 43byC.SaintSans
3. With Miriam by the River byGavinBryars

Ensemble:
Cello&piano

Instrument:
Cello

1. Showedoutstandingawarenessofensembleship.
2. Demonstratedexcellenttechnique,whichwaswellsuitedtothemusic.

3. Providedanoutstandingandfluidperformancedisplayingoutstandingstylisticinterpretationofacaptivating
repertoireofwiderangingstyles.
4. Gaveaperformanceshowingsensitiveexpressionandeffectivecommunication.

Note:
The videos uploaded have been edited for public viewing. They do not serve as an example of video formatting.
Any videos of examination performances submitted by schools must be in their original form, without any post-recording
editing such as changes to the sound or video track.
Level 5 exemplar 2 Paper 2

Comments

PiecesPerformed:
1. Concert Piece No. 2 in D minor, Op. 114 byF.Mendelssohn
2. Sonata for two clarinets, movements i &iiibyF.Poulenc

Ensemble:
1Twoclarinetsandpiano

2Twoclarinets

Instrument:
1ClarinetI
2ClarinetinA

1. Showedoutstandingawarenessofensembleship.

2. Demonstratedexcellenttechnique,whichwaswellsuitedtothemusic.

3. Providedanoutstanding,fluidandstylisticperformance.

4. Gaveamusicalperformancedisplayingsoundmusicalunderstanding,sensitiveexpression,andeffective

communication.

Note:
The videos uploaded have been edited for public viewing. They do not serve as an example of video formatting.
Any videos of examination performances submitted by schools must be in their original form, without any post-recording
editing such as changes to the sound or video track.
Level 5 exemplar 1 Paper 3
 Comments

Fantasia for Woodwind Quintet

This piece exhibits originality and innovation in the presentation of musical ideas with a strong
sense of purpose. In this quintet setting, each part is given the opportunity to carry the thematic
materials in a stylistic and idiomatic manner. The candidate uses outstanding developmental
processes to extend and connect the musical ideas, and shows a wide range of compositional
techniques. There is a convincing formal coherence, with interesting changes in tonality and
tempo. All notes are carefully notated with sufficient indications of articulation and expression.
The writing successfully explores the characteristics and potential of the performing medium,
e.g. flute harmonics in bars 92-94.
Level 5 exemplar 2 Paper 3
 Comments

Lumire Noire

This piece displays excellent idiomatic writing for the piano, including full pitch range,
chordal writing with a variety in spacing, effective single-line figurations, etc. The music
shows a wide range of compositional techniques, including the use of dynamic contrast and
register changes to shape the form. With a strong sense of purpose and structural coherence,
this piece exhibits originality in the presentation and development of musical ideas. For
example, bars 31-60 repeat the opening 30 bars in a creative way. The notation represents
the intended music very effectively, although it would be even better if the size of the notes
were enlarged (by reducing the space between staves).