Music can be expressed in different ways for many people. Often today people simply listen to music without the context that composers put into their songs when they wrote them. I will compare the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and his Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, the first movement composed before 1721, and Once Upon Another Time written by Sara Bareilles which was written in 2012. Despite the different genre and period, these works There has quite a few similarities and differences that make both songs fascinating. Although they were written in different time periods, the two songs both contain important musical elements that I will compare and contrast. The first musical element I will compare and contrast is the rhythm of the two pieces. Rhythm is a very important aspect of music because it helps define the rhythm and overall structure of a piece. For example, in the first movement of the Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, the piece begins immediately with the sixteenth notes of the violin section. The sixteenth notes help move the piece forward, but due to the fast rhythm of the sixteenth notes, the rest of the orchestra, harp and flute play quarter notes and eighth notes while the violins play the sixteenth notes. This changes throughout the piece as each section has its section of sixteenth notes. Those who don't play sixteenth notes help those who do and help them keep a steady rhythm, but it helps everyone stay together and play as one. Compared to Once Upon Another Time by Sara Bareilles, this song uses different rhythms. Bareilles mainly uses quarter notes, eighth notes and half notes. The song begins immediately with an eighth note linked to a quarter note. This song includes many insults...... middle of paper ...... Bach's classic work and Bareilles' brilliant song was an enjoyable piece. The Brandenburg really takes the listener with it. With the three contrasting performances of flute, violin and especially harpsichord, the Brandenburg offers a pleasant listening experience. Additionally, Sara Bareilles Once Upon Another Time is also a delightful piece. The peaceful and relaxing tone takes you on a journey on a deep emotional path. The song highlights a beautiful singer in Bareilles. Both composers managed to create wonderful, similar and different compositions in a variety of musical elements. This just goes to show that no matter what time period a song is written in, they are all similar in one way or another. The musical elements chosen by Bach and Bareilles really helped to bring out their work of art allowing people to enjoy their compositions forever..