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 First Movement of the Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, composed before 1721, and Once Upon Another Time, written by Sara Bareilles, written in 2012. Despite the different genre and time period, these works have several similarities and differences that make both songs fascinating. Although they were written in different time periods, the two songs both have important musical elements that I will compare and contrast. The first musical element I will compare and contrast is the rhythm in the two pieces. Rhythm is a very important aspect of music because it helps establish the overall rhythm and structure of a song. For example, in the First Movement of the Brandenburg Concerto no. 5 the piece begins immediately with sixteenth notes of the violin section. The sixteenth notes help carry the piece forward, but due to the fast pace of the semiquavers, the rest of the orchestra, the harp, and the flute play fourths and eighths while the violins play sixteenths. This changes throughout the piece as each section has its own 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 as a whole to 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 immediately begins with an eighth note tied to a quarter note. This song includes a lot of insults... middle of paper... Bach's classic work and Bareilles' brilliant song was an enjoyable piece. Brandenburg really draws the listener in. With the three contrasting performances of the flute, the violin and especially the harpsichord, the Brandenburg offers a pleasant listening experience. Additionally, Once Upon Another Time by Sara Bareilles is also a delightful piece. The peaceful and soothing tone takes you on a journey along a deep emotional path. The song highlights a beautiful signee from Bareilles. The two composers were able to create wonderful similar and different compositions in a variety of musical elements. It just goes to show that no matter what time period a song was written, they are all similar in some way. The musical elements chosen by Bach and Bareilles truly helped their artwork stand out allowing people to enjoy their compositions forever.