Educ351genrereport Classical Music

Classical Music

Ashlee Holland and

Hannah Quirey

Timeline of Classical

Music• Medieval• Renaissance• Baroque• Classical• Early Romantic• Romantic• Modern

Medieval• Gregorian chant– is

monophonic--meaning music that consists of only one melodic line without accompaniment

• Gradually developed during the 11th to 13th centuries into organum

• Organum– two or three lines moving simultaneously but independently, therefore almost inadvertently representing the beginnings of harmony

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MbDqc3x97k

Renaissance• The rediscovery of ancient Greek ideals in the

Renaissance inspired many musicians to explore the eloquent possibilities of their art.

• New instruments were invented, including the clavichord and virginal and many existing instruments were improved.

• Composers were still almost entirely devoted to choral writing, and the few instrumental compositions which have survived often create the impression of being vocal works in disguise.

• Instrumental music came into its own for the first time, especially keyboard music in the form of fantasias, variations, and dance movements

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4j65-jHnnw&feature=PlayList&p=950927BE218CFE01&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=27

Clavichord

Virginal

Baroque• The foundations were laid for the following 300 or so years of musical expression

• The idea of the modern orchestra was born

•The rather soft-grained string family of the Renaissance was gradually replaced by the bolder violin, viola and cello, the harpsichord was invented, and important advances were made in all instrumental groups.

•Classical music began to work its way into society, being played outdoors at dinner parties or special functions

Baroque Period

• Bach had jobs such as working for a duke, working for a prince, and working at St. Thomas Church and the School in Leipzig Germany.

• Bach is known as “greatest geniuses in music history.”

• He was known for composing: organs, various instruments, orchestras, choirs, and concertos.

• March 21, 1685- July 28, 1750• A sample of his work:

http://www.classicsforkids.com/composers/bio.asp?id=2

Johann Sebastian Bach

Baroque Period

• He was a composer, a teacher, and a priest.

• He was known as the “Red Priest” because he had red hair.

• He is considered the “best Italian composer” of his era.

• He composed: concertos, operas, and church music.

• His most famous concertos is “The Four Seasons”.

• A sample of his work: http://www.classicsforkids.com/composers/bio.asp?id=61

Antonio Vivaldi

Classical• Introduction to sonata form. • Development of the modern

concerto, symphony, sonata, trio and quartet

• The late Baroque style was complex and ornate. The composers of the early Classical period changed direction, writing music that was much simpler in texture.

• One of the most important developments of the Classical period is the growth of the public concert.

• It was now possible for composers to survive without being the employee of one person or family. Composers started organizing concerts featuring their own music, and often attracted large audiences.

• The increasing popularity of the public concert had a strong impact on the growth of the orchestra

Classical Period

• During his lifetime he composed: operas, symphonies, concertos, masses and chamber music.

• January 27, 1756 – December 5, 1791

• A sample of his work: http://www.classicsforkids.com/composers/bio.asp?id=36

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Romantic

• Romanticism implies fantasy, spontaneity and sensuality.

• Classical music was expressive, but not so passionate.

• Beethoven who was in some ways responsible for igniting the flame of romanticism, always struggled to maintain that balance

• Musical story-telling became important, and not just in opera, but in "pure" instrumental music as well.

Romantic Period Cont.

• His works are beautiful in spite of his deafness.

• He is most famous for his nine symphonies.

• He composed: choral music, piano music, string quartets, and opera.

• December 16, 1770 - March 26, 1827

• A sample of his work: http://www.classicsforkids.com/composers/bio.asp?id=4

Ludwig van Beethoven

Romantic Period Cont.

• He had his first concert at only eight years old.

• He is known as the “greatest pianist “of his era.

• He died of tuberculosis.• March 1, 1810- October 17,

1849• A sample of his work:

http://www.classicsforkids.com/composers/bio.asp?id=13

Frederic Chopin

Modern• Technology has played a

increasingly important role in the development of 20th century music.

• Composers have used recording tape as a compositional tool

• Electronically generated sounds have been used both on their own and in combination with traditional instruments.

• More recently, computer technology has been used in a variety of ways, including manipulating the performance of instruments in real time.

Manheim SteamRoller

• Known for their Christmas albums but they also have a Halloween album too

• Pioneers of neo-classical electronic music, emerging as one of the driving forces behind the New Age phenomenon

• Composer Chip Davis

Classroom Activities

• Have children listen to the music and move/create any way they want to (Story, move around classroom, play instruments, dance, and artwork)

• Make your body match the music (ie. If the music is happy, make your body look happy, if the music is sad, make your body look sad)

• Highlight a composer by providing information and samples.

• Teach math by highlighting patterns in the music