Baroque Classical Romantic Late Romantic

Modern/Contemporay/20th -21st Century

Vivaldi1678 – 1741View United Streaming.com

The Four Seasons- Springhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJQgt-nKHOU

HaydnView United Streaming.com

-Symphony No. 94- (Surprise)-Mvt.2http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLjwkamp3lI

Gioachino Rossini1792 - 1868 -William Tell Overture- Theme 1http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n52_yLz2hs

- William Tell Overture- Theme 2, Trumpet Fanfare http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83H8sXt_p_s&feature=related

Giacomo Puccini

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr5vpHtJIlg

DebussyClair de lune http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LXl4y6D-QI

BachView United Streaming.com

-Toccata and Fugue in D minor- Theme 1http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FXoyr_FyFw

-Toccata and Fugue in D minor- Theme 2

BoccheriniView United Streaming.com

String Quartet, Op. 13, No.4- Minuet

Felix Mendelssohn1805 - 1847 -A Midsummer Night’s Dream- Wedding March http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0wmzoHd6yo

Ralph Vaughan Williams1872 - 1958 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y7nJL1hpUU

RachmaninoffPiano Concerto No. 2 – Movement 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_6niD3DvW0

HandelView United Streaming.com

-Water Music-Alla Hornpipehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkk9VFr8fEM

-The Messiah-Hallelujah Chorus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usfiAsWR4qU

MozartView United Streaming.com

-Piano Concerto No. 21- Mvt.2http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df-eLzao63I&feature=related

-Symphony No. 40- Mvt. 1http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l45DAuXYSIs&feature=related

Frederic Chopin1810 - 1849 Grande valse brillantehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2r7skqSkNM

John Philip Sousa1854 - 1932

-The Stars and Stripes Forever http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9ePaETGQZ0

-Semper Fidelis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--SVyKdx8u0

Georg Philipp TelemannView United Streaming.com

1681 - 1767 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5ly3gPFags

BeethovenView United Streaming.com

-Symphony No. 5 Mvt. 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6K_IuBsRM4

- Symphony No. 9 Mvt. 4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcXGw5CHBYU

Robert Schumann1810 - 1856 The Happy Farmer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKmpQjjQOBA

Clara Schumann1819 – 1896 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bANWdzQPchQ

ElgarPomp and Circumstance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moL4MkJ-aLk

SchubertView United Streaming.com

- Symphony No. 8 (Unfinished) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m33pGwho4-I&feature=related

-Piano Quintet in A (The

Gounnod

Funeral March of a Marionette http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eIk5DWUx_E

Benjamin Britten1913 - 1976 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kR9nDnyIhAU

Trout) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrFqQRcqdJQ

StraussThe Blue Danube Waltz http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC2ms7NB_es&feature=related

Antonin Dvorak1841 – 1904http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yctfXIqugXc

Baroque Classical Romantic Late Romantic

Modern

BrahmsLullaby http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t894eGoymio

Charles Ives1874 - 1954 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbArUJBRRJ0&feature=related

Saint-SaensDanse macabre http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyknBTm_YyM

Zoltán Kodály1882 - 1967 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRi1GDoaQu4

Georges Bizet1838 - 1875 Carmen- Habanera http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=whFUUFo1eXQ

Carmen- Toreador http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DNGMoMNLRY

Igor Stravinsky1882 - 1971 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tGA6bpscj8

Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky1840 - 1893 Swan Lake- Theme1 – Waltz http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S76CGGPqI3s&feature=related

Swan Lake- Theme 2

Leonard Bernstein1918 -,1990 http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=ogJFXqYEYd8

Antonin Dvorak1841 – 1904- Symphony No. 9 (New World) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSSVSOhGMq8

William Grant Still1895 - 1978 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6UWuUVAcHg&playnext=1&list=PL2EC78CBFDFC0E188

Edvard Grieg1843 - 1907 -Peer Gynt Suite-Morning http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH1JMdWpJ54

- Peer Gynt Suite-Solveig’s Song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii2Adi2iFRM&feature=related

- Peer Gynt Suite- In The Hall of the Mountain King http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrIYT-MrVaI&feature=related

Sergei Prokofiev1891 - 1953 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctsWdUaHsHM

Modest Mussorgsky1839 - 1881 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8Ca_edg6RE

Aaron Copeland1900 -, 1990 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzf0rvQa4Mc

Franz Schubert1797 - 1828 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY0-

VNKgLaU

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov1844 - 1908 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_pkRH2DZuw

John Philip Sousa1854 - 1932 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOCxegQupMU

Music Curriculum

You will be studying music theory (Music theory is the study of how music works. It examines the language and notation of music. It seeks to identify patterns and structures in composers' techniques, across or within genres, styles, or historical periods. In a grand sense, music theory distills and analyzes the fundamental parameters or elements of music—rhythm, harmony (harmonic function), melody, structure, form, texture, etc.)

You will learn about famous music composers.

You will learn about the different time periods for music: Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic Modern (20th Century)

Most of instruction is taken from Themes To Remember by Marjorie Kiel Persons

Lesson Plans:

Week 1A: A. Discuss “What is Music”? Go to website and listen to the video.What is music? http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=2594CE50-46ED-4E3B-8593-4EA586AFA5F5&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US B. Was their Music in the Bible? Go to the website and read the article on page 4-5 (Go to Music In the Bible: http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt19/vt08aj.pdf C. Discuss the following 2 articles:

Did you realize the Bible is loaded with music? From the angels being created with musical abilities and singing at the creation of the earth (see Ezekiel 28:13-14; Job 38:7) to the song of the Lamb of God (Revelation 15:3), the Bible is chock-full of music and musical references from cover to cover.

Early in human history, Jubal in Genesis 4:21 is described as the father of those playing the harp and flute. Many years later, in Genesis 31:27, when Laban spoke with his son-in-law Jacob, he said Jacob should not have left secretly but should have allowed Laban to send him away with a musical celebration. He specifically mentions songs along with two musical instruments—the timbrel and harp. Obviously, in the ancient Middle East music was a part of celebrations. That is also true in many cultures today. Further study of the Bible reveals that music was used as an emotional expression of appreciation and thanks to God. When an unusual or significant event occurred, it was quite common for people to compose and sing songs praising and thanking God for His blessing.An example of this is found in Exodus 15. After leaving Egypt as the direct result of God having sent plagues on the Egyptians, ancient Israel found itself in the frightening position of being trapped by mountains on both sides of them, the Red Sea in front of them and the army of Egypt closing in behind them. God then miraculously parted the Red Sea and dried the sea bottom, allowing Israel to walk to the other side. When the Egyptians went down into the sea in pursuit, God allowed the walls of water to slam back together, drowning the Egyptian army (Exodus 14:9-12, 21-23, 28-30).

Moses and the Israelites singExodus 15 records the song Moses and the Israelites sang praising God’s merciful deliverance (verses 1-18). Then Miriam, Moses’ sister, and the women also played, sang and danced in jubilation—apparently singing a companion song that complemented the words of Moses’ song (verses 20-21). A few centuries later, after the Israelites settled in the land God promised them, King David appointed a group of 4,000 men from the 38,000 of the tribe of Levi (so just over 10 percent of the Levites) to serve in the temple as full-time professional musicians (1 Chronicles 6:31-33 and 23:3-6). Their job included singing songs of praise to God in formal worship services. The whole book of Psalms (the longest book in the Bible) seems to be a kind of national hymnal, with many psalms bearing David’s name as the composer. Music was highly regarded in the Old Testament. Besides poetry, it is the main art form that seems to have been cultivated to any extent in ancient Israel. Perhaps it is because the second of the Ten Commandments prohibits making any likeness or graven image as a religious object. The other nations of the ancient world were steeped in the use of ornate paintings, carvings and sculptures in the worship of their gods. God’s people were to avoid those and therefore focused on the powerful emotional impact of words—written, spoken and sung.

Jesus and His disciples sing

The New Testament continues this rich heritage. After inaugurating the symbols of the New Testament Passover on the night before His betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn at the conclusion of the Passover service (Matthew 26:30). The apostle Paul later wrote to the Christians at Colosse that the teachings of Christ should be deeply treasured as they taught and counseled each other in word and song. He spoke of “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Colossians 3:16)—all of which indicate the use of music in joyous worship of God. Completing the New Testament, the book of Revelation describes numerous scenes that include the use of songs in worship and praise of God in heaven. This includes the singing of a new song by the 144,000 who areredeemed from the earth to the accompaniment of harps (Revelation 14:1-3). Clearly God gives His approval of music as an appropriate means of expression—whether in everyday life or in worship of Him. However, like many other aspects of human existence, music can be misused. Be sure to read the other articles in this issue for some helpful insights on the right and wrong use of this powerful art form.

What’s Legal & Christian in Sharing Music?

Suzy has a great ear for music and wanted a CD of the greatest hits of Johnny Cash. She had a filesharing program and was beginning to download the songs when her bookish 12-year-old-sister Jane asked her what she was doing. Jane informed Suzy that this is a copyright violation and that she could get into a lot of trouble.Suzy told her that no one was going to worry about a senior in high school. Jane wasn’t so sure about that. She told Suzy that over 20,000 people have been sued by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for file sharing and that the RIAA recently went after a single mother to the tune of $222,000 for sharing 24 songs. Why do they care so much about a few songs? The issue here is that these songs are the propertyof the artists who wrote and/or performed them. These artists have a copyright to their intellectualproperty that gives them the right to choose who may copy the work or perform it publicly. If others copy a song through file sharing, the artist does not receive a royalty (money) for that use of his work. For every artist at the top of the Billboard music charts, there are many people behind the scenes who wouldn’t get their allotted share as well, including songwriters, sound engineers and label employees who help create those hits. The law varies from country to country regarding the legality of downloading and uploading of copyright-protected songs. (For example, in the United States it is illegal to download or upload; in Canada it is only illegal to upload.) The case Jane mentioned above was decided in Duluth, Minnesota, and marks the first case of itskind to go to court (Capitol Records v. Jammie Thomas). Others have been settled out of court. The possibility of being sued over file sharing should not be the principal consideration for vertical thinkers. Our main concern should be to follow God—including His directives that we not steal, that we treat others as we would have them treat us and that we follow the law of the land in which we live whenever it does not violate God’s will (Exodus 20:15; Luke 6:31; Romans 13:1-7).

It’s wrong to take what doesn’t belong to us without permission, whether it be from a small shopkeeper or a billionaire entertainer. Our standard should be that found in God’s Word. Beyond just telling us not to steal, Philippians 2:4 positively tells us, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”–Brendan Babcock, patent attorney

Week 1B:C. Was their music in the Stone Age and early civilization? (Go to Music in the Stone Age: http://homepage.eircom.net/~bronzeagehorns/stoneage.html Also go to this website to find out more about Stone Age instruments: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/25/science/25flute.html D. Discuss that most of Music History lists the first musical era as the Medieval Era. (Go to this website http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=E296BF04-178A-4E26-A3A6-08DDD616135A&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US Also go to this website, read and do activity Sheet: http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=E296BF04-178A-4E26-A3A6-08DDD616135A&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US

Week 2: A. Discuss that there are different eras (or time periods) of music: Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern or 20th Century Music.B. Discuss Middle Ages: http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/eras/medieval.html and Renaissance http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/eras/renaissance.html

The Music of the Church

Music was an integral part of Christian worship. The daily liturgy provided innumerable texts, all set to music in the style we call Gregorian chant.

The church served as an important patron of the arts, specifically of music Throughout the period, the majority of composers were associated with and supported by the church.

The Beginning of Musical Notation As in many non-Western cultures, music in early medieval Europe did not have a system of notation. It was not until perhaps the ninth

century that a basic system of notation was developed. Notating music was a difficult and time-consuming process. It was only in the cathedrals and monasteries that such work could be done on

a regular basis. Therefore, nearly all the music preserved (until the twelfth century) was written for the church. The advent of notation also produced a markedly stable body of music, one of the features of Western musical culture.

» One of the biggest developments of the Middle Ages was the evolvement of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire.

» Christianity also rose as the central force that united Europe during the Middle Ages as the Roman Empire fell.

» One of the most popular branches of music during the Middle Ages was the music of the church.

» Gregorian chants: SEE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dlr90NLDp-0 a collection of chants formulated by Pope Gregory during the 600's; Was a Roman form of early plain chants; Pope Gregory also founded the Schola Cantorum in Rome.

» Trouvere (SEE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo-7bT5xMmE) and Troubador music (SEE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Bf1bFOf4Gg&feature=related ) began in France in 1125; Trouvere and Troubador music was classified as secular, or non religious, music by church officials.

» People during the Middle ages would discover the current situation of their world through Troubador & Trouvere music.

» In 1200, songs known as Carmina Burana (See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNWpZ-Y_KvU ) were collected; Carmina Burana songs were associated with wandering scholars.

Styles:» Monophonic Style: SEE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKtyZwtrTCQ  - Music that is compiled with just one musical line without an instrumental accompaniment.  - The Monophonic Style was an important part of church services during the middle ages.  - An example of the Monophonic Style was the Gregorian Chant.

» Polyphonic Style: See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IISPMk3hiEc - Music where two or more lines in a melody are listened to in a harmonious manner.  - Authors of the Polyphonic Style of music were usually listed as anonymous.  - Did not exist in records until the 11th century.

Composers:

Anonymous http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/composer/anonymous.html

Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/composer/hildegard.htmlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJEfyZSvg5c

Moniot d'Arras (fl.1213-1239) http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/composer/moniot.htmlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66e50dXBT0M

Guillaume de Machaut (c.1300-1377) http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/composer/machaut.htmlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U7mPwGx7Ls

Week 3:

See http://library.thinkquest.org/C005356/index2.htm then go to “Music”

MUSICAL STYLE

The composers of the Renaissance concerned themselves with three different areas of music: Sacred music: Composers continued to work with the older forms such as the motet and Mass. It is

in this music that we find the clearest international style. Secular music: Composers created new forms that reflected national trends, such as the Italian

madrigal and the French chanson. Instrumental music: The rise of music printing encouraged the spread of instrumental music for

amateurs, and more specific types emerged.

All three types of music share many musical features: The use of four-voice choirs or groups of like-sounding instruments (consorts) Imitative or homorhythmic textures (often alternating within a single piece). Smooth, gentle rhythms. Melodies with balanced phrases. Harmonies that use full triads. Vocal forms tied to structure of texts. Dances based on simple binary forms.

Renaissance COMPOSERS AND LISTENING EXAMPLES

Guillaume Du Fay (1397-1474) http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/composer/dufay.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-25R_SaDao

Josquin Desprez (c.1440-1521) http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/composer/josquin.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUAgAF4Khmg

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c.1525-1594) http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/composer/palestrina.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikTZWZRTlpE

John Farmer (fl.1591-1601) http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/composer/farmer.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIcN95ouZPQ

Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/composer/monteverdi.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z-hq8l2LM8

Week 4: (Understanding Music Theory)A. Discuss rhythm SEE http://www.classicsforkids.com/games/rhythm/rhythm.html

1.Rhythm is a series of beats that you can hear when you listen to music.2. Rhythm is in all of the patterned noises you hear each day.3. Beethovan’s Symphonies #3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDGPb86o1FAand #9 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAOTCtW9v0M

B. Do “Rhythm” worksheets

Week 5:A. Review “Rhythm” B. Discuss Staff and Clefs SEE http://www.musictheory.net/lessons/10

1. Staff= A staff is composed of the five lines upon which music is written.2. Clefs= The G Clef is also known as the Treble Clef and the F Clef is also know as the Bass Clef.  The Clef helps the musician to tell what Pitch a note should be.  Click below to see what the symbols look like and to learn more about Clefs.3. Discuss the Treble or G Clef4. Discuss the Grand Staff5. Discuss the Bass or F Clef6. B. Discuss that there are different eras (or time periods) of music: Middle Ages,

Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern or 20th Century Music.

Week 6:A. Review “Rhythm”, “Staff and Clefs”B. Review that there are different eras (or time periods) of music: Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern or 20th Century Music

C. ReviewMiddle Ages: http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/eras/medieval.html and Renaissance http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/eras/renaissance.html

D. Discuss the 4 main themes we will focus on: Baroque: See http://www.classicsforkids.com/shows/contentplayer_frame.asp?ID=Baroque&Title=Baroque+Music

Classical: See http://www.classicsforkids.com/shows/genre_classical.asp Romantic: See http://www.classicsforkids.com/shows/genre_romantic.asp Modern: See http://library.thinkquest.org/15413/history/history-mod-trends.htm E. Write the following 4 types of Music Themes in your Music Notebook Four Types of Themes: Baroque: (c.1600-1750) Vivaldi, Bach, Handel

Classical: (1750-1820) Haydn, Boccherini, Mozart, Beethoven, SchubertRomantic: (1820-1900) Rossini, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, Gounod, StraussModern: (1900-Present) Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Sousa, Elgar

Week 7:A. Discuss Pitches, Note/Rest Values, and Meter See http://www.classicsforkids.com/terms/categories.asp?id=Notes%20and%20sheet%20music

B. Look up the meaning of the following terms at the link above and write them in your Music Dictionary.1. Discuss Pitches (the highness or lowness of a musical tone) See http://neilhawes.com/sstheory/theory24.htm

2. Discuss Note Values (whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth)3. Discuss Meter See http://www.musictheory.net/lessons/154. Discuss Rest Values (whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth) SEE http://www.musictheory.net/lessons/135. Discuss terms: staff, measure, bar line, double bar, clef, time signature, tempo marking, repeat sign.6. Can you name that note? http://www.musictheory.net/exercises/note

B. Review that there are different eras (or time periods) of music: Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern or 20th Century Music C. Discuss the different sounds or characteristics of each era and show examples: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern

Week 8:A. Dynamics See http://neilhawes.com/sstheory/theory41.htmB. Discuss: accelerando, adagio, andante, con brio, diminuendo, forte, legato, mezzo-forte, moderato,

piano, ritardando, vivace1. Do “Word Find” Worksheet

C. Play a theory game: http://www.quia.com/cb/50273.html

D. Review the different sounds of the 4 eras: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern

Week 9:A. Discuss Baroque and explain what it is.

Baroque Period c.1600-1750 Vivaldi, Antonio (1678-1741)Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685-1750)Handel, George Frideric (1685-1759)

In the Baroque Period, music was written mainly for church or for royalty. The Baroque era was the beginning of almost all of the musical styles up to the present. It is the period that paved the way for all alter classical music.

Bach wrote principally for the church. Handel also wrote for the church but some of his greatest works were written for the theater (operas and oratorios) and for royalty, especially King George I and King George II of England. King George I liked to go barge-riding on the Thames (temz) River that flows through London. He also liked to dance gavottes and minuets. King George II enjoyed celebrations and watching fireworks that go out of hand!

Baroque music takes a them or melody and interweaves it in repeated layers. You can think of it as three or four people singing a round (like Brother John) many times with many variations.

Music in the Baroque Period had many frills and fancy ornaments. In music that means things like trills and grace notes. Music was ornate like the Baroque architecture. During this period the violin family reached its highest development and the violin became the queen of instruments.

Notice that the composers in the Baroque Period wore big wigs. The peasants and poor people could not afford the wigs, so those who could afford them became known as the “Big Wigs”- people who were considered more important than people with less money. Some men even used powder on their wigs, or plaster of Paris to hold it in place. (Perhaps that was the first hair spray!) In England some judges, bishops, and men in parliament still wear big wigs. Every time you see a composer with a big wig, you can be quite sure that he composed during the Baroque Period.

Definitions:Opera= a musical play with orchestra, chorus, solos, and people in costume who sing rather than speak their lines.Oratorio= a musical story, usually from the Bible, with soloists, chorus and orchestra, but without costumes, action or scenery.Trill= a quick repeating of two adjacent notesGrace Note= an extra note played very quickly before the main note

C. Discuss the 4 main composers of the Baroque era: Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, Telemann

Vivaldi1678 – 1741View United Streaming.com

The Four Seasons- Springhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJQgt-nKHOU

HandelView United Streaming.com

-Water Music-Alla Hornpipehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkk9VFr8fEM

-The Messiah-Hallelujah Chorus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usfiAsWR4qU

Week 10: Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)

A. Review Baroque and explain what it is. B. Introduce Vivaldi and his music. The Four Seasons- Spring http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJQgt-nKHOU C. Read and complete the activity sheet below and put it in your Music NotebookAntonio Vivaldi“Spring” from The Four Seasons

http://www.classicsforkids.com/activitysheets/April2008.pdf

The Four Seasons- Springhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJQgt-nKHOU

Quick Notes:A. Bright red hairB. Became a priest and called “The Red Priest”C. Virtuoso ViolinistD. Taught violin in a girls’ school and composed music/concerts for themE. He developed the concerto form we know todayF. He always used the same pattern for the three movements: Fast – Slow – FastG. Composers usually used the Italian words: Allegro—Adagio – AllegroH. The Four Seasons is his most famous composition.I. He composed a concerto for violin and orchestra for each of the four seasons.J. The main theme from the first movement of Spring is allegro.K. He published a sonnet (poem) in Italian to go with each concerto to explain the music.L. For the first movement of Spring, he explains that springs has arrived and the birds are singing. The brook

murmurs and soft breezes blow. Then thunder and lightning bring a shower. The shower is soon over and the birds begin to sing again.

BachView United Streaming.com

-Toccata and Fugue in D minor- Theme 1http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FXoyr_FyFw

-Toccata and Fugue in D minor- Theme 2

Georg Philipp TelemannView United Streaming.com

1681 - 1767 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5ly3gPFags

Definitions:Virtuoso: A performer who excels on his or her musical instrument

Week 11: A. Review Baroque and explain what it is. B. Introduce Bach and his music. C. Hear about Bach http://www.classicsforkids.com/shows/showdesc.asp?id=31, Then listen to his music, and then take the quiz.

Johann Sebastian BachToccata and Fugue in D minor- Theme 1 and Theme 2

Quick Notes:A. Many consider Back the greatest musician ever lived and his family the greatest musical family.B. He wrote more music than most composers ever think of writing.C. He had more than 20 children. (Several began accomplished musicians and composers)D. In Germany, where Bach was born, the name Bach was the same as “musician”.E. Before he was 10, his parent died and he went to live with an older brother.F. The brother taught him to play the clavichord, an instrument much like the piano. See

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzYcNY8tDCcG. When his brother refused to let him use a book with difficult music, he secretly took the book and copied it

by the moonlight.H. He played many instrument but was known as a superb organist (one of the greatest ever).I. He was not appreciated as a great composer until a century after his death.J. He also improvised a lot of music that was never written down. K. He composed choral, organ and instrumental music primarily for the church.L. Some of his greatest music was written for the organ like The Toccata and Fugue in D Minor.M. Toccata comes from an Italian word that means to touch. In a Toccata they are touched very quickly.N. A fugue is similar to a round in singing. An organist playing a fugue often has the them going in both

hands and fee simultaneously. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6clTa8_QYQEO. A composition written in a minor key will usually sound sad or spooky (as the above fugue did) The Toccata and Fugue in D Minor is heard in Fantasia and Phantom of the Opera. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FXoyr_FyFw also see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSImIdnw3W0

Definitions:Toccata: keyboard composition played (touched) very fast See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd_oIFy1mxM Fugue: like a round written for instruments See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKRj-T4l-e8 Sonata: a composition for one or two solo performers. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQVeaIHWWck Prelude: Introductory music; to play beforehand See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6yuR8efotI Cantata: composition for voices, usually churchesMinuet: Courtly dance music in three beats. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on1DDSLdDOo Gavotte: peasant dance music in three beats See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGfykyQ0_SoLottas: not a word: but you know what I mean!

Week 12: A. Review Baroque and explain what it is. B. Introduce Handel and his music.

George Frideric Handel

George Handel “Hornpipe” from Water Music

http://www.classicsforkids.com/activitysheets/June2008.pdf

Water Music- Alla Hornpipe

The Messiah-Hallelujah Chorus

The Messiah- He Shall Feed His Flock

Royal Fireworks Music- Overture

Royal Fireworks Music- Minuet

Royal Fireworks Music- La Paix

Quick Notes:A. Born in Germany the same year as Bach.B. His father hoped he be a lawyer but finally let him study music because of his talent.C. He studies organ, harpsichord (See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71x4MSlpGUk), violin, and oboe

(See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V_hWBRZKuk and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVbT8XQkJx8D. By 11 he was composing he own sonatas and church services.E. Traveled to Italy to learn about opera and to study the music of Vivaldi and Corelli (See

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8Y4GsNSVhY)F. After 3 years in Italy he traveled to England and while there Queen Ann died (See

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAh1K3BPh30&NR=1)G. Because there was no heir to her throne, the English people looked for her cousin, George I but he did not

speak English but German where he lived.H. Handel spoke German and had worked for George I when he lived in Germany and happy to serve George I

again.I. King George I loved Handel’s music and asked him to compose special music for a royal water pageant

down the Thames River in London. The king’s party enjoyed the festivities on the royal barge while Handel and his orchestra played the Water Music from a barge that floated nearby. He liked Handel’s music so much that he had it played 3 times.

J. Handel wrote many operas and oratorios (See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnGmUCdEF2g) The Messiah is his most famous oratorio and composed in 23 days. Solo singer, chorus and orchestra tell the story of Christ. All words are taken from the Bible.

K. Music for the Royal Fireworks (See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXjY6w1KQMo) was written for King George II to celebrate the peace treaty that ended the War of the Austrian Succession (See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_-RQ6TJI_8). There were feasts and balls, and a huge celebration in London with great fireworks and music. They had great music but the scaffold for the fireworks caught on fire, everyone panicked and nobody heard the rest of the music.

L. The Royal Fireworks Music is one of Handel’s best-loved works.

Week 13: A. Review Baroque and explain what it is. B. Introduce Telemann and his music. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yti075yn-6I See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpAQMyUMi4E See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5ly3gPFags

D. Review the Baroque EraE. Discuss the Other Good Listening From the Baroque Period

OTHER GOOD LISTENING FROM THE BAROQUE PERIOD

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons See Spring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4kTei0XrCs See Summer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es9RgQGw3Gk&feature=related

See Fall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC2ruXauBGk&feature=fvst See Winter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGdFHJXciAQ&feature=related

Concerto for Two Trumpets in C Major See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKCQDVy9CpkCello Concertos See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_XyYN87e6YFlute Concertos (James Galway) See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2v20FAxZksGuitar and Mandolin Concertos See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StNAG4gCIxY

Bach: Brandenburg Concertos – 1 thru 6Goldberg Variations See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7LWANJFHEsOrgan Concertos See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8bg26h0B7YToccata and Fugue in Dm

Handel: The Messiah (Hallelujah See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76RrdwElnTU)Water Music Suite See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOoiuMYc5WcMusic for the Royal FireworksOrgan ConcertosTrio Sonatas

Week 14: A. Discuss the Classical era and explain what it is. B. Introduce Classical era.

Classical Period (1750-1820)

Haydn, Franz Joseph 1732-1809Boccherini, Luigi 1743-1805Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus 1756-1791Beethoven, Ludwig van 1770-1827Schubert, Franz 1797-1828

Classical can be a confusing word. It refers to both a period of time and to a style of composition. In addition, all serious music by great composers is called classical music.

Classical Period- the 1750 to 1820 musical period. Notice that Forte has a stern expression. This is the Age of Reason, sometimes called the Enlightenment. There are many rules to follow. Reason is more important than emotion.

Classical Style- the style of music in the Classical Period.

Classical Music- refers to music that is more complex and lasts longer than popular music. It is not just music from the Classical period. It includes music from four different periods: the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern. Each period has its own musical style. Music, art and literature reflect the period in which they are produced.

The Classical Period was a time of change in ideas and feelings. Americans won their independence from England, and the social order in France was overthrown. In art, music, and literature the people wanted a return to the simple beauties of nature and to clear thinking instead of fantasy. They were tired of the ornate Baroque Style. There were very few prominent composers in the Classical Period.

Music in the Classical Period was written for the rich upper classes, the aristocracy, rather than for the church. The nobleman wanted to hear music that was more reserved, controlled, elegant and tuneful than the Baroque style. There were rules about the form of the music and how the themes were to be developed. Rather than having themes interwoven, the soprano line (the highest-pitched melody) dominated the composition.

Classical Period music featured contrast. The dynamics shifted frequently between piano and forte. One finds wide-ranging melodies with wide spaces between the bass and soprano. There is contrast in mood even within a movement. This is very different from the Baroque Period music, which was based on the idea of unity by repeating a motive or a fugue subject over a long harmonic plan with fewer dynamic contrasts or wide register spaces.

DefinitionsForm: form in music means a musical plan similar to an outline for a book. Forms were well defined in the Classical Periods. We will consider only the outline form of the music, not the form within the movements of the music.Sonata, string quartet, symphony and concerto: were the prominent forms in the Classical Period. Sonata: composition for only one or two instruments. Usually three movements: Fast Slow FastString Quartet: composition for two violins, viola and cello. Usually four movements: Fast Flow Minuet FastSymphony: composition for a full orchestra. Usually four movements Fast Slow Minuet Fast

It can also refer to the type of orchestra such as a symphony orchestra.Concerto: composition for a full orchestra featuring a solo instrument. Usually three movements: Fast Slow FastMovement: a distinct part of a musical composition, like a chapter in a book. The musicians usually stop completely between movements. Don’t clap until the end of the movement!There are more Fast than Slow movements usually because people get bored sooner with slow things but we still want the contrast or change because also get bored if everything is fast. The classical composers worked out a balance. About the time you get tired of the Fast movement, they change to the Slow movement and give our minds a rest. Then they wake us up again with a Fast movement.

Movements of a Symphony:Movement One= FastMovement Two= SlowMovement Three= Minuet or ScherzoMovement Four= Very Fast

Symphony Orchestra Seating PlanSee: http://www.classicsforkids.com/music/orchestra.asp

Week 15: A. Discuss the Classical era and explain what it is. B. Introduce Franz Joseph Haydn

Franz Joseph Haydn1732-1809

Franz Josef HaydnSymphony No. 45 “Farewell”

http://www.classicsforkids.com/activitysheets/January2010.pdf

Quick Notes:A. Mozart called him “Papa Haydn” B. Also known as “Father of the Symphony”C. Sent to live with a relative who taught music at age 5D. Accepted into a boys’ choir in Vienna at age 8E. The musical training was great but he was still cold and hungry.F. Many times sang in the street to earn coins to buy food.G. Prince Esterhazy of Austria gave him a job as court musician.H. He was considered a “servant” but treated well.I. Wrote most of this music for the court because the Prince was his employer.J. His symphony orchestras (smaller than today’s symphonies) performed his music at court.K. His symphonies were also shorter than most symphonies of later composers.L. Wrote 104 symphonies compared to Beethoven’s nine.M. Famous and loved in Europe.N. Lived 3 years in London and wrote his twelve London symphonies (See http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=ygG7jgDp6NU&playnext=1&list=PL7C91FBB9EF986434). (A favorite: Symphony No.94 Surprise)O. The loud chord in the second movement of Surprise was intended to awaken guests at the palace who

drifted off to sleep during a concert after a big meal.

Famous Works:A. Symphony No. 94 (Surprise)- Movement 2 See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNwMXj0Y1_Y

B. Week 16: A. Discuss the Classical era and explain what it is. B. Review Haydn C. Introduce Luigi Boccherini

Luigi Boccherini1743-1805

Quick NotesA. Was Italian and a very successful cellist and composer.B. Haydn knew him and admired him.C. His music is beautiful and mainly chamber music (music played in a small room by a few; usually with a

string quartet) See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekkGb64RdqwD. Musicians in his day usually played in small places, chambers, for small groups.E. The Infante Luis of Spain employed Boccherini as chamber-musician and composer.F. Frederick Wilhelm of Prussia honored him with the title of “chamber-composer”G. He wrote more than 400 works including 90 string quartets, 125 string quintets (nearly all scored for 2

cellos rather than 2 violas), 54 trios and 20 symphonies.H. His music is soothing.I. The Minuet is from his String Quintet, Op. 13, No. 4. It is very popular. The syncopated rhythm makes us

want to dance.

Famous Works:A. String Quintet, Op. 13, No.4- Minuet

DefinitionsSyncopated: The weak beat is accented- jazz music uses it a lot. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTQ1A7YT1pQ. Jazz sounds are usually syncopated (See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-tohvY1Ks4&feature=related). If you are counting four beats to the measure, the first and third beats are usually the heavy beats. ONE two THREE four*To make it syncopated, count----- one TWO three FOUR*Op. stands for Opus which means a “work”. Opus is used by composers and publishers to identify their works. The word is usually reserved for a collection of works of the same kind. Op. 13, No. 4 would mean that the music is No.4 in Book 13.

Week 17: A. Discuss the Classical era and explain what it is. B. Review Haydn and Luigi Boccherini C. Introduce Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1756-1791

Wolfgang Amadeus MozartTurkish Rondo from Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major

http://www.classicsforkids.com/activitysheets/March2011.pdf

Quick NotesA. Many consider him the great composer to ever live.B. He produced music more easily than most of us write a letter.C. It came fully formed in his head and he only needed to write it down.D. He could listen to complex music and later write it down toally from memory.E. His father, a musician, provided him with early training.F. At age 4 he composed a piano concerto.G. His sister Nannerl was also very talented.H. Papa Mozart thought he could make some badly needed money by taking his children on a tour of Europe

to play concerts for the royalty. They played brilliantly but not enough paid to cover their traveling costs.I. In every country Mozart was called a “wonder child”.J. His ability to improvise and to sight read astounded everyone who heard him.K. Born in Salzburg, Austria.L. As a young man he moved to Vienna, the center of the classical music world where he met “Papa Haydn”.M. Haydn taught Mozart and they became very good friends.N. Haydn was much older but learned from Mozart and told Mozart’s father “I tell you before God, and as an

honest man, that your son is the greatest composer that ever lived”.O. Mozart died young at age 35. P. He composed volumes of music and an ultimate example of the classical style music.Q. His music is gracious, elegant and refined yet it has a since of divine inspiration. R. Amadeus means “beloved of God”

DefinitionsImprovise: to make up new music on the spotSight Read: to read and play music that one has never seen or practiced before.

Week 18: A. Discuss the Classical era and explain what it is. B. Review Haydn, Luigi Boccherini, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart C. Introduce Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven 1770-1827

Ludwig van BeethovenSymphony No. 8 in F Major Second Movement

http://www.classicsforkids.com/activitysheets/January2011.pdf

Quick NotesA. Studied with Haydn but not for long. He was unhappy with the restraints of the classical style of music;

he wanted to make his own rules.B. He did this in his Symphony No. 5 which is probably his most familiar symphonies. The beginning notes,

three short and one long, are simple yet powerful. He took a simple idea and turned it into a dramatic statement. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4IRMYuE1hI

C. The last movement of his Symphony No. 9 (See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAOTCtW9v0M) uses a large choir to sing the Ode to Joy (See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wod-MudLNPA). No other composer in the Classical Period had ever used a choir in a symphony or made music sound so dramatic and exciting.

D. He broke the classical rules in the Moonlight Sonata (See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQVeaIHWWck)E. The usual pattern for a sonata is: Fast Slow Fast. He begins the Moonlight Sonata with a very slow

movement and continues with two fast movements.F. Never married.G. Had a hot temper, was moody and independent. H. He wrote many romances such as “Immortal Beloved” (Start at :31 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJGESRc3XfY)

After he died there were 3 love letters in his desk drawer. In one letter he addresses the person as Immortal Beloved” but no name was given.

I. He began to love his hearing at 31. He continued to compose his sublime music. He was completely deaf when he composed the Ninth, his last symphony.

J. After losing his hearing he conducted the orchestra and chorus. At the end, he could not hear the applause. His friends had to turn him towards the audience for him to see the applause.

K. He knew he was a genius and told Prince Lichnowsky (See http://www.madaboutbeethoven.com/pages/people_and_places/people_patrons/people_patrons_lichnowsky.htm) “There are, and there will be, thousands of princes, but there is only one Beethoven”.

Week 19: A. Discuss the Classical era and explain what it is. B. Review Haydn, Boccherini, Mozart, Beethoven C. Introduce Franz Schubert

Franz Schubert 1797-1828

Franz Schubert“Marche Militaire”

http://www.classicsforkids.com/activitysheets/January2009.pdf

Quick NotesA. Called the “last of the Classical composers and first of the Romantics”.B. He wrote beautiful melodies as in Unfinished Symphony Number 8. You might think that the melody

belongs to a second movement as second movements are usually slow and lyrical. This melody is especially singable and unforgettable. A symphony usually has four movements but he wrote this with only two movements. Perhaps it was hard to write anything beautiful enough to follow the first two movements.

C. He like parties with his friends. They sang and danced to Schubert’s music so the parties were known as Schubertiads. His friends called him “Mushroom”.

D. He was not famous in his lifetime. After he died, Schumann found some of his manuscripts and had them published. Gradually his fame spread and people realized that he was a great composer.

E. He idolized Beethoven and sad when he died. Like Mozart, Schubert died young at 31. His dream was to be buried next to the master. He was buried as close to Beethoven “as could be arranged”.

F. He wrote only nine symphonies, but he wrote more than 600 songs called Lieder in German).G. He wrote many compositions for strings: quartets, quintets and trios. His Piano Quintet in A, (The Trout),

for piano and strings is a favorite.

DefinitionsQuartet: a composition for four instruments or voicesQuintet: a composition for five instruments. Piano Quintet: usually consists of a pianoString quartet: has two violins, one viola, and one celloTrio: music written for three instruments or voices

Week 20: A. Review the Baroque and Classical. B. Introduce The Romantic Period

Romantic Period 1820-1900

Rossini, Gioachino (1792-1868)Mendelssohn, Feliz (1809-1847)Chopin, Frederic (1810-1849)Schumann, Robert (1810-1856)Gounod, Charles (1818-1893)Strauss, Johann Jr. (1825-1899)Brahms, Johannes (1833-1897)Saint-Saens, Camille (1835-1921)Bizet, Georges (1838-1875)Tchaikovsky, Peter (1840-1893)Dvorak, Antonin (1841-1904)Grieg, Edvard (1843-1907)

The Romantic Period is very different from the Classical Period. The Romantic composer stressed the dignity and freedom of man, an idealized nature, the rustic village, the hero-warrior, warm lush sounds, and emotion. The Classical Period had stressed control of form and emotions.

The music of the Baroque Period was written mainly for the church or the court. The Classical composer wrote principally for the rich upper classes and the aristocracy. The Romantic composer wrote for the rising middles class. A classical composer needed to make a lving from his music, by sales or by performance. Composers, such as Paganini on the violin and Liszt and Chopin on the piano, performed brilliantly for their audiences.

The forms of music were varied. Chopin wrote dazzling short works- waltzes, preludes, and etudes- for the piano. Liszt and Rubinstein wrote thundering concertos. Brahms wrote dark-hued symphonies. Tchaikovsky brought the ballet into prominence, and Berlioz included a waltz in his Symphonie fantastique. The waltz replaced the minuet. Symphonic poems (or tone poems) were popular. They described storms, sunrises, and life with idealized nature. Composers started using folk melodies in their music. New instruments and the improvement of existing instruments gave the orchestras a richer, warmer, more powerful sound.

Week 21: A. Review the Classical Period characteristics. B. Introduce Giachino Rossini

Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)

Quick NotesA. A big man who loved to eat and enjoy life.B. His fellow Italians loved his operas; their favorite was The Overture to the William Tell opera. The first

theme is a lovely quiet melody played by the flutes. The second theme bursts in with a trumpet fanfare followed by a very fast melody that many people associate with “The Lone Ranger”. However he wrote it for the William Tell Overture.

C. The Story of William Tell (see http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/william-tell.htm) : The people of Switzerland were oppressed by an Austrian ruler named Gessler. To break the proud spirit of the Swiss, Gessler had mounted his cap on a pole in the public square and required eac man to bow to the cap. William Tell refused to bow to anyone or anything. This made Gessler furious. William Tell was noted for his great skill with the crossbow. Gessler thought of a cruel plan to bring him down. He ordered William Tell’s young son to stand across the public square with an apple on his head. He ordered William Tell to shoot it of with one arrow, or his men would shoot the boy. Gessler didn’t believe that William Tell could hit the apple at such a distance. William took two arrows from his quiver, took careful aim, and split the apple in half, leaving his son unharmed. Gessler asked Tell why he had taken two arrows from his quiver. William said, “If I had missed the apple and hurt my son, I would have killed you with the second arrow.” Gessler ordered William Tell lead away to life in prison. However, Tell escaped. It is said that William Tell’s arrow later killed Gessler and thus freed the Swiss from his tyrannical rule.

D. Rossini’s William Tell Overture is a small tone poem, a poem in music rather than words. If possible, listen to a fully orchestrated version of the Overture. It begins with a beautiful slow section that depicts the rising of the sun over the Swiss mountains. A fast section follows in which we hear a storm. Then, on our Track 38, the quiet returns with a pastoral scene and a gentle mountain melody. On our Track 40, we hear the Swiss soldiers arrive with the Trumpet Fanfare.

Week 22: A. Review Rossini B. Introduce Feliz Mendelssohn

Feliz Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

Quick Notes:A. Composed his famous Wedding March as background music for Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, when he was 17.B. For many years brides walked down the aisle to the music of Wagner’s Bridal Chorus (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFTnFErJEu4) When the ceremony was over the couple left the church to Mendelssohn’s Wedding March. Many brides now choose music other than these two.C. Felix came from a prosperous family that nurtured his musical talent. He was born in Hamburg, Germany. His grandfather was Moses Mendelssohn, a famous philosopher. D. He was almost as talented as Mozart. Like Mozart, he could compose music fully formed in his head and then write it down. He had a wonderful musical memory.E. He liked to travel. His favorite foreign country was England and Scotland which he visited 10 times. His Symphony Number Three is called the “Scotch” Symphony http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xy2Renq3igF. Responsible for bringing Bach’s music to light. Bach had been a famous organist, but he was not widely known outside of Germany in his own lifetime. After his death in 1750, his music was almost forgotten until Felix found it a century later and brought it to the attention of the world. G. Mendelssohn composed wonderful symphonies and concertos. He also wrote an oratorio called Elijah. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJYCkTsWhA8. Remember that an oratorio is a musical story with chorus, soloists, and orchestra. It is usually based on the Bible.H. He worked very hard. His health began to fail when he was only 35. He was very fond of his sister Fanny, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanny_Mendelssohn a gifted composer and pianist see. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhcyUL7QSb4 for her music. When she died unexpectedly, it was a great shock to Felix, and he died a few months later at 38.

Week 23: A. Review Rossini, Mendelssohn B. Introduce Frederic Chopin

Chopin, Frederic(1810-1849)

Quick Notes:A. Born in Poland.B. His mother was Polish and his father French. C. He was unhappy with the grim circumstances in Russian-occupied Poland. He left when he was 20 and made his home in France for the rest of his life. However, he never forgot his Polish heritage. His music is full of the sounds of Polish national dances such as the mazurka http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-4YGQxvPc8&feature=related and polonaise http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwG-x1RcHnQ . His Revolutionary Etude http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hOKcdZJJFU and Miliary Polonaise http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1Qq3RA19G4 reflect his nationalism and his distress with Russian occupation.D. He composed mostly short works for the piano. There were preludes, nocturnes, waltzes, mazurkas, etudes, polonaises, impromptus, and sonatas. E. He composed in many moods: tragic, sweet, dreamy, brilliant, heroic, fantastic and simple. He was the master of beautiful melody. Many of his melodies have been used in popular songs. Two best-known are: Tristesse Etude “No Other Love” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqdj8dSkfys and Fantasie-Impromptu “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbLLXUMcLKs .F. Brilliant pianist but frail and sickly so he limited his public appearances.G. Liszt http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Liszt is the only other composer who rivaled Chopin in his virtuosity (or someone who can play amazingly well).

DefinitionsPrelude: a small concert piece based on a short motiveMotive: like a them only much shorterTheme: a musical idea that is developed in a compositionNocturne: a dreamy composition appropriate for nighttimeWaltz: a lively couple dance with three beats in a measureMazurka: a lively Polish dance in triple meter (three beats)Etude: a study, a piece aimed at teaching a musical skillPolonaise: a stately Polish processional dance in triple meterSonata: composition for one or two solo instruments in three movementsImpromptu: a composition of the Romantic Period. The name implies a somewhat casual origin of the piece in the composer’s mind.

Week 24: A. Review Rossini, Mendelssohn, Chopin B. Introduce Robert Schumann

Schumann, Robert (1810-1856)

Quick Notes:A. Schumann was another tragic Romantic composer. He had periods of depression, tried to drown himself, and lived the last 2 years of his life in an asylum.B. Many confuse him with Schubert. Schubert http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bosouX_d8Y and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schubert had little wire glasses, looked like a mushroom and like to go fishing for trout. Schumann http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Schumann ran a shoe shop and sold yellow shoes to The Happy Farmer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKmpQjjQOBA . They both died young: Schubert=31 and Schumann=46C. His mother wanted him to be a lawyer; he obeyed and enrolled in law school. Then he met Felix Mendelssohn and decided he liked musicians better than lawyers.D. He decided to study piano with a very good teacher. He fell in love with the teacher’s daughter. Her parents did not want them to marry but resorted to a lawsuit to win the right to marry her.E. Robert and Clara Schumann helped the young Brahms by promoting his music and introducing him to other famous composers. They became good friends and remained friends for all their lives.F. He was one of the greatest composers of his time. G. Clara became the greatest woman pianist of her generation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz0bZm7Ktck She composed music and her works are now being performed and recorded more frequently. She had written a total of 60 piano pieces. Included in this post is a recording of the sprightly 'Impromptu in E Major (c.1843)' which she had composed at age 24 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9J9LyH0v2o H. He wrote mostly for solo piano but his symphonies and concertos were also good.

Week 25: A. Review Rossini, Mendelssohn, Chopin, and Schumann B. Introduce Charles Gounod

Gounod, Charles (1818-1893)

Quick NotesA. Born in Paris.B. His father was a painter and his mother a good pianist who have him lessons. C. His early compositions were mostly sacred. His most popular sacred compositions were: Sanctus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vA2jzQq4bUM from his best-known mass, the Messe solennelle de Saint Cecile http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK89yk7VbBA D. Known for 2 operas: Faust http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf0Bhm9YQiU and Romeo and Juliet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxKIZjbqHa4 .E. Favorite children’s concert piece Funeral March of a Marionette http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eIk5DWUx_E

Week 26: A. Review Rossini, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, and Gounod B. Introduce Johann Strauss

Strauss, Johann Jr. (1825-1899)

Quick NotesA. Called the “Waltz King”. It is said that he couldn’t dance a waltz but he certainly could compose one. The waltz was the popular dance of the 19th century in Europe, and the Strausses were the favorite composers of the genre.B. His father was a famous musician and also a composer of beautiful waltzes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYYTdtRrg8M . His orchestra was the official dance orchestra for Austrian court balls. His father’s orchestra played at the coronation ball when Queen Victoria was crowned in England http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B02oDpKGEBM C. Johann Jr played in competition with his father. Vienna was split into two camps, some preferring the father and others the son. When the father died in 1849, Johann Jr took over his father’s orchestra. His popularity became even greater than his father’s had been.D. His waltzes are the most famous. Best-known waltz The Blue Danube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTqlLKBKFhg E. Strauss also wrote operettas (a short opera, light and sentimental in character, with some spoken dialogue, music and dancing), the most popular being Die Fledermaus (the flying mouse or bat) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPybrOxRoT4 F. He was a pop star of his day. Women proposed to him or tried to get a lock of his hair. He was married 3 times.G. He is one of the world’s best-loved composers. When he died, a whole era came to an end- the end of dancing Vienna http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4J0MKsG_is&feature=related

Week 27: A. Review Rossini, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, Gounod, Strauss B. Introduce Johannes Brahms

Brahms, Johannes (1833-1897)

Quick NotesA. Third member of the “Big Three B’s”: Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. There were all German. They fall in chronological order: Baroque, Classical and RomanticB. He was a musical child prodigy. His family lived in poverty in a crowded tenement (English word for apartment) on the waterfront of Hamburg, Germany http://www.expatexchange.com/lib_rd.cfm?articleid=2472&networkid=3 C. Brahms earned some badly needed coins by playing in taverns along the waterfront. D. He hated school and he often went to be hungry. He made up little melodies and wrote them on paper with a kind of musical notation that he had created.E. He expresses all the rich warmth and expressiveness of the Romantic Period. There are not as many beautiful melodies in his music as in Mozart or Chopin. His music has lush harmony.G. Brahms once autographed a fan for the wife of Johann Strauss and wrote the melody of The Blue Danube, followed by “Unfortunately not by Johannes Brahms”.H. In the Romantic Period, composers did not find jobs with the church or court. They had to perform, or sell their compositions, or teach (or move in with friends). Fortunately, life was kinder to him as he got older and more established. Liszt praised him and Robert and Clara Schumann recognized his genius. The Schumanns and Brahms were lifelong friends.I. Unlike Beethoven, he became rich from the sales of his compositions as well as beloved and acclaimed.

*Don’t play symphonies or concertos as background music. They require your complete attention if you are to enjoy and understand them. Probably only conductors and member of the orchestra really understand them. Classical musicians need audiences at their concerts and people to buy their recordings, so they’ll be happy if we love classical music and even begin to understand it.

Week 28: A. Review Rossini, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, Gounod, Strauss, Brahms B. Introduce Camille Saint-Saens

Saint-Saens, Camille (1835-1921)

Quick Note: A. A French composer.B. A child prodigy. When he was 2 ½ years old, he began piano lessons. He finished his first exercise book in a month and cried for more. He was taught to read musical notation when he was 3 and he was composing songs and piano pieces when he was 5. When he was 4 ½ he played the piano in a performance for Beethoven sonata for violin and piano. He went on to become a great organist and composer.C. His Carnival of the Animals http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjaBGAfWGSU is familiar to most children. At Halloween you can hear his Danse macabre http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyknBTm_YyM . It is a tone poem based on a word poem by Henri Cazalis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Cazalis . Saint-Saens paints a picture of the poem. You can hear the striking of midnight on the harp; you can count twelve strokes. The Death tunes his violin, and the dance melody begins. The xylophone was a relatively new instrument in the orchestra. He used it to depict the rattling of the skeleton’s bones. The second theme is quieter as the ghosts float through the air. The dancing pace grows faster and faster until suddenly we hear the cock crow. Dawn has arrived and the skeletons scurry back to their cold beds. If you listen carefully, you can hear the lids of two coffins bang shut.

*Danse macabre is a French title. It is spelled with an “s” instead of a “c” as used in English. Macabre is a French word that means “having death as a subject- ghastly- producing horror.

Week 29: A. Review Rossini, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, Gounod, Strauss, Brahms, Saint-Saens B. Introduce Georges Bizet

Bizet, Georges (1838-1875)

Quick NotesA. French and a child prodigyB. He was admitted to the Paris Conservatory http://www.squidoo.com/Music_studies_in_France to study music when he was only 9 and studies composition and piano.C. He won many awards for his playing. He is primarily known for his operas. Carmen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axvhEUyVfX0 is his most popular opera but was not a success when it was first presented. The audience was shocked by a girl smoking on stage and by the sensual story. Later audiences appreciated the wonderful music and were no longer shocked by the story. Unfortunately he died 3 months after the opening so he never knew that it became a hit. D. The story of Carmen takes place in Spain. However because Bizet was French, the libretto (the text of the opera) is French. See http://www.musicatschool.co.uk/year_7/MajorandMinor/storyofCarmen.pdf

Story Notes:-Don Jose is ordered to arrest Carmen, a gypsy girl who works in a factory in Seville, Spain because she

fights with another girl. After she sings Habanera http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a7yb3dWhJs (make sure to listen through 2:40) and dances, he is charmed by her and lets her escape. He is arrested and put in jail. Once he is out of jail he goes to her but she has lost interest in him. When Escamillo, a bullfighter, sings his Toreador http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8Ult8x-doE , she falls for him. Don Jose’s boss falls in love with her and fights him over her. His boss is forced to leave. Because of the trouble, Don Jose runs off with Carmen and the gypsies. He is miserable with the gypsies because Carmen ignores him. He leaves when his former girlfriend comes to tell him his mother is dying. The last scene takes place outside the bullring in Seville. Carmen is now with Escamillo. Don Jose finds Carmen at the bullfight but she tells him to get lost. He stabs her in the back saying “Carmen! My beloved Carmen”! Then he waits to be taken away.

Definitions:Libretto: the words, as distinct from the music, of a musical composition such as an opera or an oratorio.Habanero: a Cuban dance in 2/4 syncopated rhythmToro: Spanish for bullToreador: Spanish for bullfighter

Week 30: A. Review Rossini, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, Gounod, Strauss, Brahms, Saint-Saens, Bizet B. Introduce Peter Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky, Peter (1840-1893)

Quick NotesA. Probably the most famous Russian composer, wrote ballets, symphones, overtures, concertos, and operas. His ballets are especially captivating for children such as Swan Lake http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_5WCZ-XvG4 , Sleeping Beauty http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfqQvX8C0Go and The Nutcracker Suite in Volume One of Themes to Remember http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZjcfgypPUM B. His love of music began at an early age. He listened to music on a music box and played the melodies on the piano. He began lessons at age 5. He was a very sensitive child. After going to bed as a child after a concert, he said “the music won’t leave my head. It won’t let me go to sleep”.C. He preferred to be by himself, to play the piano, to read or write poetry. As an adult, he was also uncomfortable around other people. One of his greatest friendships was maintained by letter for 13 years with a person he never met, Madame von Meck http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadezhda_von_Meck D. His parents sent him to law school so he’d be able to support himself. Like Schumann he decided he liked musicians better and enrolled at the St. Petersburg Conservatory in Russia http://istud.conservatory.ru/ . He ended up broke and tried to make money teaching, which wasn’t much better. A rich widow, Madame von Meck, decided that she loved his music and offered him an allowance for the rest of his life. He was free to devote all his time to composing and dedicated his Fourth Symphony http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLHj-eekdNU to Madame von Meck.E. His melodies enveloped in a rich, romantic warmth. Unlike many composers, he enjoyed recognition and great popularity while he was still living. One of the highlights of his life was conducting his 1812 Overture http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2W1Wi2U9sQ at the grand opening of Carnegie Hall in NYC in 1891.

Definitions:Suite: in general terms, a suite is a set of something, like a suite of rooms or a living room suite. In music it refers to a series of instrumental dances as in the Nutcracker Suite.

Week 31:

A. Review Rossini, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, Gounod, Strauss, Brahms, Saint-Saens, Bizet, Tchaikovsky B. Introduce Antonin Dvorak

Dvorak, Antonin (1841-1904)

Quick NotesA. Came from Bohemia, later known as The Czech Republic.B. His father was a butcher who played the zither http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1FlDdNLkD4 for weddings. Dvorak played fiddle along with his father and learned the songs and dances of his people. He used these melodies in his music which was immediately popular with his countrymen. It is cheerful and full of folk melodies.C. He spent 3 years in NY as a director of the National Conservatory of Music http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Conservatory_of_Music_of_America . He was surprised to learn that he was expected to lead the delopment of an “America” style music. He began by listening to “folk” music. He especially liked the music of African Americans and sang their spirituals with them. Some people said that he used themese form spirituals with them. Some people said the he used themes from spiritual in the second movement of the New World Symphony http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ENf4VEhI40 . He insisted that he composed only in the “spirit” of the music.D. He visited “middle America”. His secretary had spent his childhood in Spillville, Iowa which is a Bohemian community in northeast Iowa and wanted to return to his townhome. He suggested Dvorak travel with him and spent the summer there.E. He played the organ in the large Catholic church that his people attended. That organ is still played for the services in the church http://www.flickr.com/photos/ioensis/3817000378/ . There is also a museum in the house where he lived that summer http://music.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/9909_dvorak/ . F. It was in Spillville that he composed a beautiful string quartet and a string quintet known as the American http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiPA2Iw4IGg .G. He wrote his New World Symphony No. 9 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yctfXIqugXc in honor of his American visit. We think it sounds American but he said that it sounds like Czech music.

Week 32: A. Review Rossini, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, Gounod, Strauss, Brahms, Saint-Saens, Bizet, Tchaikovsky, Dvorak

Grieg, Edvard(1843-1907)

Quick NotesA. He was most famous composer of Norway. He lived in at time when many composers felt proud of their countries (nationalism) and were using folk melodies in their classical compositions.B. He put the spirit of Norway into his compositions and the people loved it.C. The Norwegian government granted him a pension for life. D. One of his most popular works is the Peer Gynt Suit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAMLCDnCLzs . He wrote this as incidental music for Henrik Ibsen’s drama Peer Gynt http://www.theatredatabase.com/19th_century/henrik_ibsen_004.html .

Peer Gynt in the Hall of the Mountain King (What it is about)Peer Gynt lived in Norway, a land of mountains that rise out of deep blue waters. These mountains are the home of the trolls, strange little people who come out of their caves only after dark.

Peer Gynt was a handsome young man, but he had some very bad habits. He was lazy, he was selfish and he told lies.

Peer slept late every morning. He wouldn’t get out of bed in the morning to help his mother feed the goats and geese. His room was a mess but he didn’t care.

Everyone knew that Peer told stories that we not true. Nobody could ever tell whether he was lying or telling the truth.

Peer had decided that he would marry a very pretty girl just his own age. Her name was Solveig. Though Solveig liked Peer very much, she told him he would have to tell the truth or else they could never marry and be happy. “Some day”, Solveig said to Peer, “you’ll tell a story that will get you into very serious trouble”.

Peer just laughed at her. He didn’t know how true those words of Solveig’s were. She began to cry but Peer didn’t care. He went out for a walk in the woods. He ended up getting lost and trolls come out around him while he slept in the woods and carried him deep into their cave to the Hall of the Mountain King. When he woke up he told them that he was King of Norway and they believed him. They were going to let him go but once they found out he was a King they wanted him to marry their daughter. He tried to tell them that he was not a King but they did not believe him and he was married to the Troll Princess. It took 3 years to find a way to sneak away from the trolls.

Music Timeline

325 Constantine declares Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. The spread of Christianity

in the western world spurred the development of European music.

600 Pope Gregory the Great codifies and collects the chant, which is used in Roman Catholic services and is

named the Gregorian chant in his honor.

c. 850 Western music begins to move from monophony to polyphony with the vocal parts in church music

moving in parallel intervals.

c. 1030 Guido of Arezzo, an Italian monk, develops a system for learning music by ear. Voice students often use

the system, called solfège, to memorize their vocal exercises. In the 19th century, solf ège developed

into the tonic sol-fa system used today.

c. 1180 Troubadours appear in Germany and call themselves minnesingers, “singers about love.”

1430 The Renaissance begins. This rebirth favors the simplistic virtues of Greek and Roman Classic styles,

moves from polyphony to one harmonized melody and sees the increased importance and popularity of

secular music. Josquin Desprez, often called the Prince of Music, is a leading composer of the

Renaissance. He worked for ducal courts in Italy and France, at the Sistine Chapel and for kings Louis

XI and Louis XII.

1562 In Pope Pius IV's Counter-Reformation, he restores church music to its pure vocal form by eliminating

all instruments except the organ, any evidence of secularism, harmony and folk melody. Giovanni Da

Palestrina satisfies the pope's rigid requirements and creates a new spiritual style that legend says “saved

polyphony” when he writes Pope Marcellus Mass, his most famous and enchanting piece.

1565 In Italian music, castration emerges as a way of preserving high male singing voices. St. Paul's dictum

prohibited women from singing on stage and in churches. The practice becomes commonplace by 1574.

1588

The English Madrigal School is firmly established. The movement, led by Thomas Morley, produces

some of the most delightful secular music ever heard. Madrigals often told stories of love or grief.

1590–1604 A group of musicians and intellectuals gather in Count Giovanni de Bardi's camerata (salon) and discuss

and experiment with music drama. It is during this period that opera is born. Jacopo Peri's Dafne, the

first Italian opera, is produced in 1598 and Euridice in 1600.

c. 1600 The Baroque period, characterized by strict musical forms and highly ornamental works, begins in

Europe. This period signals the end of the Renaissance.

1607 Italian master composer Claudio Monteverdi writes the opera Orfeo, Favola in Musica, a work deemed

to be a prime example of the early Baroque musical form.

1625 Francesca Caccini, who most historians say is the first female composer, finishes the opera-ballet La

Liberazione di Ruggiero, which is performed at a reception for Wladyslaw IV of Poland.

1631 Professional female singers appear for the first time on the English stage in the production of Chloridia,

a court masque produced by Ben Jonson and Inigo Jones.

1639 The first comic opera, Chi Soffre Speri by Virgilio Mazzocchi and Marco Marazzoli, premieres in

Rome.

1656 Henry Lawes and Matthew Locke add music to William Davenant's libretto The Siege of Rhodes, which

is performed at the Rutland House in London. Davenant helps make the opera-masque a form of public

entertainment.

1666 The first signed Stradivarius violins emerge from Antonio Stradivari's workshop in Cremona, Italy.

1675 Matthew Locke composes Psyche, the first surviving English opera.

1685 Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frederick Handel are born. They become principal classical

composers of the Baroque period. Bach, who fathers 20 children, explores musical forms associated

with the church and Handel works as a dramatic composer.

1689 Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas opens in London.

1703

Vivaldi becomes violin master at Venice's La Pieta orphanage. He writes more then 400 concertos for

La Pieta in his 35-year service there.

1705 Reinhard Keiser uses French horns for the first time in opera in his production of Octavia.

1725 Vivaldi writes The Four Seasons.

1733 The comic opera, La Serva Padrona, from Battista Pergolesi's serious opera Il Prigionier Superbo,

wows Europe with its humorous story and enchanting music.

1735 Handel produces his last great operatic success, Alcina, which features dancer Marie Salle.

1742 Handel's Messiah premieres in Dublin to an enthusiastic audience.

1750 Bach dies. The end of the Baroque period is often seen in conjunction with his death. The highly ornate

style of the Baroque period gives rise to the more simple, clarified styles of the Classical period, which

sees the emergence of symphonies and string quartets.

1761 Franz Joseph Haydn becomes Vice-Kapellmeister to the Esterhazy family and Kapellmeister in 1766.

Though living virtually as a slave to the family, he had at his disposal an impressive orchestra. During

his 30-year service to the family, he completes 108 symphonies, 68 string quartets, 47 piano sonatas, 26

operas, 4 oratorios and hundreds of smaller pieces.

1762 Christoph Willibald von Glück sets out to reform opera with his Orfeo ed Euridice. He wants to restore

opera to what the original composers intended it to be—an art form marked by high drama, few

recitatives and orchestral set-pieces.

1786 Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro premieres in Vienna.

1787 Mozart's Don Giovanni debuts in Prague.

1797 Franz Peter Schubert is born in Vienna. Though many musicians make Vienna their home, Schubert is

the only one to be born there.

1803 Beethoven produces his third symphony, Eröica. This piece marks the beginning of the Romantic

period, in which the formality of the Classical period is replaced by subjectivity.

1807

Beethoven completes his Symphony No. 5, which many consider to be the most popular classical work

ever written.

1810 Robert Schumann is born in Germany.

1815 Schubert writes “Der Erlkönig,” his first public success and most famous song.

1816 Gioacchino Rossini's The Barber of Seville, based on Pierre Beaumarchais's play, debuts in Rome. His

Otello opens in Naples.

1818 Beethoven's hearing has deteriorated so badly that he no longer can hear the piano and must

communicate with conversation books.

1821 Carl Maria von Weber's Der Freischutz debuts in Berlin, and he becomes the master of German opera.

1826 Mendelssohn writes the overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream, which debuts in Stettin in 1827.

1832 Schumann's career as a pianist is over as one of his fingers becomes paralyzed.

1839 The New York Philharmonic is established.

1851 Verdi's Rigoletto debuts in Venice.

1853 Richard Wagner publishes the librettos to Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring Cycle): Das Rheingold,

Die Walküre, Seigfried and Die Götterdämerung. The Ring Cycle is considered one of the most

ambitious musical projects ever undertaken by a single person.

1854 Liszt conducts the first performance of his symphonic poems in Weimar. The symphonic poem is an

orchestral work, often in one movement, and is usually based on a literary idea. Liszt is credited with

creating the genre. His symphonic poems include Orpheus, Les Preludes and Mazeppa.

c. 1860 The slave trade introduces West African rhythms, work songs, chants and spirituals to America, which

strongly influence blues and jazz.

Gustav Mahler is born in Bohemia.

1871 Verdi's Aïda premieres in Cairo.

1874

Verdi's Requiem, his most respected work, premieres in Milan.

1876 Tchaikovsky completes Swan Lake. It opens in 1877 at Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre.

Wagner's The Ring Cycle is performed in full at the Bayreuth Festival. The opera house was built to

accomodate Wagner's works.

Johannes Brahms completes his First Symphony. Twenty years in the making, the symphony received

mixed reviews but would become one of the most popular ever written.

1877 Thomas Edison invents sound recording.

Camille Saint-Saën's Samson et Dalila debuts in Weimar.

1878 Thomas Edison patents the phonograph.

1880 John Paine's symphony, In Spring, debuts in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is the first American

symphony published in the United States.

Tchaikovsky writes the 1812 Overture, commemorating Russia's defeat of Napoleon.

1881 The Boston Symphony Orchestra is established.

1882 The Berlin Philharmonic is established.

1883 The Metropolitan Opera House opens in New York.

1885 Gilbert and Sullivan finish The Mikado, which premieres in London.

1888 Strauss writes the symphonic poem, Don Juan, which brings him international fame.

1890 Tchaikovsky's The Sleeping Beauty debuts in St. Petersburg.

1891 Carnegie Hall opens in New York.

1893 Dvorak composes his best and most popular work, From the New World.

1896 Ragtime, a combination of West Indian rhythm and European musical form, is born.

1900 Jean Sibelius's Finlandia premieres in Helsinki.

1901

Mahler's Fourth Symphony, his most popular, debuts in Munich.

1902 Claude Debussy introduces impressionism to music in Pelléas and Mélisande at the Opéra Comique in

Paris.

1904 The London Symphony Orchestra is established.

1908 A major change in classical-music style comes about with the release of Arnold Schoenberg's Book of

Hanging Gardens. The harmony and tonality characteristic of classical music are replaced by

dissonance, creating what many listeners consider to be noise.

1910 Igor Stravinsky completes The Firebird for Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. Stravinsky will become

one of the greatest composers of the 20th century.

1911 Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier premieres in Dresden.

1913 Billboard magazine publishes a list of the most popular vaudeville songs. It's the predecessor to their

trademark charts.

1916 Charles Ives finishes his Fourth Symphony, his defining piece.

1919 After moving from its southern rural roots, jazz establishes Chicago as its capital. The city will become

home to such jazz greats as trumpeter Louis Armstrong and pianist Jelly Roll Morton.

1923 “Queen of the Blues” Bessie Smith records her first song, “Down Hearted Blues,” which becomes an

immediate success.

1924 The Juilliard School opens in New York.

Maurice Ravel's Bolero opens in Paris.

George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue premieres in New York.

1925 Alban Berg's Wozzeck opens in Berlin.

1932 Jazz composer Duke Ellington writes “It Don't Mean a Thing, If It Ain't Got That Swing,” a song that

presaged the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s.

1933

Laurens Hammond introduces his Hammond organ.

1936 Electric guitars debut.

1937 Bela Bartok's masterpiece, Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, premieres in Basel.

The Glenn Miller Band debuts in New York.

1938 Roy Acuff joins the Grand Ole Opry and brings national recognition to the Nashville-based radio

program.

1942 Bing Crosby releases "White Christmas," from the film Holiday Inn. The song goes on to be the all-

time, top-selling song from a film.

RCA Victor sprays gold over Glenn Miller's million-copy-seller Chattanooga Choo Choo, creating the

first "gold record."

1945 Benjamin Britten's Peter Grimes premieres in London, which signals the rebirth of British opera.

1948 Columbia Records introduces the 33 1/3 LP (“long playing”) record at New York's Waldorf-Astoria

Hotel. It allows listeners to enjoy an unprecedented 25 minutes of music per side, compared to the four

minutes per side of the standard 78 rpm record.

1949 45 rpm records are sold in the U.S.

1951 In an effort to introduce rhythm and blues to a broader white audience, which was hesitant to embrace

“black music,” disc jockey Alan Freed uses the term rock 'n' roll to describe R&B.

Elliott Carter composes his String Quartet No. 1 and becomes a leading avant-garde composer of the

20th century.

1954 Bill Haley and the Comets begin writing hit songs. As a white band using black-derived forms, they

venture into rock 'n' roll.

Pierre Boulez completes Le Marteau Sans Maître (The Hammer Without a Master).

1956 With many hit singles (including “Heartbreak Hotel”), Elvis Presley emerges as one of the world's first

rock stars. The gyrating rocker enjoys fame on the stages of the Milton Berle, Steve Allen and Ed

Sullivan shows, as well as in the first of his many movies, Love Me Tender.

1957

Leonard Bernstein completes West Side Story.

1958 Billboard debuts its Hot 100 chart. Ricky Nelson's "Poor Little Fool" boasts the first No. 1 record.

Elvis Presley is inducted into the U.S. Army (March 24).

1959 The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences sponsors the first Grammy Award ceremony for

music recorded in 1958.

Frank Sinatra wins his first Grammy Award -- Best Album for Come Dance with Me.

1960 John Coltrane forms his own quartet and becomes the voice of jazz's New Wave movement.

1961 Patsy Cline releases “I Fall to Pieces” and “Crazy.” The success of the songs help her cross over from

country to pop.

1963 A wave of Beatlemania hits the U.K. The Beatles, a British band composed of John Lennon, George

Harrison, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney, take Britain by storm.

The Rolling Stones emerge as the anti-Beatles, with an aggressive, blues-derived style.

1964 Folk musician Bob Dylan becomes increasingly popular during this time of social protest with songs

expressing objection to the condition of American society.

The Beatles appear on The Ed Sullivan Show.

1967 The Beatles release their break-through concept album, Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Psychedelic bands such as The Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane enjoy great success during this

period with songs celebrating the counterculture of the '60s.

1969 In August, more than half a million people attend the Woodstock music festival in Bethel, N.Y. (near

Woodstock, N.Y.) Performers include Janis Joplin; Jimi Hendrix; The Who; Joan Baez; Crosby, Stills,

Nash and Young; Jefferson Airplane; and Sly and the Family Stone.

A Rolling Stones fan is killed at the group's Altamont, California, concert by members of the Hell's

Angels.

1970 The Beatles break up. By the end of the year, each member had released a solo album.

1971 Jim Morrison dies in Paris at age 27 (July 3).

The Allman Brothers' Duane Allman dies in a motorcycle accident at age 24. (Oct. 29).

1972

Women dominate the 1971 Grammy Awards, taking all four top categories. Carole King won Record,

Album and Song of the Year, while Carly Simon takes the Best New Artist award.

1973 The Jamaican film The Harder They Come, starring Jimmy Cliff, launches the popularity of reggae

music in the United States.

1974 Patti Smith releases what is considered to be the first punk rock single, “Hey Joe.” Punk roars out of

Britain during the late-'70s, with bands such as the Sex Pistols and the Clash expressing nihilistic and

anarchistic views in response to a lack of opportunity in Britain, boredom, and antipathy for the bland

music of the day.

1976 Philip Glass completes Einstein on the Beach, the first widely known example of minimalist

composition.

1977 Saturday Night Fever sparks the disco inferno.

Elvis Presley dies at Graceland, his Memphis, Tenn. home. He was 42.

1978 Sony introduces the Walkman, the first portable stereo.

1979 The Sugar Hill Gang releases the first commercial rap hit, “Rapper's Delight,” bringing rap off the New

York streets and into the popular music scene. Rap originated in the mid 1970s as rhyme spoken over an

instrumental track provided by snatches of music from records. Over the decades, rap becomes one of

the most important commercial and artistic branches of pop music.

1980 John Lennon of the Beatles shot dead in New York City.

1981 MTV goes on the air running around the clock music videos, debuting with “Video Killed the Radio

Star.”

1982 Michael Jackson releases Thriller, which sells more than 25 million copies, becoming the biggest-selling

album in history.

1983 With the introduction of noise-free compact discs, the vinyl record begins a steep decline.

1984 Led by Bob Geldof, the band Band Aid releases "Do They Know It's Christmas," with proceeds of the

single going to feed the starving in Africa.

1985

Madonna launches her first road show, the Virgin Tour.

Dozens of top-name musicians and bands perform at the Live Aid concerts in Philadelphia and London.

The shows benefit African famine victims.

1987 Though African, Latin American,and other genres of international music have been around for centuries,

a group of small, London-based labels coin the term “world music,” which helps record sellers find rack

space for the eclectic music.

1988 CDs outsell vinyl records for the first time.

1990 Euro dance band Milli Vanilli admits to lip-synching hits such as "Girl You Know Its True," and has its

Grammy award revoked.

1991 Seattle band Nirvana releases the song “Smells Like Teen Spirit” on the LP Nevermind and enjoys

national success. With Nirvana's hit comes the grunge movement, which is characterized by distorted

guitars, dispirited vocals,and lots of flannel.

1992 Compact discs surpass cassette tapes as the preferred medium for recorded music.

1994 Woodstock '94 commemorates the original weekend-long concert. Green Day and Nine Inch Nails join

Woodstock veterans including Santana and Joe Cocker.

1995 The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum opens in Cleveland. Renowned architect I. M. Pei designed

the ultra-modern, 150,000 square-foot building.

Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia dies.

1996 Janet Jackson becomes the highest-paid musician in history when she signs an $80-million deal with

Virgin Records.

Jazz great Ella Fitzgerald dies.

1998 Legendary crooner Frank Sinatra dies of a heart attack at age 82.

The first MP3 player is introduced, the Saehan/Eiger Labs F10/F20.

1999

The merger of two major recording labels, Universal and Polygram, causes upheaval in the recording

industry. It is estimated that the new company, Universal Music Group, controls 25% of the worldwide

music market.

Woodstock '99 kicks off in Rome, N.Y. Concertgoers complain that the spirit of the original Woodstock

has been compromised and commercialized.

Napster, the first widely used peer-to-peer file-sharing program, is introduced. At one point, the service

is home to more than 24 million users.

2001 Apple introduces the iPod, which goes on to revolutionize the music industry and the way music is sold.

As of late 2006, 70 million iPods had been sold and consumers had purchased some 1 billion songs from

the iTunes digital music store.

2002 Bruce Springsteen begins The Rising tour, visiting 46 different arenas in 46 different cities. The tour

later stops at stadiums across the world and includes 10 consecutive shows at New Jersey’s Giants

Stadium.

2005 In May, Live 8 is hosted at ten different sites around the world in an attempt to raise poverty awareness

prior to July’s G8 conference. The free event is highlighted by a reunion of the original Pink Floyd

lineup. It is the first time the band has played together in 24 years.

2006 “The Godfather of Soul” James Brown dies of heart failure on December 25th at age 73.

Nearly 800 different record stores, including all Tower Records retailers, close their doors as the

industry sees a seventh-straight year of declining sales largely attributed to the increase in sales of digital

music.

2007 After years of consolidation, 70% of the world’s music is sold by one of four companies: Universal,

Sony BMG, EMI, and Warner. All of these companies are part of large media conglomerates.

The Rolling Stone’s multi-year A Bigger Bang tour surpasses U2’s Vertigo tour to become the top-

grossing tour of all time, earning $437 million.