Music Learning Project

This is a project to produce a 15 minute introduction to music, with an emphasis on the Romantic, Baroque and Classical periods.

Possibly for intro/leadin: Gregorian Chants http://www.christusrex.org/www2/cantgreg/missa_h4qua.html

The Formal Presentation

This lesson plan was discussed by Historybuff and Mona, written by Mona, and published by Historybuff

Play Beethoven’s 5th symphony as we prepare for the presentation
Stop the music; say hello and introduce names. Our topic tonight is Classical Music, and our agenda is:
- What is Classical Music?
- Three historical periods
- Evaluation
- Wrap Up
Icebreaker:
- Ask: Who heard before the piece we just played?
- Ask: Do you know who wrote it?
- Show: Beethoven’s picture
- Say: Beethoven’s music belongs to a historical period called “Classical.” Classical either refers to the broad genre in which many different historical periods belong to, or it refers to one period among other periods.
- Show as slide with a definition of Classical Music: (say that C.M. can have more than one definition but this is probably the most related to our presentation)
- Classical Music is a traditional genre of Western Music, which conformed to established rules (as opposed to popular music which was made “composed” without strict rules.) http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=classical%20music
- Say: as for the specific period, these are the dates:
- Show a slide with the timeline for this Classical Period.
  - Classical 1750-1825
Body:
- There are other musical periods or eras. In tonight’s presentation, we will cover two more periods: the Baroque and the Romantic.
- Ask: anyone knows which period of the two comes first?
- Show a slide with the three periods: Baroque: 1600-1750/Classical 1750-1825/Romantic 1825-1900
- Ask: any guesses who were the composers belonging to these periods?
  - Possible answers: Mozart, Haydn, Dvoark, Handel, etc.
- Say: we will play two musical pieces and we want you to guess the periods. (Play Bach and Chopin)
- Ask: what did you think about the music you heard? Have you heard them before? Which one you liked better? Any features you found appealing? Do you know who wrote these pieces?
- Say: each musical period had distinct features in relation to melody, harmony, and rhythm among other factors.
- Show a slide that compares the three periods
- Ask: why is it important to know music history? [possible answers: because music related to other historic events? Or because it help us appreciate the different styles?]
- Ask “what if” classical music … (I have no idea yet what to write here!)
Conclusion:
- Give a short evaluation form. (We can use the form I usually use):

Handout

A Snapshot of Musical History

Classical Music Defined: Classical Music is a traditional genre of Western Music, which conforms to established rules (as opposed to popular music which is composed without strict rules.)

Today's session covered three periods:

Baroque (1600-1750)
Classical (1750-1825)
Romantic (1825-1900)

The Baroque period saw the beginning of modern musical notation and the birth of operas. Music was performed by small ensembles, The musical style was characterized by counterpoint. Examples of this style are the Fugue, Invention, Sonata and Concerto. Harpsichord and the pipe organ were key instruments of this time, while the violin evolved into the form we are familiar with today. Composers in this period include Bach and Handel.

The Classical period saw the birth of the Symphony. The musical style was characterized by melody with accompaniment, also knows as homophonic texture. The violin emerged as a key instrument, and single-reed instruments like the clarinet started to come into their own. Composers in this period include Beethoven, Mozart and Haydn.

The Romantic period saw the enlargement of the orchestra, and a larger role for brass instruments with the invention of the rotary valve.. The musical style was much more dramatic and expressive, and towards the end of the period, compositions became longer and more complex. Composers in this period include Schubert, Chopin and Berlioz

Suggested web references

"Essentials of Music" at http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/

w:Music is an excellent starting point.

http://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Music_Learning_Project#Handout