Read ALL of Music chapter nine and the online material & lecture for Music. As you read the online material, LISTEN to the video clips of each of the music selections. Both reading AND listening is important in this session.
Books are divided by chapters. Plays are divided by acts. Symphonies are divided by “movements.” The symphony discussed in our text and online, Beethoven’s Eroica, is divided into four movements.
Carefully read the description of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony found on pages 234 – 240 in your text. To LISTEN to the video clips of the four movements in our online lecture, go to “Lecture 8 /Music Titles.” Scroll down to “Symphony” to listen to the four movements from Eroica:
- Part I – Movement 1: Allegro con brio (yearning)
- Part II – Movement 2: Marcia funebre: Adagio assai (sorrow)
- Part III – Movement 3: Scherzo: Allegro vivace (joy)
- Part IV – Movement 4: Finale: Allegro molto (triumph)
Listen/watch the video clips of the four movements of the symphony in the music lecture, keeping in mind the basic progression of moods or feelings revealed by the four movements: 1) yearning, 2) sorrow, 3) joy, and 4) triumph. You may listen to Eroica in our lecture as well as here: https://youtu.be/LXjJwxU5WbI
Considering the discussion of the subject matter of music, found on pages 222 through 225 in your text, determine which one of the four movements evokes the strongest feelings in you as you listen. Choose one movement to discuss as you answer the following numbered questions below (1-4.) Number your discussion answers 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Which one of the four movements did you choose? Why?
- What types of emotions were evoked as you listened?
- What are some of the unique characteristics of this movement that specifically revealed feelings/emotions? Keep in mind the elements of music from the chapter material and the discussion about contrasts.
- Did you experience a range of emotions or feelings while listening to this movement, or were your feelings consistent throughout? Describe your feelings and how this change, or lack of change, relates to the structure of the movement.
Instructions
Go to each of the music websites below to listen and observe:
allmusic – AMG
Search this incredibly “comprehensive music reference” database by artist, album, song, label, style, and more. Read essays, reviews, and blog posts from AMG editorial staff and expert contributors. Learn about and listen to any music style’s seminal artists and albums. Offers videos too.
American Music Resource
AMR contains 800+ bibliographies, lists, and text files about all styles of American music and related issues. The collection is indexed by subject-name (i.e., the last names of composers) or topic-name (e.g., Electro-acoustic music). Site is under development.
Classical Net
Sections include Basic Repertoire, Composers, Books and Scores, Reviews and Articles, Buying Guide, and Music Links. Also includes a list of abbreviations in thematic catalogs, a list of featured festivals, and The Classical Explorer, “a place to discover works by lesser-known composers, and, occasionally, lesser-known works by well-known composers.
Dr. Estrella’s Incredibly Abridged Dictionary of Composers
“A chronological listing of famous composers of Western Music. Each listing contains accurate birth and death dates and the country of origin. Several of the entries also are linked to biographical essays and other sites on the web.” Organized by musical period and by composer name.
Eric Weisstein’s Treasure Trove of Music
A music encyclopedia that is clearly indexed and contains explanations for music topics that are both clear and accessible. Contains articles that explain concepts in music theory with linked references for further reading.
Making Music Magazine
Making Music Magazine provides a space for adult amateur and recreational musicians with useful resources, like a list of music festivals in the USA and tips for playing music.
Medieval and Renaissance Instruments
This site showcases Musica Antiqua’s large replica instrument collection by supplying photos, descriptions, original quotes, additional sources, and sounds of the instruments used in performing early music.
Operas and Composers: A Pronunciation Guide
An alphabetical list of major operas and their composers, with brief descriptions and sound recordings that provide their correct pronunciation. Audio files are in AIFF format.
