LESSON 3
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC! (60 mins)
Listen, Watch and Move
INTRODUCTION:
In the previous lessons, you have heard music by composer Max Richter. He composed this music in 2012.
However, there is another version of this music written in 1723 – 289 years earlier! The composer is called Antonio Vivaldi.
Fun facts about Vivaldi:
- He was born in 1678 – 342 years ago!
- He was a very good violin player, like his father
- He wrote over 800 pieces of music
- He had 5 brothers and sisters
- He had bright red hair
- The work you are going to listen to is one of his most famous pieces
Here is a picture of a violin, a member of the STRING INSTRUMENT FAMILY. The Violin is the SMALLEST of the family and makes the HIGHEST sound. You will hear it a lot in the following clips.
WATCH, LISTEN AND DISCUSS:
This is the season of Summer. This music tells the story of a summer thunderstorm. Can you hear it?
- Watch violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter play Vivaldi’s original music for Summer:
What do you think of this?
- Now, let’s listen to the Max Richter’s version of Summer:
What do you think of this?
- What instruments can you hear the most in both works?
- Do you play this instrument, or do you know anyone who does?
- Can you hear some of the same musical themes?
- Do you have a favourite? Why?
WATCH:
- In this clip, you will see dancers from New English Ballet Theatre doing their ballet exercises at home to the summer thunderstorm music.
CREATE:
Dance!
- Hopefully the dancers inspired you to move! Find a space in the room and move to the music, making up your own dance to Vivaldi’s thunderstorm music.
Paint or Sketch:
- Create your own picture of a violin, the lead instrument in both pieces of music. Don’t forget that to play a violin, you need a bow!
NEBT would love to receive photos of your artwork to display on our social media. Please photograph and send to development@nebt.co.uk and we will share a selection on our Instagram and Facebook pages.