The document outlines a proposed teaching unit on Russian classical music for a high school humanities course. The unit would be divided into 5 sections, beginning with an introduction to romantic music and structure. Subsequent units would focus on composers like Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Stravinsky. Each unit would introduce students to major works of the featured composers and include activities like listening exercises, research assignments, and discussions connecting the classical music to modern genres. The goal is to help students appreciate and analyze Russian classical music through experiential learning and making connections to their own interests.
Classical Music: a gentle introduction.
As part of Culture night 2015, I presented an evening of Classical delights and hosted a discussion on the different genres of Classical Music. The event also had audio recordings of some of the highlighted composers and musicians.
This presentation is a part of the final product DVD āPortfolio about famous people from the region, virtual galleryā made by students from Szkola Podstawowa nr.1 im. Wojska Polskiego w Gniewkowie, Gniewkowo, Poland. Responsible of final product: Escola BĆ”sica de Alvor, Portugal.
Classical Music: a gentle introduction.
As part of Culture night 2015, I presented an evening of Classical delights and hosted a discussion on the different genres of Classical Music. The event also had audio recordings of some of the highlighted composers and musicians.
This presentation is a part of the final product DVD āPortfolio about famous people from the region, virtual galleryā made by students from Szkola Podstawowa nr.1 im. Wojska Polskiego w Gniewkowie, Gniewkowo, Poland. Responsible of final product: Escola BĆ”sica de Alvor, Portugal.
During the latter part of the medieval period, a style of vocal music called organum evolved out of Gregorian chant. With multiple, independent parts, this was arguably the first example of polyphonic vocal music in Europe, laying the groundwork for the choral music of the Renaissance era. To learn more visit: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/view/choirmusic/688310384890871808?source=share
Panchayat Season 3 - Official Trailer.pdfSuleman Rana
Ā
The dearest series "Panchayat" is set to make a victorious return with its third season, and the fervor is discernible. The authority trailer, delivered on May 28, guarantees one more enamoring venture through the country heartland of India.
Jitendra Kumar keeps on sparkling as Abhishek Tripathi, the city-reared engineer who ends up functioning as the secretary of the Panchayat office in the curious town of Phulera. His nuanced depiction of a young fellow exploring the difficulties of country life while endeavoring to adjust to his new environmental factors has earned far and wide recognition.
Neena Gupta and Raghubir Yadav return as Manju Devi and Brij Bhushan Dubey, separately. Their dynamic science and immaculate acting rejuvenate the hardships of town administration. Gupta's depiction of the town Pradhan with an ever-evolving outlook, matched with Yadav's carefully prepared exhibition, adds profundity and credibility to the story.
New Difficulties and Experiences
The trailer indicates new difficulties anticipating the characters, as Abhishek keeps on wrestling with his part in the town and his yearnings for a superior future. The series has reliably offset humor with social editorial, and Season 3 looks ready to dig much more profound into the intricacies of rustic organization and self-awareness.
Watchers can hope to see a greater amount of the enchanting and particular residents who have become fan top picks. Their connections and the one of a kind cut of-life situations give a reviving and interesting portrayal of provincial India, featuring the two its appeal and its difficulties.
A Mix of Humor and Heart
One of the signs of "Panchayat" is its capacity to mix humor with sincere narrating. The trailer features minutes that guarantee to convey giggles, as well as scenes that pull at the heartstrings. This equilibrium has been a critical calculate the show's prosperity, resounding with crowds across different socioeconomics.
Creation Greatness
The creation quality remaining parts first rate, with the beautiful setting of Phulera town filling in as a scenery that upgrades the narrating. The meticulousness in portraying provincial life, joined with sharp composition and solid exhibitions, guarantees that "Panchayat" keeps on hanging out in the packed web series scene.
Expectation and Delivery
As the delivery date draws near, expectation for "Panchayat" Season 3 is at a record-breaking high. The authority trailer has previously created critical buzz, with fans enthusiastically anticipating the continuation of Abhishek Tripathi's excursion and the new undertakings that lie ahead in Phulera.
All in all, the authority trailer for "Panchayat" Season 3 recommends that watchers are in for another drawing in and engaging ride. Yet again with its charming characters, convincing story, and ideal mix of humor and show, the new season is set to enamor crowds. Write in your schedules and prepare to get back to the endearing universe of "Panchayat."
Meet Crazyjamjam - A TikTok Sensation | Blog EternalBlog Eternal
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Crazyjamjam, the TikTok star everyone's talking about! Uncover her secrets to success, viral trends, and more in this exclusive feature on Blog Eternal.
Source: https://blogeternal.com/celebrity/crazyjamjam-leaks/
From Slave to Scourge: The Existential Choice of Django Unchained. The Philos...Rodney Thomas Jr
Ā
#SSAPhilosophy #DjangoUnchained #DjangoFreeman #ExistentialPhilosophy #Freedom #Identity #Justice #Courage #Rebellion #Transformation
Welcome to SSA Philosophy, your ultimate destination for diving deep into the profound philosophies of iconic characters from video games, movies, and TV shows. In this episode, we explore the powerful journey and existential philosophy of Django Freeman from Quentin Tarantinoās masterful film, "Django Unchained," in our video titled, "From Slave to Scourge: The Existential Choice of Django Unchained. The Philosophy of Django Freeman!"
From Slave to Scourge: The Existential Choice of Django Unchained ā The Philosophy of Django Freeman!
Join me as we delve into the existential philosophy of Django Freeman, uncovering the profound lessons and timeless wisdom his character offers. Through his story, we find inspiration in the power of choice, the quest for justice, and the courage to defy oppression. Django Freemanās philosophy is a testament to the human spiritās unyielding drive for freedom and justice.
Donāt forget to like, comment, and subscribe to SSA Philosophy for more in-depth explorations of the philosophies behind your favorite characters. Hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest videos. Letās discover the principles that shape these icons and the profound lessons they offer.
Django Freemanās story is one of the most compelling narratives of transformation and empowerment in cinema. A former slave turned relentless bounty hunter, Djangoās journey is not just a physical liberation but an existential quest for identity, justice, and retribution. This video delves into the core philosophical elements that define Djangoās character and the profound choices he makes throughout his journey.
Link to video: https://youtu.be/GszqrXk38qk
Are the X-Men Marvel or DC An In-Depth Exploration.pdfXtreame HDTV
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The world of comic books is vast and filled with iconic characters, gripping storylines, and legendary rivalries. Among the most famous groups of superheroes are the X-Men. Created in the early 1960s, the X-Men have become a cultural phenomenon, featuring in comics, animated series, and blockbuster movies. A common question among newcomers to the comic book world is: Are the X-Men Marvel or DC? This article delves into the history, creators, and significant moments of the X-Men to provide a comprehensive answer.
From the Editor's Desk: 115th Father's day Celebration - When we see Father's day in Hindu context, Nanda Baba is the most vivid figure which comes to the mind. Nanda Baba who was the foster father of Lord Krishna is known to provide love, care and affection to Lord Krishna and Balarama along with his wife Yashoda; Letterās to the Editor: Mother's Day - Mother is a precious life for their children. Mother is life breath for her children. Mother's lap is the world happiness whose debt can never be paid.
Skeem Saam in June 2024 available on ForumIsaac More
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Monday, June 3, 2024 - Episode 241: Sergeant Rathebe nabs a top scammer in Turfloop. Meikie is furious at her uncle's reaction to the truth about Ntswaki.
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Episode 242: Babeile uncovers the truth behind Rathebeās latest actions. Leeto's announcement shocks his employees, and Ntswakiās ordeal haunts her family.
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 - Episode 243: Rathebe blocks Babeile from investigating further. Melita warns Eunice to stay clear of Mr. Kgomo.
Thursday, June 6, 2024 - Episode 244: Tbose surrenders to the police while an intruder meddles in his affairs. Rathebe's secret mission faces a setback.
Friday, June 7, 2024 - Episode 245: Rathebeās antics reach Kganyago. Tbose dodges a bullet, but a nightmare looms. Mr. Kgomo accuses Melita of witchcraft.
Monday, June 10, 2024 - Episode 246: Ntswaki struggles on her first day back at school. Babeile is stunned by Rathebeās romance with Bullet Mabuza.
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - Episode 247: An unexpected turn halts Rathebeās investigation. The press discovers Mr. Kgomoās affair with a young employee.
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - Episode 248: Rathebe chases a criminal, resorting to gunfire. Turf High is rife with tension and transfer threats.
Thursday, June 13, 2024 - Episode 249: Rathebe traps Kganyago. John warns Toby to stop harassing Ntswaki.
Friday, June 14, 2024 - Episode 250: Babeile is cleared to investigate Rathebe. Melita gains Mr. Kgomoās trust, and Jacobeth devises a financial solution.
Monday, June 17, 2024 - Episode 251: Rathebe feels the pressure as Babeile closes in. Mr. Kgomo and Eunice clash. Jacobeth risks her safety in pursuit of Kganyago.
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - Episode 252: Bullet Mabuza retaliates against Jacobeth. Pitsi inadvertently reveals his parentsā plans. Nkosi is shocked by Khweziās decision on LJās future.
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - Episode 253: Jacobeth is ensnared in deceit. Evelyn is stressed over Tobyās case, and Letetswe reveals shocking academic results.
Thursday, June 20, 2024 - Episode 254: Elizabeth learns Jacobeth is in Mpumalanga. Kganyago's past is exposed, and Lehasa discovers his son is in KZN.
Friday, June 21, 2024 - Episode 255: Elizabeth confirms Jacobethās dubious activities in Mpumalanga. Rathebe lies about her relationship with Bullet, and Jacobeth faces theft accusations.
Monday, June 24, 2024 - Episode 256: Rathebe spies on Kganyago. Lehasa plans to retrieve his son from KZN, fearing what awaits.
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 - Episode 257: MaNtuli fears for Kwaitoās safety in Mpumalanga. Mr. Kgomo and Melita reconcile.
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 - Episode 258: Kganyago makes a bold escape. Elizabeth receives a shocking message from Kwaito. Mrs. Khoza defends her husband against scam accusations.
Thursday, June 27, 2024 - Episode 259: Babeile's skillful arrest changes the game. Tbose and Kwaito face a hostage crisis.
Friday, June 28, 2024 - Episode 260: Two women face the reality of being scammed. Turf is rocked by breaking
Maximizing Your Streaming Experience with XCIPTV- Tips for 2024.pdfXtreame HDTV
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In todayās digital age, streaming services have become an integral part of our entertainment lives. Among the myriad of options available, XCIPTV stands out as a premier choice for those seeking seamless, high-quality streaming. This comprehensive guide will delve into the features, benefits, and user experience of XCIPTV, illustrating why it is a top contender in the IPTV industry.
Tom Selleck Net Worth: A Comprehensive Analysisgreendigital
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Over several decades, Tom Selleck, a name synonymous with charisma. From his iconic role as Thomas Magnum in the television series "Magnum, P.I." to his enduring presence in "Blue Bloods," Selleck has captivated audiences with his versatility and charm. As a result, "Tom Selleck net worth" has become a topic of great interest among fans. and financial enthusiasts alike. This article delves deep into Tom Selleck's wealth, exploring his career, assets, endorsements. and business ventures that contribute to his impressive economic standing.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
The Foundation of Tom Selleck's Wealth
Born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Tom Selleck grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. His journey towards building a large net worth began with humble origins. , Selleck pursued a business administration degree at the University of Southern California (USC) on a basketball scholarship. But, his interest shifted towards acting. leading him to study at the Hills Playhouse under Milton Katselas.
Minor roles in television and films marked Selleck's early career. He appeared in commercials and took on small parts in T.V. series such as "The Dating Game" and "Lancer." These initial steps, although modest. laid the groundwork for his future success and the growth of Tom Selleck net worth. Breakthrough with "Magnum, P.I."
The Role that Defined Tom Selleck's Career
Tom Selleck's breakthrough came with the role of Thomas Magnum in the CBS television series "Magnum, P.I." (1980-1988). This role made him a household name and boosted his net worth. The series' popularity resulted in Selleck earning large salaries. leading to financial stability and increased recognition in Hollywood.
"Magnum P.I." garnered high ratings and critical acclaim during its run. Selleck's portrayal of the charming and resourceful private investigator resonated with audiences. making him one of the most beloved television actors of the 1980s. The success of "Magnum P.I." played a pivotal role in shaping Tom Selleck net worth, establishing him as a major star.
Film Career and Diversification
Expanding Tom Selleck's Financial Portfolio
While "Magnum, P.I." was a cornerstone of Selleck's career, he did not limit himself to television. He ventured into films, further enhancing Tom Selleck net worth. His filmography includes notable movies such as "Three Men and a Baby" (1987). which became the highest-grossing film of the year, and its sequel, "Three Men and a Little Lady" (1990). These box office successes contributed to his wealth.
Selleck's versatility allowed him to transition between genres. from comedies like "Mr. Baseball" (1992) to westerns such as "Quigley Down Under" (1990). This diversification showcased his acting range. and provided many income streams, reinforcing Tom Selleck net worth.
Television Resurgence with "Blue Bloods"
Sustaining Wealth through Consistent Success
In 2010, Tom Selleck began starring as Frank Reagan i
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Scandal! Teasers June 2024 on etv Forum.co.zaIsaac More
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Monday, 3 June 2024
Episode 47
A friend is compelled to expose a manipulative scheme to prevent another from making a grave mistake. In a frantic bid to save Jojo, Phakamile agrees to a meeting that unbeknownst to her, will seal her fate.
Tuesday, 4 June 2024
Episode 48
A mother, with her son's best interests at heart, finds him unready to heed her advice. Motshabi finds herself in an unmanageable situation, sinking fast like in quicksand.
Wednesday, 5 June 2024
Episode 49
A woman fabricates a diabolical lie to cover up an indiscretion. Overwhelmed by guilt, she makes a spontaneous confession that could be devastating to another heart.
Thursday, 6 June 2024
Episode 50
Linda unwittingly discloses damning information. Nhlamulo and Vuvu try to guide their friend towards the right decision.
Friday, 7 June 2024
Episode 51
Jojo's life continues to spiral out of control. Dintle weaves a web of lies to conceal that she is not as successful as everyone believes.
Monday, 10 June 2024
Episode 52
A heated confrontation between lovers leads to a devastating admission of guilt. Dintle's desperation takes a new turn, leaving her with dwindling options.
Tuesday, 11 June 2024
Episode 53
Unable to resort to violence, Taps issues a verbal threat, leaving Mdala unsettled. A sister must explain her life choices to regain her brother's trust.
Wednesday, 12 June 2024
Episode 54
Winnie makes a very troubling discovery. Taps follows through on his threat, leaving a woman reeling. Layla, oblivious to the truth, offers an incentive.
Thursday, 13 June 2024
Episode 55
A nosy relative arrives just in time to thwart a man's fatal decision. Dintle manipulates Khanyi to tug at Mo's heartstrings and get what she wants.
Friday, 14 June 2024
Episode 56
Tlhogi is shocked by Mdala's reaction following the revelation of their indiscretion. Jojo is in disbelief when the punishment for his crime is revealed.
Monday, 17 June 2024
Episode 57
A woman reprimands another to stay in her lane, leading to a damning revelation. A man decides to leave his broken life behind.
Tuesday, 18 June 2024
Episode 58
Nhlamulo learns that due to his actions, his worst fears have come true. Caiphus' extravagant promises to suppliers get him into trouble with Ndu.
Wednesday, 19 June 2024
Episode 59
A woman manages to kill two birds with one stone. Business doom looms over Chillax. A sobering incident makes a woman realize how far she's fallen.
Thursday, 20 June 2024
Episode 60
Taps' offer to help Nhlamulo comes with hidden motives. Caiphus' new ideas for Chillax have MaHilda excited. A blast from the past recognizes Dintle, not for her newfound fame.
Friday, 21 June 2024
Episode 61
Taps is hungry for revenge and finds a rope to hang Mdala with. Chillax's new job opportunity elicits mixed reactions from the public. Roommates' initial meeting starts off on the wrong foot.
Monday, 24 June 2024
Episode 62
Taps seizes new information and recruits someone on the inside. Mary's new job
As a film director, I have always been awestruck by the magic of animation. Animation, a medium once considered solely for the amusement of children, has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Its evolution from a rudimentary form of entertainment to a sophisticated form of storytelling has stirred my creativity and expanded my vision, offering limitless possibilities in the realm of cinematic storytelling.
In the vast landscape of cinema, stories have been told, retold, and reimagined in countless ways. At the heart of this narrative evolution lies the concept of a "remake". A successful remake allows us to revisit cherished tales through a fresh lens, often reflecting a different era's perspective or harnessing the power of advanced technology. Yet, the question remains, what makes a remake successful? Today, we will delve deeper into this subject, identifying the key ingredients that contribute to the success of a remake.
Reimagining Classics - What Makes a Remake a Success
Ā
Firebirds And Ice Queens A Teaching Unit On Russian Music
1. Firebirds and Ice Queens:
A Teaching Unit on
Russian Music
Chad J. Kuyper
The expectant silence of an orchestra hall. The commanding
tap of a conductorās bow on his metal stand. The clean hum of a
rosined bow on catgut. These sounds, so infused with excitement
and emotion for lovers of classical music, strike the ears of most
middle and high schoolers as dreary and uninteresting, inciting
memories of being bored at Grandpaās house as he listened
to his scratchy Beethoven LPs. Unfortunately, many school
administrators share this glum view of classical music and the
humanities in general; a course devoted solely to the study of
art, literature, and music is a scarce ļ¬nd in any public high
school. I know studies have been done on the inherent value of
a humanities curriculum, on how after-school music programs
decrease juvenile delinquency, and so on. But the best evidence
I know for the value of classical music comes from my own
life.
When I was in sixth grade, my motherās cousin gave our
family their rickety, wooden upright piano completely free, un-
der the condition that my father would ļ¬x it up and that my
sister and I would learn to play it. My parents instantly ac-
cepted. My father reļ¬nished the old instrument beautifully, and
my mother enrolled us in lessons with the local, beehive-haired
church organist. I started my lessons with the usual mix of in-
terest in learning something new and boredom with the drudg-
2. 20 Minnesota English Journal
ery of practice. However, once my ļ¬ngers started to master
the scales and stopped stumbling through the short pieces my
teacher provided me, my passing interest in piano music slow-
ly grew into a hobby, which in turn grew into a passion. My
teacher enrolled me in regional competitions and, to my adoles-
cent disbelief, I did well. I eventually performed an hour-long
solo concert for my Honors capstone project in college. For
me, the study of piano transformed from an escape from algebra
homework into a deeply fulļ¬lling activity I still cherish today.
When a teacher taps into passion from his or her per-
sonal life, he or she makes thrilling teaching possible. Passion
is useless, however, without sound methodology. In the hu-
manities classes Iāve been privileged to teach at college, Iāve
always sought to share my love of classical music with students,
to varying degrees of success. First, Iāve chosen music that I
ļ¬nd inherently interesting. All throughout my piano training,
I always gravitated to the Russians, to the composers whose
names end in āoff: Gretchaninoff, Rebikoff, and later Rach-
maninoff. There was something about Russian music that was
different than the others. I couldnāt quite put a ļ¬nger on it; its
rhythms were more interesting, the harmonies were more ex-
pressive, and the whole ļ¬avor was just a bit more ļ¬ery than the
others. However, while my pulse quickens listening to the ļ¬-
nale of Prokoļ¬evās second piano sonata in class, I often note
some students staring out the window, gnawing on their pencil
erasers, undoubtedly making plans for the evening. Instances
of boredom decrease, Iāve found, when students are told how to
listen to this music. Just as I must often be told what to look for
when staring at a Rembrandt or a Monet, it is my job to equip
students with the handholds necessary to appreciate this music.
To that end, I present an outline of a teaching unit on
Russian music that I would teach to a high school humanities
course, most likely for upperclassmen. I imagine the audience
for this course would be an interesting mix. First, a focused hu-
manities course would never be a required course offering in a
public school, so the students who register for this course would
be learners with a strong interest in the world of humanities.
3. Firebirds and Ice Queens 21
Second, the learner population would certainly be a mix of mu-
sical backgrounds. I imagine there would be several students
in the class with a strong musical upbringing, who would be
capable of talking about the musical selections using advanced
musicological parlance. However, the bulk of the class would
be comprised of students who have a passing interest in clas-
sical music in general, but do not have the experience neces-
sary to talk about the pieces in advanced terms. As such, the
learner outcomes (at least, on a very general level) would be
twofold. By the end of the course, the students would be able
to appreciate and discuss classical music in general using more
sophisticated terms, and be able to describe the distinguishing
characteristics of the major composers discussed in the course.
I will outline the major divisions of the unit, the learner
outcomes for each division, the course content to be transmit-
ted, and some sample activities. In many of these activities,
I will attempt to draw parallels between Russian classical mu-
sic and contemporary popular music (and there are parallels!).
Any opportunity for students to see the how music of a cen-
tury ago inļ¬uenced what is popular today makes the study of
humanities that much more worthwhile. In each unit, I would
occasionally ask the students to bring something to discussion
in the form of a one-and-a-half to two-page research paper. I
will provide possible topics for the students to research for this
paper and bring to class. Some units will also focus on one
composer. Such units will feature a central work by this com-
poser; I have chosen such works not only because they are in-
dicative of that composerās style, but also simply because they
are well-known. I think it would be valuable for my students
to come away from my class being able to ātalk shopā about
the well-known names of classical music. Finally, Iāve cho-
sen these selections simply for the fact that they are exciting
pieces of music. As motivated as they may be, my students
are still high schoolers, and consideration for their attention
threshold must be paid. After all, Iām happy enough theyāre
taking my class; the last thing I want to do is bore them out of it.
4. 22 Minnesota English Journal
Unit 1: Romantic Music 101
Outcomes
ā¢Students will be able to identify the various instruments in an
orchestra.
ā¢Students will be able to deļ¬ne the differences between Ro-
mantic music and the music of the time periods before it
(Classical, Baroque, etc.).
Music: Brandenburg Concerto, J.S. Bach; various two- and
three-part inventions, Bach; āRage over the Lost Penny,ā
L.V. Beethoven; Piano Sonata No. 1, Beethoven; Sleep-
ing Beauty, P.I. Tchaikovsky.
Content: The aesthetic by which Baroque music must be ap-
preciated is based on structure. The more melodically
complex a piece of music, the more beautiful it is (at
least by Baroque standards). As such, there is a great
emphasis on counterpoint in this style of musicāthat is,
two or three or four melodies all playing at once, over-
lapping and harmonizing with each other. Classical mu-
sic (āClassicalā here meaning the era of Beethoven and
Handel) retains this idea of structure with the advent of
the sonata, a highly structured form to which the melo-
dies and harmonic development of the piece must ad-
here. Introducing this material shows what Romantic
music is by ļ¬rst showing what it is not. While Romantic
music certainly adheres to certain forms, the emphasis
in Romanticism is on the portrayal of an emotion, rather
than adherence to a prescribed format. Iāve chosen the
Brandenburg Concerto and the Inventions as exemplars
of the Baroque era for their emphasis on structure and
successful marriage of many melodies. Sonata No. 1
5. Firebirds and Ice Queens 23
by Beethoven is the best example I could ļ¬nd of āso-
nata-allegroā form, a strict Classical structure (the ļ¬rst
melody appears in a certain key, is repeated once, then a
second melody appears in the key ļ¬ve notes away from
the original one, etc.). Tchaikovskyās Sleeping Beauty is
an enjoyable contrast between the Baroque and Classical
works simply because it clearly focuses on pulling the
heartstrings instead of putting forth an impressive struc-
ture.
Research Topics: The life of Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky; So-
nata-allegro form (very important).
Activities:
ā¢Listen to the Inventions at home, then Sleeping Beauty. With-
out analyzing too deeply the use of various instruments,
simply relate how the works made you feel. Did one stir
you more than the other? Why or why not?
ā¢Bring in a work of literature that adheres strictly to a form
(Shakespearean sonnet, Greek tragedy, etc.). Analyze
how well it sticks to that format. In your opinion, does
the fact that it obeys a certain form make it a better piece
of literature? Are you more moved by it? Explain your
reactions.
ā¢Bring in a popular piece of music that uses two melodies on
top of each other, much like Bach did in his Inventions.
It can be anything: the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Incubus,
whatever. Weāll listen to it in class, and itās up to you to
explain how the melodies work together.
Unit 2: Tchaikovsky, or Bring Down The House
Outcomes
ā¢Students will be able to identify the music of Tchaikovsky by
6. 24 Minnesota English Journal
what makes it distinctly āTchaikovskyan.ā
ā¢Students will be able to identify Tchaikovskyās music as dis-
tinctly āromantic.ā
Music: Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-ļ¬at minor, Romeo and Juliet,
Eugene Onegin.
Research Topics: The Petersburg conservatory, Tchaikovskyās
bizarre marriage, his relationship to his teacher Nicholas
Rubinstein.
Content: Tchaikovsky is the composer most noted for his sense
of āpull-out-all-the-stopsā Romanticism, a quality I feel
is best exempliļ¬ed by the Sleeping Beauty selection cov-
ered in the preceding unit, and by his ļ¬rst piano concer-
to. Some ļ¬nd his style moving, while others ļ¬nd it too
obvious and forced; it would be interesting to see which
side my students fall on.
Activities:
ā¢Research what a concerto is. What different types are there?
ā¢Listen to the piano concerto. First, how does the piano interact
with the orchestra? Do the piano and orchestra take turns
playing? Do they play together? How well do they play
together? Second, what do you think of his style? Gran-
diose and moving? Overdone? Tell me brieļ¬y why.
ā¢Read portions of Pushkinās Eugene Onegin and relate them
to Tchaikovskyās opera. (I will have divided Pushkinās
work up among groups.) What part of the story is being
portrayed in the opera version?
ā¢Bring in a piece of modern popular music that you feel āgoes
for brokeā with emotion. Iām thinking of harder rock
7. Firebirds and Ice Queens 25
(metal), or pop songs that really pull the heartstrings. Is
this effective music to you? What do you like or not like
about it?
Unit 3: Rachmaninoļ¬
Outcomes
ā¢Students will be able to see the stylistic departure of Rach-
maninoffās music from Tchaikovskyās.
ā¢Students will be able to analyze music on a more complex lev-
el.
Music: Piano Concerti Nos. 2 and 3, literature for four hands,
Etudes-Tableaux.
Research Topics: His musical background, the failure of his
First Symphony, his relationship with his teacher Sverev,
the Third Piano Concerto, his huge hands (how big were
they, anyway?).
Content: With Rachmaninoff, one can sense a departure from
Tchaikovskyās music. Rachmaninoff employs a much
more subtle touch to much of his music. Though he cer-
tainly has a ļ¬air for the dramatic (as can be heard in his
Third Concerto), Rachmaninoffās strength is the simplic-
ity of his melodies. It is this simplicity that differentiates
him from Tchaikovsky, and the opening bars of the sec-
ond piano concerto illustrate this nicely. Also, some of
Rachmaninoffās music is meant to evoke a visual image,
which causes some to place him within the āimpression-
istā composers as well.
Activities:
ā¢Since some of the Etudes-Tableaux were inspired by paintings
by Bƶcklin, ļ¬nd some of his work. Which paintings do
8. 26 Minnesota English Journal
you think inspired the music?
ā¢Bring in any visual work you think could have inspired an
Etude-Tableau. What qualities of the work are portrayed
in the music?
ā¢Listen to the Variations on A Russian Folk Song for Four
Hands. How many times can you hear the original mel-
ody played again? How does Rachmaninoff vary the
melody? On what registers of the piano can you hear the
principal melody?
Unit 4: While WeŹ¼re Talking About Russian Folk Musicā¦
Outcomes
ā¢Students will be able to identify the musical devices that make
this folk music distinctly Russian.
ā¢Students will see the musical techniques that Russian folk mu-
sic shares with other musical forms.
Music: various Russian folk tunes, Gregorian chant, Asian folk
music.
Research Topics: Modes vs. Scales.
Content: Russian music is often based on āmodesā instead of
the traditional ākeysā on which most classical music
is based (A minor, C major, etc.). These modes (Lyd-
ian, Dorian, Aeolian, etc.) are also utilized in Gregorian
chant. The pentatonic scale, a scale based on ļ¬ve notes
instead of the traditional seven, often appears in Russian
folk music as well. This scale, which often appears in
traditional Asian music, corresponds to the black keys on
the piano, which is why playing on just the black keys
gives a distinctly Asian sound to the music.
9. Firebirds and Ice Queens 27
Activities:
ā¢Find some traditional Russian folk music. React to it brieļ¬y.
Does it sound like anything else you may have heard?
Unit 5: Stravinsky and His Firebird (Not The Car)
Outcomes
ā¢ Students will be able to see the role that a traditional Russian
folk tale plays in Stravinskyās suite.
ā¢ Students will be able to analyze on a yet more complex level
the musical structure of The Firebird Suite.
Music: The Firebird Suite.
Research Topics: the tale itself, Diaghilev and Les Ballets Russ-
es, Michel Fokine, his friendship with fellow composer
Alexander Tcherepnin.
Content: Stravinsky utilizes a variety of tricks in his bag as a
composer to create the images in The Firebird. From the
dark and ominous opening bars, to the trills and orna-
ments that depict the graceful ļ¬uttering of the ļ¬rebirdās
wings, to the heavy pounding chords that signify the
ogreās arrival, The Firebird is a wide-ranging piece that
will hopefully fascinate the students. Iāve chosen this one
as opposed to Petrouchka or The Rite of Spring because
of its accessibility. As much as I enjoy the avant-garde
sounds of these works, I want to maintain the interest of
my students without hearing āWell, it all just sounds like
a bunch of loud, random noises to me.ā
Activities:
10. 28 Minnesota English Journal
ā¢ Find and read a variation of the Firebird folk tale. How do the
features of the story show up in the work? What instru-
ments does Stravinsky use to portray certain elements of
the story? Focus on speciļ¬c kinds of instruments (brass,
percussion, winds, etc.).
Unit 6: A Few Others ā Prokoļ¬ev, Shostakovich, Scriabin
Outcomes
ā¢Students will be able to hear the difference between these com-
posersā music and that of the composers from the units
before.
ā¢ Students will be able to offer a sophisticated analysis of one
musical selection.
Music: Piano Concerto No. 2, Shostakovich; Romeo and Juliet,
Prokoļ¬ev; Piano Prelude in E-ļ¬at Minor, Op. 11, No. 14,
Scriabin.
Research Topics: the life of each of the composers, what makes
each of their music distinct.
Content: For this unit, I would split the class into three, and
each group would be responsible for presenting its com-
poser to the rest of the class. I would create the groups,
attempting to place a variety of skill levels into each
group. Each group would be responsible for some bi-
ographical information on its composer, identiļ¬cation
of its composerās contemporaries, how the composerās
music differs from said contemporaries, and an analysis
of one of the composerās works, not necessarily limited
to those above. I chose these works because they lend
themselves well to analysis and comparison (e.g., the
11. Firebirds and Ice Queens 29
Prokoļ¬ev group could compare his Romeo and Juliet to
Tchaikovskyās, etc.).
Final Projects
ā¢Analyze a work by a composer not covered here (Rimsky-
Korsakov, Balakirev, Dagormyzhksy, Tcherepnin, etc.).
Present it to the class by comparing it to a work we did
cover. How do the works differ? How are they the
same?
ā¢Much Russian music creates a visual image in the mind of the
reader. Put this image on a canvas. Create a painting,
drawing, or other visual medium that re-creates what is
portrayed in any work that we covered in class.
ā¢Make a movie based on a Russian folk tale, and incorporate a
musical selection into the soundtrack. Re-enact Rimsky-
Korsakovās The Snow Maiden! Stravinskyās Firebird!
Find one we didnāt cover, perhaps!
An ambitious curriculum, to be sure. The success or fail-
ure of the unit will depend in large part on the instructor and the
make-up of the students in the classroom. However, the poten-
tial positive outcomes for the student are numerous, and exist
on a variety of levels. In the sunniest of all my teacher fanta-
sies, students would come away with a profound understanding
of Russian music, ļ¬nd themselves thrilled by its passion and
complexity, and rush in a joyous throng to the nearest orchestra
hall to purchase season subscriptions. Even on a more realistic
level, though, students can come away from this unit with a bet-
ter understanding of the creative forces that helped shape the
music they listen to now. The simple study of classical music,
Russian or no, also helps students to listen with more attention,
to increase their listening attention span, a trait desired by teach-
ers in many disciplines. And for the teacher (this teacher, any-
way), the unit offers the opportunity to employ truly passionate
12. 30 Minnesota English Journal
pedagogy. I encourage teachers to take liberally from this cur-
riculum what they ļ¬nd useful, or use its basic structure to create
a plan for teaching something that ignites their own passions,
that ļ¬lls their own classroom with the ļ¬re of brilliant teaching.