Introduction
Hello Mr. Myers! You are a student at the local university, and have a major assignment coming up. Your professor has tasked you with writing a paper on the different musical eras, which is due in one week. As you read about the musical time periods, fill out your research paper to show what you have learned. At the end of the webquest you can compare your results to the correct answers.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yaHxWHFhajoNFBNQWuEJH-yR7qcYtk_aNdUnvT2xy6k/edit
Task
You decide to research your musical time periods in chronological order, and only cover the four major time periods in your paper.
Baroque 1600-1750
The Baroque period is considered to be the the first time standard music notation was developed. Unlike in the Renaissance period and prior, Baroque music featured polyphonic texture, (many independent voices,) and was very ornate. Baroque music also began to develop many creative musical techniques, including musical symbolism and and grandiose themes. Try to find which of the following pieces are from the Baroque era based on this information.
*Complete activity #1 based off this information*
As well as the many great works created during this era, there were also some very memorable composers. The most notable of which are Bach, Vivaldi, and Handel, who still have their works played today.
Vivaldi, an Italian violin player and composer, is most know for his piece titled "Four Seasons." This piece was notable due to it's strong use of symbolism, something considered revolutionary for the time. Ironically enough, Vivaldi didn't become popular until the 1900's, over 150 years after his death.
Bach, a German Organ/Harpsichord composer, is renowned for the sheer quantity of works he produced. In his lifetime Bach wrote over 1,000 pieces, the most notable of which being the "Brandenburg Concertos" and "Toccata and Fugue in d minor." Despite being so noteworthy, Bach lived an unfortunate life; he worked at the Leipzig church for 27 years, and never received the pay he was promised. Had 20 children.
Handel, a German opera/orchestra composer, is known for his his work "Messiah." The piece takes 2.5 hours to perform, and allegedly the king was so moved that he stood during it's chorus. Handel also composed 42 other operas, and numerous other pieces.
*Complete activity #2 based off this information.*
There was a reason music was the way it was during the Baroque time period. Europe was going through major turmoil during this time, which brought monarchs to power bringing upon absolutism. This changed the demand for music, from simply entertainment to something used to impress others. That is the reason music suddenly became so fancy and ornate. This is also the reason many other works of art and architecture looks impressive during this time period.
*Complete activity #3 based off this information.*
Classical 1750-1825
The Classical Period contains many very well known composers, including Mozart, Haydn, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, and Beethoven. This sudden explosion of musical talent is in large part due to the enlightenment occurring, giving people much more time to focus on frivolous things such as music. This change also affected the style of music performed; instead of grandiose works designed to impress monarchs, pieces were now more simplistic and mathematical to appeal to the commons. This era also produced another musical invention called the piano, which served as the backbone for almost any piece.
*Complete activity #1 based off this information.*
Mozart was an Austrian piano and violin composer known best for his excellence in composing every variety of music. While his works are predictable in harmony, phrasing, and rhythms, it was a style considered to be unique at the time. Mozart had begun composing as early as age 5 according to some sources, and is widely considered to be a musical genius.
Haydn was an Austrian composer known for the creation of the symphony, string quarter, and piano trio. Haydn had a reputation for teaching children how to play and compose music, giving him the nickname "Papa Haydn." Haydn was even friends with Mozart! Hayden is known especially for teaching one student in particular, name Ludwig Van Beethoven. Haydn is also said to be a practical joker, which got him into trouble at a young age.
Chevalier de Saint-Georges was a French composer and violin player. He was the first ever African composer, and was so successful he was envied even by Mozart. Saint-Georges was the conductor of the leading symphony in Paris, earning him the title (bestowed by former U.S. president) "The most accomplished man in Europe."
Beethoven was a German composer and pianist. He spanned both the Classical and Romantic time periods, and thus will not be discussed until later.
*Complete activity #2 based off this information.*
Here are some examples of well known classical pieces. Please note the key elements of the Classical time period used in these pieces.
*Complete activity #3 based off this information"
Romantic 1825-1900
Unlike the classical time period, music during the romantic time period is extremely expressive and beautiful. Music meant to make the audience feel something, and is made not our of duty but passion for their work. This is due to the industrial revolution allowing for many more musicians to practice their work and make a living, while also being inspired by the many technological innovations occurring. Many people feel a strong sense of nationalism due to this innovation, and have created even more beautiful pieces because of that.
*Complete activity #1 based off this information*
Tchaikovsky was a Russian composer, and was famous for his strong sense of nationalism and use of Russia in his music. Tchaikovsky even included the Russian national anthem in some of his pieces, including the famous 1812 overture. Tchaikovsky actually wrote many ballets, and worked his life as a civil servant
Chopin was a Hungarian composer who wrote almost exclusively for the piano. Chopin was known for both his etudes to help his students grow as musicians, and his more difficult pieces only meant for the best musicians. Chopin died at the young age of 39, but left plenty of wonderful pieces behind with him.
Wagner was a German composer known for his operas and popularization of leitmotifs. A leitmotif is a reoccurring theme in music, and was used during Wagner's stageworks to represent a specific character or group. Wagner is known today for his antisemenic views, which are frowned upon.
Listz was a composer and piano player who is best known for the prepared piano solo. The piano recital is when the piano is placed sideways so the musician and the audience can see each other. Listz was very popular during his time allegedly due to his good looks, and took sadistic pride in that.
Beethoven is a German composer, and is one of the most well known musicians of all time. Beethoven's greatest accomplishment is the larg symphony, which practically singlehandedly spawned the romantic era due to his wonderful pieces. Beethoven's most iconic works are his nine symphonies, but he wrote many other pieces for smaller groups.
*Complete activity #2 based off this information*
Use the information given prior to figure out who composed the following pieces.
*complete activity #3 based off this information*
Contemporary 1900-Present day
The contemporary time period is extremely interesting and diverse. It is during this time that many new styles of music began to emerge, including jazz, atonality (no key signature/tonal center,), pop, aleatoric, (music left to chance,) and improvisation. It is very difficult to describe the contemporary era as embodying any specific style, as so many different types of music are being played. The reason music has become so diverse is due to both improvements in modern life, but also social inequality and world wars; many people write songs influenced by these unfortunate events, as well as their struggle to overcome them.
*Complete activity #1 using the information given.*
As there were many different styles of music, there were also many different composers. Many of these composers come from varied backrounds, which is a contrast to older musical eras.
Gershwin was an American composer who was one of the few to combine Jazz and classical music. He would often write music with his brother, Ira. While Gershwin would compose music, Ira would create lyrics. This lead to some very memorable pieces.
Copland was an American composer who created a lot of popular folk music. His music had a modern style with a hint of jazz, all of which gave his music the title "the sound of American music." Copland later explored an experimental type of music called 12 tone serialism which was a type of atonality which gave each note an equal importance. It wasn't very successful.
Bernstein was a German composer and pianist who was known for his eccentric personality. The way he conducted was said to be flamboyant and full of personality, and he often even played piano while conducting. Bernstein's pieces had a variety of styles, from orchestras to symphonies to ballets. However, no matter what he was composing Bernstein was sure to bring his signature style.
George Walker was the first African American to win a Pulitzer prize for music, and the first African American to graduate the Curtis institute and receive a doctorate from Eastman school. Walker's compositions were mostly rooted in classical, although they did have a hint of Jazz. Walker even wrote a piece in dedication to Chevalier de Saint-Georges, the first African composer.
*Complete activity #2 based off this information*
There are many, many different styles of music in the contemporary era. Identify which style each of the following pieces uses.
Process
You have finally finished writing your Research paper, and am ready to turn it in! Use the answer key to see how you did.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/15pNdbiTBkYGwMNOdZl7Hz6i-T_UxQN08URWJTwQAv2s/edit?usp=sharing