As I suspect questions about your homework assignment may begin creeping up sometime Thursday evening, I would like to take a moment to remind you of a few internet resources available to you pertaining to this issue.
Hopefully you've all heard that the President likes to sing...
Well, as I was flipping through the channels this evening, I came upon "In Performance at the White House: Red, White & Blues." While the evening was filled with big names like B.B. King, Jeff Beck and Mick Jagger, there were two performances that knocked me on my side.
We are starting to see better and better results in the listening examples we are receiving. Here are a few of the pieces you listened to today, that you might reflect on them.
Aside from being deaf by the end of his lifetime, Beethoven is also known for doing a little composing. We all know his symphonies, but for him, this was just the tip of the iceberg. Beethoven's String Quartet No. 14 (actually his 15th quartet), is considered by many his greatest accomplishment, which I am thrilled to share with you now.
@ 0:00, Mvmt. 1, Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivo (C# Major)
@ 9:24, Mvmt. 2, Allegro molto vivace (D Major)
@ 12:34, Mvmt. 3, Allegro moderato (f# minor)
@ 13:32, Mvmt. 4, Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabile (A Major)
@ 29:31, Mvmt. 5, Presto (E Major)
@ 34:58, Mvmt. 6, Adagio quasi un poco andante (g# minor)
@ 37:20, Mvmt. 7, Allegro (C# Major)
There is also an analysis of this piece in the video.
Here is another great one, for those of you with a spare moment:
David Byrne, formerly of the Talking Heads, discusses performance within certain venues, and how those venues may have had more influence on the creative process than passion did.
Needless to say, this would be one heck of an Extended Essay.
As we get closer to test time, I think it is important for us to consider the end goal of this learning, and to reflect on what it is we are trying to do here.
At the end of the day, if you remember one thing, remember that all music is awesome, and incredibly/interestingly related. Maybe it speaks to the fact that humanity, for all of its self imposed divisions, is not so different after all? And this is where IB comes in.
Your Musical Link Investigation is simply a media script of less than 2,000 words that tests this theory. Can you find two separate musical cultures that share something, in spite of the fact that they may be half a world away? What is really impressive here is that there are a plethora of correct answers, and that you are allowed to pursue your own interests in an effort to more deeply delve into this matter.
Your Listening Paper is almost the exact same thing as the MLI, except that the format is different. Again, we are searching for things that pieces share, no matter how different they might be.
I guess my point is, don't be boggled down by the fact that there are so many things to compare, and simply start with a few basics. Music is a language that everyone speaks, but just because you can't speak the "jargon" fluently doesn't mean you should pack up and do your math homework instead. :)
Have a lovely evening. To put it all into perspective, here is Pink Floyd.
Hope everyone enjoyed their Friday off - now back to work.
I'd like to share a piece with you that I heard at the Texas Music Educators Association in San Antonio this past week. It is the perfect combination of music and text - a story that is conveyed wonderfully through music. The story behind the text is:
While on duty in Iraq, Pfc. Jesse Givens wrote a letter to his wife and two children that he wished to be only opened in the event of his death. Unfortunately, Givens died in battle before his second child was born, and the letter was delivered to his wife after she had given birth. Afterwards, his wife consented to American composer Lee Hoiby setting his letter to music.
An incredibly moving piece - the text is below the video. Enjoy.
I searched all my life for a dream and I found it in you. I would like to think that I made a positive difference in your lives. I will never be able to make up for the bad. I am so sorry. The happiest moments in my life all deal with my little family. I will always have with me the small moments we all shared. The moments when you quit taking life so serious and smiled. The sounds of a beautiful boy's laughter or the simple nudge of a baby unborn. You will never know how complete you have made me. You opened my eyes to a world I never dreamed existed.
Dakota, you are more son than I could ever ask for. You have a big beautiful heart. I will always be there in our park when you dream, so we can still play. I hope someday you will have a son like mine. I love you Toad. I will always be there with you. I'll be in the sun, shadows, dreams, and joys of your life.
Bean, I never got to see you but I know in my heart you are beautiful.
I have never been so blessed as I was on the day I met Melissa Dawn Benfield. You are my Angel, soulmate, wife, lover, and best friend. I am so sorry. I did not want to have to write this letter. There is so much more I need to say, so much more I need to share. A lifetime's worth. I married you for a million lifetimes. That's how long I will be with you.
Do me one favor. After you tuck the children in, give them hugs and kisses from me. Go outside and look at the stars, and count them. Don't forget to smile.
