From Magpies
to Messiaen: Birds in Music
Birds In Music is a project in
which students study the influence that birds have had in music as well as
create original music based on imitations and actual samples of bird song.
Musicians have been influenced by their surroundings since the beginning of
music. Whether the quoting and imitation of bird song in Messiaens's
compositions, or even Finish composer Harri Viitanen's transformation of bird
calls through computers and MIDI instruments, bird song has found its way into
countless pieces of music.
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This project is a long term
unit which leads students through various experiences culminating in a
composition that makes use of bird calls in various ways as compositional
material. One of the main focuses throughout the lesson, is the
development of aural skills.
The following site is a
resource for students to use during the course of this project. If you are
a visitor we hope you enjoy taking a look at this exciting
project! |
Part I - Music
Theory & Aural Skills
Part II - "Birds
in Music" A look at and listen to some composers
Part III - Bird
Song as compositional material
Part IV - Original
Composition
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