From Magpies to Messiaen: Birds in Music
Part II - "Birds in Music" A look at and listen to some
composers
Inspiration comes to
composers in a variety of forms. People have been influenced by nature all
throughout history. Whether the imitation of bird song in aboriginal didjeridoo
playing to the imitation of bird calls in classical composers' music, bird song
has found its way into many pieces of music.
After learning some
fundamental aspects of music theory, students will be introduced to music that
has been influenced by or includes bird song in a various ways. The music will
be listened to and analyzed by the students to gain both a deeper understanding
of music and to see how composers have treated bird song as musical
material.
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Topics covered in
this part of the lesson:
-How bird song has
been used in music
-Information about
various composers who have used bird song in thier music
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How Birdsong has been used in music....
Step 1- Read the
following article:
Now answer the
following questions in complete sentences.......... |
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| 1. According to the
article what are the limits of using standard musical notation to
write down the notes that birds "sing"? |
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| 2. List several of the
types of birds mentioned in this article: |
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| 3. What comparisons
are made between music and bird song? |
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| 4. Why do you think
composers would use bird song in their
compositions? |
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| This article is a great introduction to birdsong and
music in general. |
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| Read
an article that discusses bird song and music from a scientific
perspective |
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Step 2. We will be listening
to several different pieces of music in class that make use of bird songs
in various ways. Choose one of the pieces we listen to and write a 4-5
paragraph essay describing the piece of music and your reactions to
it.
Make sure to include the
following information: |
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| 1. The
title and composer and instrumentation of the piece |
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| 2. How the piece
makes use of birdsong |
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| 3. How the piece
is organized |
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| 4. How
the composer makes use of elements of music such as rhythm, harmony, loud
and soft etc. |
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| 5. What made the
piece unique and why |
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| 6. What you like
and/or dislike about the piece and why |
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Submit your essay to your portfolio |
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