How do musicians and composers create meaning through music? Whether it is communicating an emotion, or feeling, telling a story, or interpreting a musical statement, musicians, conductors and composers are masters of the art of expression.
Grades 5-8 suggested
The Melody and Meaning content is broken into smaller video clips further down the page. If you prefer to view the youth concert as a whole, please watch the video directly below.
Introduction
Symphony No. 5, Mvt. I
by Ludwig van Beethoven
Exploring music as a way to communicate and express emotions, thoughts and ideas.
Music & Emotion
Romeo & Juliet Overture, Love Theme
by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 2, Mvt. I
by Alexander Borodin
Composers’ musical choices affect how we feel when listening to a piece of music.
This clip includes a video accompanying each musical selection to compare and contrast the emotions felt while watching the same video with different music.
Musical Illustrations
La Mer, Mvt. III
by Claude Debussy
Music has the power to paint a picture in our minds.
MUSICAL FORM: TONE POEM
Understanding how a composer’s choice of musical elements can help express a feeling or an image for the listener.
Grades 5-8 suggested
Musical Storytelling
The Sleeping Beauty Suite
Mvt. I Intro: la fee des lilas
Mvt. V Valse
by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Telling a story through in music.
THE STORY OF SLEEPING BEAUTY
Discover the inspiration behind the classic fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty.
Grades 5-8 suggested
Musical Form
Symphony No. 88, Mvt. IV
by Joseph Haydn
Analyzing the organization of music through recurring musical themes.
MUSICAL FORM: RONDO
Identify the unique themes in rondo form, with a sign language extension.
Grades 5-8 suggested
The Composer
Seven O’Clock Shout
by Valerie Coleman
Experience music by a living American composer!
COMPOSER STUDY: TCHAIKOVSKY & COLEMAN
Learn about the life and music of two composers from different eras.
Grades 5-8 suggested
Music & Meaning
Over the Rainbow
by Harold Arlen
arr. by Pellet
The melody and rhythms that accompany the lyrics help give power and meaning to the words themselves in this familiar song.
Finale
The Firebird Suite, Finale
by Igor Stravinsky
Based on Russian folk tales and premiered as a ballet, the triumphant finale of The Firebird is a powerful example of musical expression.
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