Introductions to composer: 20 – 25 mins:
Choose one of the composers listed in the syllabus and tell us:
1. Start with a personal note: Why did you choose this composer? If you have a passion for this composer, please share that and explain why (a personal story is welcome!)
2. Here are the other points to cover. Please emphasize the information that has the most relevance to the piece we will hear:
· A very brief, barebones outline of the composer’s life.
· The composer’s most famous pieces and most notable musical achievements.
· The composer’s main musical styles(s) and era.
· The composer’s enduring influences.
· Any controversies, especially musical controversies.
Post concert discussions
Choose a concert you plan to attend. At the next class meeting, share your responses and lead a discussion to hear your classmates’ responses. Some suggestions:
1. Share your overall responses, especially compared to your expectations of the pieces and the performers and the conductor.
2. Compare your responses to the Providence Journal review, when available, which we will send to the class by Sunday evening,
3. Ask your classmates’ responses to specific events and moments during the concert—to specific pieces or parts of a piece, to the various aspects of a soloist’s performance, to the conductor’s presence, gestures, and apparent interpretation etc. (Two questions to avoid: “What do you think?” and “Did you like it?”)
Pieces:
Choose a piece from the list below and tell us:
1. What kind of piece is this (concerto, symphony, sonata, etc.) and what are its movements?
2. What are the shifting moods & emotions in one (or more) of the movements?
3. What musical qualities seem to drive a movement(s) or section: Melody? Rhythm? Harmony? Instrumental interactions?
4. What might be the technical challenges for the performers?
5. What do you like about this piece and what things will you listen and watch for at the concert?
The Choices:
Introductions to soloists and chamber groups:
Choose a soloist from the list below and tell us:
1. A few important facts about the individual’s life and career that seem significant to you.
2. Highlights from interviews with the individual
3. A sampling of comments from published articles about the individual and reviews of performances
4. Your responses to video performances posted to YouTube and elsewhere.
5. What you will be listening and watching for during the concert.
Introductions to conductors:
Choose a conductor from the list below and tell us:
1. A few important facts about the individual’s life and career that seem significant to you.
2. Highlights from interviews with the individual
3. A sampling of comments from published articles about the individual and reviews of performances
4. Your responses to video performances posted to YouTube and elsewhere.
5. What you will be listening and watching for during the concert.