Unit 7 Art Lesson 3 A Musical Genius
Level: High School
Subject: English Language Arts
Objectives:
To understand the life and accomplishments of musical genius.
To appreciate the significance of musical genius to music.
Materials:
Textbook: "A Musical Genius" from Unit 7 of "北师大版(2019)高中英语必修第三册"
Audio recordings music
Worksheets with guided questions and activities
Writing materials
Procedure:
I. Introduction
Greet the students and introduce the topic of the lesson.
Ask the students if they have heard of Ludwig van Beethoven and what they know about him.
Preview the objectives of the lesson.
II. Reading
After reading, have the students discuss in pairs the main points of the text.
As a class, have the students share their thoughts and insights about Beethoven’s life and accomplishments.
III. Listening
Play recordings of Beethoven's music.
Have the students listen to the music and write down their observations and feelings about the music.
Discuss as a class the themes and motifs in the music and how they relate to Beethoven's life and experiences.
IV. Analysis
Distribute worksheets with guided questions and activities.
Have the students work in pairs or small groups to analyze Beethoven's music and connect it to the themes and motifs in his life.
After completing the worksheets, have the students share their findings with the class.
V. Conclusion
Have the students reflect on what they have learned about Beethoven's contributions to classical music.
Have the students write a short reflection on their own feelings and thoughts about Beethoven's music.
Wrap up the lesson by thanking the students for their participation and summarizing the key points of the lesson.
Exercise:
Write a short essay about Beethoven's contribution to classical music. Include at least three of his famous works in your essay.
Answer:
Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most important composers in the history of classical music. He revolutionized the classical music tradition by introducing new forms, genres, and techniques that expanded the expressive range of music. His contribution to classical music can be seen in his famous works such as the Ninth Symphony, Moonlight Sonata, and Fur Elise.
The Ninth Symphony is a monumental work that marks the culmination of Beethoven's symphonic career. It is famous for its choral finale, which sets Schiller's poem "Ode to Joy" to music and expresses the idea of universal brotherhood and freedom. The symphony also features a dramatic first movement, a lyrical second movement, a playful third movement, and a triumphant fourth movement that showcase Beethoven's mastery of form and expression.
The Moonlight Sonata is one of Beethoven's most popular piano works. It is famous for its hauntingly beautiful first movement, which features a slow and melancholic melody that evokes the mood of the moonlit night. The sonata also includes a lively and virtuosic second movement, and a delicate and expressive third movement that demonstrate Beethoven's ability to create contrasting moods and styles.
Fur Elise is a short piano piece that has become one of the most beloved and recognizable works in classical music. It features a catchy and cheerful melody that is easy to remember and sing. Although it is a relatively simple piece, it showcases Beethoven's talent for creating memorable and expressive themes that appeal to a wide range of listeners.
In conclusion, Beethoven's contribution to classical music is immense and enduring. His works have inspired generations of musicians and listeners, and continue to be admired and studied for their beauty, complexity, and innovation.
Homework:
Practice playing a piece of classical music on your instrument or voice. Record yourself performing the piece and listen to the recording to evaluate your performance. Write a short reflection on the experience and what you learned from it.