Download Bach, Johann Sebastian - (1685-1750) Bach was a German organist

Bach, Johann Sebastian - (1685-1750) Bach was a German organist and
composer during the Baroque period. He is famous for his works such as the
Well-Tempered Clavier and the Brandenburg Concertos. He is also well
known as a church organist and made many contributions to the Lutheran
liturgy. Bach developed a great understanding of each instrument’s distinct
colors and musical capabilities. Bach’s compositions have a rhythmic, driving
force that move the tempo.
Baroque period - (1600-1760) The Baroque period was a time of extravagance in art,
architecture and music. Composers wrote with grand expression and began to pave the way
for musical meaning without text. Pieces were commissioned by either the church or
aristocratic royal courts. Instrumental music grew during the Baroque period. Both musical
form and style were able to develop and broaden. By the end of the 17th century, orchestras
had nearly doubled in size.
Beethoven, Ludwig Van - (1770-1827) Known for his improvisation and
expressive music, German composer Beethoven is one of the most
famous of the Classical era. He is often considered the bridge
between the Classical and Romantic eras. By age 20, Beethoven had
lost his hearing but continued to compose beautiful music
successfully, due to his extensive background in musical form and
theory. Beethoven’s most popular compositions include Symphony No.
9 (d minor) and Piano Sonata Op. 27 (Moonlight Sonata).
Chopin, Frederick - (1810-1849) Chopin was an extraordinary Polish pianist
and composer. Like Mozart, he was considered a child prodigy writing his
first composition by age 7 and performing for royalty by age 8. Chopin
used melodic invention, free improvisation and perfect harmony in his
works. He is most known for his piano methods and changing the use of
keyboard, which is still used today. He also established the piano as a solo
instrument in the orchestral setting. His well known works include the
Minute Waltz and Polonaise in A flat major, Op. 53.
Classical period - (1730-1820) During the Classical period, music moved beyond the court and
church to become popular entertainment for the middle class. Classical composers wrote
music that was easier to understand and relate to, such as operas that ended on a light, happy
note, known as comic operas. The music of this period had simpler harmony and clearer
tonality.
Concerto - A concerto is a musical work originating during the Baroque period. Usually of three
movements, this type of composition includes a solo instrument which is accompanied by the
orchestra.
Ellington, Duke - (1899-1974) One of the leading figures in American
Jazz, Ellington was a composer, performer and bandleader. He
understood that each player of his band had a specific style, and he
composed specifically for his musicians, drawing on their talents as
soloists and ensemble players. Some of his memorable compositions
include, “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” “In A
Sentimental Mood” and “Satin Doll.”
Harmony - Harmony is the combination of pitches playing simultaneously.
Haydn, Franz Joseph - (1732-1809) Most remembered for his symphonic
works. Haydn spent much of his life working for the wealthy Esterházy
family for whom he directed a royal orchestra, composed music and
taught. Haydn is known for many compositions. Some of his famous
works include The Creation, Symphony No. 94 (The Surprise) and
Symphony No. 101 (The Clock).
Improvisation - Composing music while playing an instrument at the same time.
Melody - The most recognizable part of a song; main idea/theme played by one or more
instruments.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - (1756-1791) Mozart was a child prodigy. By
age 5 he had composed his first piece and was performing for royal
courts and aristocratic families. Mozart is one of the most important
composers in history. He has written more than 600 pieces in the 35
years of his life. Examples of his works include Don Giovanni, The
Marriage of Figaro and The Magic Flute. His life was popularized in the
play and movie, Amadeus.
Musical Form - The skeletal structure of a composition consisting of movements (or sections),
rhythmic variation, harmonic language and instrumentation.
Overture - An overture is the introduction to a larger composition.
Rhythm - Rhythm is created in music by the variation of weak and strong beats which form into
rhythmic patterns.
Romantic Period - (1815-1910) The Romantic era was fueled by the French Revolution. The idea
of individual rights, equality and brotherhood inspired all aspects of art. Music had become
respected among the people of this time. Composers were now able to create extensive
innovative pieces with more dramatic context and huge formal designs. The Romantics believed
in allowing their imagination and passions to create their works for them.
Schubert, Franz - (1797-1828) Schubert spent most of his life in Vienna,
where he composed operas, symphonies, masses and quartets. His most
recognizable composition may be his song “Ave Maria.” Schubert died at
age 31 from typhoid fever. At the time he was composing what music
historians now call, The Unfinished Symphony, which is only two
movements long.
Sonata - The sonata form was developed during the Baroque period and usually
consists of four movements which alternate between slow and fast.
Stravinsky, Igor - (1882-1971) Stravinsky was a Russian composer known for
writing in complex rhythmic and harmonic style. Stravinsky’s music is inspired
by different cultures, languages and literatures he experienced in his life.
Examples of Stravinsky’s works include The Rite of Spring and Firebird Suite.
Symphony - A symphony is an extended musical work composed for orchestra. Most are
composed of four movements.
Twentieth century music - (1900-present) The music of this period is often called contemporary
music or modern music, and is influenced by the overlapping of styles and free interpretation of
traditional harmonies and musical form. Increasing technology in the 20th century changed the
way people listened to music dramatically. The invention of the radio gave listeners the
opportunity to hear new styles of music from all corners of the world.
Vivaldi, Antonio - (1678-1741) Vivaldi was an influential composer of
instrumental music during the later part of the Baroque period. He
composed more than 400 concertos, as well as numerous operas and
sonatas. He is most well known for his concerto The Four Seasons.
Williams, John - (1932- ) An American composer, pianist and
conductor, John Williams has composed music for the popular films
series Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Harry Potter. Williams has been
nominated and won numerous Academy and Grammy Awards. With
45 Academy Award nominations, Williams is the second most
nominated person for the Oscar after Walt Disney.
Bach – flickr, retrieved 7/19/10
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2391/2187086138_76f2ca2650.jpg
Beethoven – Wikimedia, retrieved 7/19/10
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Beethoven.jpg
Chopin – Wikimedia, retrieved 7/19/10
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Image-Frederic_Chopin_photo_downsampled.jpeg
Ellington – flickr, retrieved 7/19/10
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pingnews/495597639/
Haydn – Wikimedia, retrieved 7/19/10
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Seehas-Haydn.jpg
Mozart – Wikimedia, retrieved 7/19/10
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wolfgang-amadeus-mozart_1.jpg
Schubert – Wikimedia, retrieved 7/19/10
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Franz_Schubert.jpg
Stravinsky – Wikimedia, retrieved 7/19/10
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Igor_Stravinsky_Essays.jpg
Vivaldi – Wikimedia, retrieved 7/19/10
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vivaldi1.jpg
Williams – Wikimedia, retrieved 7/19/10
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Williams_tux.jpg