Music – Composers
Last term we looked at 3 different classical composers. Over the next few weeks we will develop our knowledge on who these fascinating composers are and also look at new composers that have been a huge part of history. Today, let’s have a closer look at Ludwig van Beethoven…
Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist. Beethoven wrote nine symphonies. A symphony is a long piece for orchestra usually split into four sections known as movements.
His Symphony No. 5 contains one of the most famous motifs in musical history and has even been reused in pop songs! Incredibly, Beethoven wrote this symphony when he was beginning to lose his hearing. Some people think that the opening motif represents fate knocking on the door, Beethoven’s fate sadly being deafness.
Let’s refresh our memories of Beethoven’s most famous pieces of music and see what Barney Harwood has to say about Symphony Number 5
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02flvmx
Full orchestral performance: Symphony No. 5 (1st movement)
Watch a full orchestral performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 (1st movement) by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Thomas Søndergård. What instruments can you spot?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02b59ld
Task:
Listen to the opening four notes of the piece. This is called a motif (moe-teef), which is a musical term meaning a repeated group of notes. This technique is used a lot in symphonic writing, but this is probably one of the most famous motifs. The motif is heard, on different groups of instruments and using different notes, throughout the first movement, and throughout the entire symphony. It is used as a way of tying the four movements together, making them feel like they all belong. Listen to the music again, can you hear the hear the fournote motif being played?
Can you explain the importance of rhythm in this symphony? Are the four notes long notes or short notes, or a mixture of both? Now, can you clap the rhythm to an adult? Listen to the music again and listen carefully for these short and long notes.
Create a rhythmic motif of no more than six notes. You can simply clap, tap or click the rhythm, or use an untuned percussion instrument. If you don’t have an instrument – be creative! Use pots and pans, a wooden table, a vase or even different mugs or glasses. (Please ask your parents permission though first.) The rhythm should consist of a mixture of long and short notes. A simple rhythm is often the most memorable.
When you have completed it, take pictures/record it and send it to your class email account!
EXT:
Expand the compositional aspect of this activity by creating a melody for their motif. This can be very simple (remember that Beethoven’s motif only contains two different notes). Start to identify ways in which your motif can be developed, through using different notes, different speeds, and different instruments. Experimentation is the key here!
Class 6JP 