Musical Eras
Objective: This worksheet aims to introduce students to the a chosen musical era, its key characteristics, important composers, and influential works, while also demonstrating the enduring legacy of this period through a modern-day connection.
Content and methods: The worksheet provides an informational text about a musical era, covering its origin, defining characteristics, and notable composers and their works. Students are then required to extract this information and fill out a profile template with details like the era's name, time period, characteristics, important representatives, and works. The worksheet also introduces two musicians, and features a simulated chat between them. Students answer comprehension questions based on this chat. The worksheet concludes with a crossword puzzle to reinforce vocabulary and facts related to the musical era and its figures.
Competencies:
- Reading comprehension
- Information extraction and summarization
- Knowledge acquisition about musical history and theory
- Understanding of historical influence and continuity
- Vocabulary building (through crossword)
Target group: primary school, middle school, high school
55 other teachers use this template
Target group and level
primary school, middle school, high school
Subjects
Musical Eras
Eras of music
The history of music encompasses many interesting eras that have influenced one another. In this worksheet, you will learn about a specific musical era in more detail. First, read through the following informational text and then fill out the profile on the next page.
Baroque
The Baroque period lasted from around 1600 to 1750. This era of music began in Europe, especially in Italy, and spread to other countries like Germany, France, and England. The word "Baroque" comes from a Portuguese word that means "misshapen pearl," which was used to describe the ornate and elaborate style of the time.
Baroque music has distinct features. One key feature is the use of contrast. This means the music often has strong differences in volume and tempo, which makes it very dramatic. Another feature is ornamentation, where the melody is decorated with extra notes to make it more interesting. Basso continuo, a continuous bass line played by instruments like the harpsichord and cello, is also a hallmark of Baroque music. This bass line supports the melody and harmony.
Some important composers of the Baroque period include Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi, and Henry Purcell. These composers are famous for their incredible music that is still played today. Bach is known for his complex and beautiful pieces, such as the "Brandenburg Concertos" and "The Well-Tempered Clavier." Handel is famous for his grand "Messiah," which includes the well-known "Hallelujah Chorus." Vivaldi wrote "The Four Seasons," a set of violin concertos that paint musical pictures of the different seasons of the year. Purcell is known for his opera "Dido and Aeneas."
Baroque music is very expressive and meant to evoke strong emotions. It often tells a story or paints a picture through sound. This makes it a very exciting and important period in the history of music.
Additional information for teachers
Two musicians
Now get to know two musicians/composers - one person is directly from the presented musical era, while the other lives today but is closely connected to the music of the presented era.
Johann Sebastian Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach was born on March 31, 1685, in Germany and died on July 28, 1750. He was a famous composer from the Baroque era. Bach wrote many important pieces of music, including the Brandenburg Concertos, the Well-Tempered Clavier, and the Mass in B Minor. His music is known for its complex structures and beautiful melodies. Bach's work has influenced many musicians over the years, and he is often considered one of the greatest composers of all time.
Angela Hewitt
Angela Hewitt is a modern-day classical pianist born on July 26, 1958, in Canada. She is famous for playing the piano works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Hewitt has recorded all of Bach's keyboard music, and her performances are praised for their clarity and emotional depth. She began playing the piano at a young age and has since become one of the world's leading interpreters of Bach's music. Hewitt continues to perform and record, bringing Bach's timeless compositions to new audiences.
A chat between two musicians
Imagine there was a way to chat with a person from a past musical era. If that were possible, the conversation might look something like this.
Johann Sebastian Bach
Hello Mr. Bach! It’s such an honor to speak with you. Your music has had a huge impact on my career and the classical music world.
Greetings, Frau Hewitt! It pleases me greatly to hear that my compositions still resonate. Pray, how is my music received in your time?
Your music is adored, Mr. Bach. Pieces like the Well-Tempered Clavier and the Goldberg Variations are still very popular. They are essential for pianists to learn and perform.
That is wonderful news! I composed the Well-Tempered Clavier to explore different tuning systems. How do musicians approach these works today?
We focus on both technical skill and emotional expression. Understanding the historical context helps us connect with your intentions, but we also aim to bring new life to each performance.
Music must indeed evolve while keeping its core. How has my work influenced modern music and musicians?
Your influence is immense, Mr. Bach. Many composers and musicians study your techniques to enhance their own music. Your contrapuntal style and harmonic innovations are key elements in music education today.
It warms my heart to know my efforts have such lasting impact. Music truly bridges time. Continue to share its beauty, Frau Hewitt.
Absolutely, Mr. Bach. Your music is a timeless treasure, and I’m dedicated to keeping its spirit alive for future generations. Thank you for your incredible contributions.
You honor me greatly. May your music continue to inspire and delight. Farewell, Frau Hewitt.