The Tour Diary
Objective: This worksheet aims to introduce students to the life and musical works of a composer, fostering an appreciation for music and historical figures.
Content and methods: The worksheet features an image of a composer to prompt initial reflection, followed by a biographical text providing key information about their life, family, and musical achievements. It includes multiple-choice questions to assess comprehension of the biographical details. Additionally, fictional diary entries from the composer's tour are presented, allowing students to engage with historical context in a narrative format, followed by more multiple-choice questions. Finally, students are asked to write a comment on a diary entry, encouraging personal engagement and critical thinking.
Competencies:
- Reading comprehension
- Historical understanding
- Critical thinking and evaluation
- Written expression
Target group: 5th-7th grade
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Target group and level
5th-7th grade
Subjects
The Tour Diary
Who am I?
Take a close look at the picture and consider: Who is shown here? What do you already know about this person? Collect your knowledge together in the class.
Information about the person
Now read the following information text about the person and answer the questions below.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756, in Salzburg, Austria. His father, Leopold Mozart, was a composer and violinist, and he began teaching Wolfgang music when he was very young. His mother, Anna Maria, was also supportive of his musical talents. Wolfgang had an older sister named Nannerl, who was also a talented musician.
Mozart was a musical genius. He started composing music when he was only five years old! Some of his most famous works include "The Magic Flute," an enchanting opera, and "Eine kleine Nachtmusik," a beautiful and lively serenade. He also composed many symphonies, concertos, and chamber music that are still loved today.
Mozart was influenced by many people and places. His father, Leopold, was his first teacher and biggest influence. As a young boy, Wolfgang traveled all over Europe with his family, performing for kings and queens. During his travels, he met other famous musicians like Johann Christian Bach, who inspired him a lot.
Mozart's music is known for its beauty, complexity, and emotion. Even though he lived a short life—he died at the age of 35—his music continues to inspire and delight people all around the world. He truly was a prodigy and one of the greatest composers of all time.
Choose the correct answer for each question.
The tour diary
Now dive even deeper into the person's life by reading entries from their tour diary!
Note: All entries are fictional, so the dates are only approximate; the musician may have performed in the area or a neighboring location slightly earlier or later. However, all the information you learn about the person's life and works is, of course, accurate. Enjoy reading!
March 29, 1764
Hello, dear readers!
Greetings from the bustling city of London! I hope you're all ready for some exciting news because last night was absolutely amazing. We performed at the court of King George III, and everyone was so impressed by my music. Can you believe it? The King himself requested that I play pieces by Handel and Johann Christian Bach. I even got to accompany Queen Charlotte as she sang—what an honor!
My sister Nannerl and I have been traveling across Europe with our parents, and we've seen so many incredible places. We started our journey in Munich, then went to Paris, and now we're here in London. The best part is meeting other musicians and learning from them. Just recently, I composed my first symphonies here in London!
Traveling isn't always easy. Sometimes our carriage breaks, or we get sick (like when I had scarlet fever in Vienna), but it's all worth it when we see how much people love our music. Plus, we get to try new foods and see amazing sights, like the River Thames here in London.
Next, we're heading to the Netherlands, and I can't wait to share more adventures with you all. Keep the music in your hearts and stay tuned for more exciting stories!
Yours musically,
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
The diary continues
Now read two more entries from the tour diary and then answer the multiple-choice questions.
April 15, 1764
Hello again, dear readers!
It's your musical friend Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, writing to you from the beautiful city of The Hague in the Netherlands! We've been here for a little while now, and I have so much to share.
One exciting thing is that both my sister Nannerl and I got really sick, but don't worry, we're much better now! While recovering, I composed a new symphony and even some special music for the Prince of Orange. It was a bit scary being so ill, but I'm glad we could still make beautiful music.
The Hague is amazing! The people here are so kind, and they love music just as much as I do. We had a special concert for the Princess Carolina and the Prince of Orange. They enjoyed it so much that they invited us to stay longer.
Traveling can be tough, but seeing new places and meeting new people makes it all worth it. I can't wait to share more melodies and adventures with you!
Yours musically,
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
April 25, 1764
Hello, dear readers!
It's Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart writing to you from the charming city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands! We've been on quite the musical adventure since my last entry from The Hague.
After recovering from our illnesses (thanks to your well-wishes!), my sister Nannerl and I have been performing in various cities. Just a few days ago, we played at a grand concert in Haarlem, where I had the chance to play the magnificent organ at St. Bavo's Church. The sound was incredible, and the people were so kind and enthusiastic about our music.
In Amsterdam, we've been busy with concerts as well. One highlight was performing for the Prince of Orange's coming-of-age celebration. I composed a special piece called "Gallimathias musicum" just for the occasion, and it was a hit! The Prince and Princess Carolina were so pleased that they invited us to play at their palace again.
Traveling has its ups and downs, but the joy of sharing our music makes it all worthwhile. I even wrote new sonatas for the Princess, which she adored. The city of Amsterdam is beautiful, with its canals and bustling markets. I can't wait to explore more and perhaps find some inspiration for my next composition.
Stay tuned for more exciting stories from our musical journey!
Yours musically,
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
For each statement, choose if it's true or false.
