the music of France

2008-2009

the music of France

As our studio continues exploring the music of other countries, this fall we journey to France, a country whose people love music and art. Our first step, beginning at the Musicianship Class on Sept. 5, is to begin to get acquainted with the French language through folk songs.

Frere Jacques, Sur le pont d'Avignon, Alouette, Au clair de la lune.

Before, during, and after individual lessons, students will have a chance to review some famous historical figures:

Joan of Arc, Louis XIV, and Napoleon,

and look at the works of famous artists who worked in France.

Fragonard, Manet, Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Matisse, Leger, and Picasso.

All these explorations prepare us for listening to the music of

the French Baroque: Couperin and Rameau;
prior to the Third Republic: Chopin and Liszt;
late 19^th century: Fauré, St.-Saëns, Debussy; and
20^th Century: Satie, Poulenc, Ibert, de Severac.

At the Musicianship Class on Sept. 13 we will consider the music of one of these composers and answer the question: "What makes a Debussy piece a Debussy?" On October 2, students will take turns introducing the Musicianship Class to their favorite French composer or artist, with appropriate musical or artistic illustrations. At the Fête des Êtudes in late October students will play one or two technical studies for an outside expert.

To conclude our study of French music, the studio will host a Soirée musicale française. On Saturday evening, November 15, families are invited to bring their favorite examples of French cuisine and hear selections of French music. Remember it was the French who inspired our national goals of liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. Hopefully, our studio activities this fall will bring everyone a sense of la joie de vivre!