WebQuest
Get a Handel on Handel: A WebQuest for High School Choir
Introduction
So you're in choir already. Obviously music has made an impact on your life. One of the most recognized works in history is Handel's Messiah. Unfortunately, knowledge of this work--especially in America--has diminished greatly. Something has to be done!
Task
You are a cultural musicologist--someone who studies music in cultural contexts--and you move to a place where no one has ever heard of Handel's Messiah. Your job is to create and give a persuasive speech on why the Messiah is important for everyone to know about. You will need to collect information on the composer, cultural context, historical context, and historical significance.
ProcessStep 1 - Find out who Handel was and why he was an important figure. What years did he live? Which musical period does he represent?
Step 2 - What things were going on when Handel was writing the Messiah? Where was he? Who was king at the time?
Step 3 - If it ain't Baroque, fix it! Why is Baroque music important for today?
Step 4 - The Messiah is clearly Sacred in nature. Find out the difference between Sacred and Secular music, and tell why Sacred music can be relevant to people who are not particularly religious.
Step 5 - Write your speech down. You will turn in your speech notes for points. Be sure to use persuasive language to convince people of Handel's importance.
Evaluation
Teacher Resources
- http://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Frideric-Handel
- http://www.biography.com/people/george-handel-9327378
- http://history-world.org/baroque_era.htm
- http://renegadehealth.com/blog/baroque
- https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSdieX0HGW3iY_bNfaQ5FgVyobDNaVWCne6VhgZvhkUXxAZZM8W-g
- https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRI_jiPhZQl89lE1jusLZjJIYFpWBP1oR1GOOKkg5wnrC9pYAEuAg