Embedded Files
Goals
Goals
- Experience a piece of classical music
- Deepen the experience through reflection, movement, and art-making
- Explore the theme of joy in music
Scroll down for a video and corresponding activities. You can replay the link for reference as you experience the activities below.
Scroll down for a video and corresponding activities. You can replay the link for reference as you experience the activities below.
Video
Video
In this video from a 1983 performance, the New York Philharmonic plays an excerpt of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Zubin Mehta conducts the ensemble in this performance. Beethoven incorporated the text from a poem called “Ode To Joy” into his Ninth Symphony. Part of the conductor’s job might be seen to help facilitate a sense of joy in the orchestra.
Warm Up
Warm Up
Photo Credit: Kevin Yatarola
Listen to the music. Take a deep breath in for two counts and out for two counts. Take a deep breath in for four counts and out for four counts.
As you inhale, stretch your arms above your head and slowly bring them down as you exhale through your mouth.
Continue to inhale and exhale. Think of something that brings you joy. Stretch up again as though you are reaching for joy. Bring your arms down.
Move your body to the music any way you like.
Reflection / Discussion
Reflection / Discussion
1. What do you notice about the musicians?
What are the musicians wearing? What might this tell us about them?
What do they play? Which instruments stand out? Why?
How do the musicians move their body while they play? How would you describe their facial expressions?
What do you notice about the space the musicians are in?
2. What do you notice about the music?
How would you describe the music?
How does the music make you feel?
What story do you think the music is telling?
Activity Video
Activity Video
This video will take you through the extension activity below with a facilitator. You can choose to watch the video and do the activity along with it. Or, you can read the activity and participate by scrolling down.
Movement
Movement
Because Beethoven included text from Ode to Joy in this symphony, we are going to focus on joy in this lesson. First, brainstorm a list of things that represent or bring you joy. You can write your responses on paper or print out the document below.
Because Beethoven included text from Ode to Joy in this symphony, we are going to focus on joy in this lesson. First, brainstorm a list of things that represent or bring you joy. You can write your responses on paper or print out the document below.
- Make a pose or movement for each response.
Example: My shape was a heart so I made a heart shape with my hands. My place was the beach so I made a pose as if I was laying at the beach. My animal was my cat so I posed in a hug because I love to snuggle my cat. My activity was music so I posed as though I was strumming a guitar.
Example: My shape was a heart so I made a heart shape with my hands. My place was the beach so I made a pose as if I was laying at the beach. My animal was my cat so I posed in a hug because I love to snuggle my cat. My activity was music so I posed as though I was strumming a guitar.
2. Put your poses or movements into an order. Try a different order.
2. Put your poses or movements into an order. Try a different order.
3. Pick a pose or movement to repeat. Try this with a different pose or movement.
3. Pick a pose or movement to repeat. Try this with a different pose or movement.
4. Play with scale. Try making movements big and small.
4. Play with scale. Try making movements big and small.
5. Play with speed. Try making movements fast and slow.
5. Play with speed. Try making movements fast and slow.
Art-Making
Art-Making
Supplies: Paper and Writing Utensil
Supplies: Paper and Writing Utensil
During this activity, listen to the music. Keep the theme of joy in mind.
During this activity, listen to the music. Keep the theme of joy in mind.
- On your first piece of paper, draw the items from your list.
Example: I drew my shape (a heart), place (the beach), person/animal (cat), and activity (music)
Example: I drew my shape (a heart), place (the beach), person/animal (cat), and activity (music)
2. On your second piece of paper, think of your writing utensil as an instrument responding to the conductor. Follow the music with your writing utensil. Move it fast when the music is fast, slow when it is slow.
2. On your second piece of paper, think of your writing utensil as an instrument responding to the conductor. Follow the music with your writing utensil. Move it fast when the music is fast, slow when it is slow.
3. Combine your two drawings into one.
3. Combine your two drawings into one.
Explore More
Explore More
Extension Questions:
Extension Questions:
This was initially composed between 1822-1824. This video is from 1983. Do you think this piece is still relevant today? Why or why not?
What are other pieces of art or music that you associate with joy?
Do you have a favorite symphony? Why is it your favorite?
Additional Links:
Additional Links:
To learn more about the New York Philharmonic, click here.
To watch more videos from Lincoln Center at Home clips, click here.
Share:
Share:
Tell us what you think! Email us at access@lincolncenter.org to share your thoughts on the activities and website. Post photos of your art projects using the hashtag #LincolnCenterAtHome.
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