Embedded Files
Goals
Goals
- Experience a piece of classical music.
- Deepen the experience through reflection, movement and art-making.
- Get creative exploring variations of different themes.
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, Emanuel Ax and Orion Weiss play Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by R. Schumann.
In this video, Emanuel Ax and Orion Weiss play Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by R. Schumann.
Brahms composed this set of ten variations to the "Letzter Gedanke" (Last Thought), jotted down by Robert Shumann with the intention to produce variations before his mental breakdown.
Brahms composed this set of ten variations to the "Letzter Gedanke" (Last Thought), jotted down by Robert Shumann with the intention to produce variations before his mental breakdown.
Brahms dedicated this piece, his first piano duet, to Julie Schumann, Robert and Clara Schumann's daughter.
Brahms dedicated this piece, his first piano duet, to Julie Schumann, Robert and Clara Schumann's daughter.
This performance was part of the Mostly Mozart Festival at Lincoln Center.
This performance was part of the Mostly Mozart Festival at Lincoln Center.
Warm Up
Warm Up
Photo Credit: Kevin Yatarola
- 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, gently stretch your arms up high. Hold it for two counts and slowly bring your arms down as you exhale. Repeat a few times.
- Play the music. Gently and mindfully rotate your shoulders to the music. Slowly turn your head from side to side.
- Gently stretch your arms up and slowly bring your body down. Stretch your body from side to side.
- Now try some variations of those movements - try them fast then slow, large then tiny, forcefully then softly.
Reflection / Discussion
Reflection / Discussion
1. What are three words you can use to describe the music?
1. What are three words you can use to describe the music?
2. What do you notice about the musicians?
2. What do you notice about the musicians?
- What do you notice about their facial expressions?
- What do you notice about the way they share the space?
3. What are some qualities of the theme (the first melody that you hear)?
Is it loud or soft, fast or slow, heavy or light?
3. What are some qualities of the theme (the first melody that you hear)?
Is it loud or soft, fast or slow, heavy or light?
4. There are ten variations of this theme. What do you think are some of the ways Brahms varied the theme?
4. There are ten variations of this theme. What do you think are some of the ways Brahms varied the theme?
5. Which variation stands out to you? Do you have a favorite one?
5. Which variation stands out to you? Do you have a favorite one?
Movement
Movement
Let’s explore variation in greetings using movement.
Let’s explore variation in greetings using movement.
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.
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.
1. Think about the way you typically greet someone - what are the words you use?
1. Think about the way you typically greet someone - what are the words you use?
2. Now think of the ways you could greet someone without words, using only movements and gestures.
2. Now think of the ways you could greet someone without words, using only movements and gestures.
3. Then think of different variations of greetings...
3. Then think of different variations of greetings...
How would you greet family and friends?
How would you greet family and friends?
How would you greet a colleague?
How would you greet a colleague?
How would you greet a stranger?
How would you greet a stranger?
Art-Making
Art-Making
Supplies: Paper and Writing Utensil
Supplies: Paper and Writing Utensil
We'll create artwork inspired by variations in our daily lives.
We'll create artwork inspired by variations in our daily lives.
- Identify one thing that is an example of a theme that has variations.
(For example: Flowers, Seasons, Nature, Snowflakes, etc.)
(For example: Flowers, Seasons, Nature, Snowflakes, etc.)
- Play the video again.
- As you listen to the music, create variations of the thing you chose, using drawings or writing.
- Allow your variations to be influenced by the different musical qualities in the performance.
- Allow your imagination and creativity to fill the page with as many variations of the theme as possible! Have fun!
- You can add colors to your theme and variations.
You can use colored pencils or pens, or use your own variations to create color from natural materials like coffee, tea, and spices.
You can use colored pencils or pens, or use your own variations to create color from natural materials like coffee, tea, and spices.
Household items such as an old toothbrush, cotton, a piece of old cloth, or damp paper towel can be used to mix your colors.
Household items such as an old toothbrush, cotton, a piece of old cloth, or damp paper towel can be used to mix your colors.
Example: I chose to draw a variation on leaves.
Example: I chose to draw a variation on leaves.
I started with my favorite leaf shapes and then created new shapes and variations.
I started with my favorite leaf shapes and then created new shapes and variations.
To color my drawing, I used green tea powder, paprika, blackberry, and turmeric.
To color my drawing, I used green tea powder, paprika, blackberry, and turmeric.
For the paintbrush, I used a toothbrush.
For the paintbrush, I used a toothbrush.
I also used a damp paper towel and my fingers for smearing.
I also used a damp paper towel and my fingers for smearing.
Explore More
Explore More
Extension Questions:
Extension Questions:
- What are some examples of themes and variations in your life?
- How do we get creative about changing themes in our lives?
- Do you think it would be difficult to perform on the same piano? Why or why not?
Additional Links:
Additional Links:
Share:
Share:
Tell us what you think! Email us at access@lincolncenter.org to share your thoughts on the activities and website.
Tell us what you think! Email us at access@lincolncenter.org to share your thoughts on the activities and website.
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