Here are some incredible recordings to listen to and watch. Listening to classical music helps students learn about intonation, chords, musical structure and form, composers, and musical interpretation.
The pieces below are some of my personal favorites. I'm very drawn to music that tells a story!
"Scheherazade" by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov is a fantastic musical storybook inspired by tales from the Middle East. It's a magical journey through the adventures of a clever storyteller named Scheherazade (played by a solo violinist). In this music, you can hear the exciting violin solos that tell Scheherazade's own story, and the orchestra makes you feel like you're right there with her in the Sultan's palace, listening to her fantastic tales.
William Grant Still's "Afro-American Symphony" is a special piece of music that celebrates the rich traditions and rhythms of African American culture.
Imagine hearing music that dances with joy and tells stories of strength and creativity! Each part of the symphony is like a different chapter in a book, with lively tunes that make you want to tap your feet and melodies that soar like birds in the sky. Still's symphony is like a big musical party where everyone is invited to listen and feel the heartbeat of the music. It's a wonderful way to learn about how music can share the spirit and history of a community.
Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet Ballet Suite" is like a magical musical adventure through Shakespeare's famous love story. Imagine dancing knights, beautiful princesses, and thrilling sword fights—all told through the music!
You can hear the excitement of Romeo and Juliet's secret meetings, the playful dances at the Capulets' ball, and the dramatic showdown between the feuding families. Prokofiev's music is full of melodies that sparkle like stars and rhythms that make you want to twirl and spin. It's a wonderful way to experience the emotions and drama of one of the greatest love stories ever told, all through the power of music!
Aaron Copland's "Appalachian Spring" is a beautiful piece of music that takes you on a journey to the countryside.
It's like a musical painting of a sunny day in the mountains, where you can hear the birds singing and feel the breeze on your face. The music starts gently, like a quiet morning, and then grows into joyful dances that make you want to jump up and join in! Copland's melodies are like stories told by the instruments—some soft and soothing, others lively and exciting. "Appalachian Spring" is a magical way to explore the wonders of nature and the happiness of being together with friends and family.
"Sensemaya" by Silvestre Revueltas is an exciting piece of music that takes you on a wild adventure in the jungle.
Imagine listening to drums beating like heartbeats and trumpets calling out like animals in the forest! The music starts with mysterious rhythms that make you feel like you're exploring deep, dark caves. Then, it builds into a thrilling chase, with music that gets faster and louder, just like running through the jungle! Revueltas' music is full of energy and surprises, like a thrilling story without words. "Sensemaya" is a fun way to imagine the excitement and mystery of nature and wildlife through music.
The "Hebrides Overture" by Felix Mendelssohn, also known as "Fingal's Cave," is a magical piece of music that takes you on a journey to the rugged and beautiful Scottish islands.
Inspired by Mendelssohn's visit to the Hebrides in 1829, the overture captures the wild and majestic landscapes of the islands, particularly the eerie and awe-inspiring Fingal's Cave on the Isle of Staffa. The music begins with a mysterious and flowing melody that evokes the gentle rocking of waves and the whisper of the wind. As the music builds, it erupts into powerful and dramatic passages, reflecting the untamed power of the sea and the rugged cliffs of the Hebrides. Mendelssohn's "Hebrides Overture" is a masterpiece that transports listeners to a world of natural beauty and adventure, making it a must-hear for anyone who loves classical music and Scottish landscapes.
Ethel Smyth was a remarkable composer who made music that inspired people and told stories. One of her most famous songs, "The March of the Women," became like a powerful anthem for women's rights. It was sung by people who wanted everyone to know that women should have the same rights as men. Ethel Smyth also wrote a special piece called "Mass in D," which is music for a church service. Her music was full of strong feelings and melodies that made people feel happy or thoughtful. Ethel Smyth's music showed how powerful and important music can be in sharing ideas and emotions with the world.
Howard Hanson's "Romantic Symphony," composed in 1930, is a work firmly rooted in the Romantic tradition of classical music, reflecting Hanson's admiration for lush melodies, rich harmonies, and emotional depth.
The movie "Alien" used part of this symphony without permission. You may have heard it there first!