Tuesday, October 16, 2012

The Barber of Seville (Opera Blog 1)


Hello class,

This week, you will listen to two videos to the right. They are each different arias from The Barber of Seville. When you discuss the videos, please refer to them as "Figaro's Aria" and "Io sono docile," or you may refer to the singer (Pietro Spagnoli or Kathleen Battle ).

Write one paragraph about Figaro's Aria, and another about Rosina's aria. In each paragraph, explain how the words/stories are displayed in the way that the singers (Kathleen Battle and Pietro Spagnoli) act and sing.  Be sure to watch each entire video.  The video of "Figaro's Aria" begins with some recitative from some other characters.  Wait until Figaro is on the scene to start to comment. Below, you can find the translations of the two songs, the rubric, and a link to both arias on YouTube.

Figaro's Aria (Largo al factotum della citta) Translation:


Make way for the factotum of the city, Hurrying to his shop since dawn is already here. Ah, what a fine life, what fine pleasureFor a barber of quality!
Ah, bravo Figaro! Bravo, bravissimo! A most fortunate man indeed! Ready to do everything Night and day, Always on the move. A cushier fate for a barber, A more noble life, is not to be had.
Razors and combs, Lancets and scissors, At my command Everything's there. Here are the tools Of my trade With the ladies...with the gentlemen...
Everyone asks for me, everyone wants me, Ladies, young lads, old men, young girls: Here is the wig...the beard is ready...Here are the leeches...The note is ready...Here is the wig, the beard is ready, The note is ready, hey!
Figaro! Figaro! Figaro!, etc. Ah, what frenzy! Ah, what a crowd! One at a time, please! Hey, Figaro! I'm here. Figaro here, Figaro there, Figaro up, Figaro down,
Swifter and swifter, I'm like a thunderbolt: I'm the factotum of the city. Ah, bravo Figaro! Bravo, bravissimo, You'll never lack for luck!



Rosina's Aria ("Io sono docile") Translation:

I am docile, I am respectful, I am obedient, sweet, loveable
I am held down, I will take control, But if they hold me back where I have a partiality
If I’m thwarted, I will be a viper and have a hundred tricks
Before giving up I will make fools of them. Yes, yes, I will win him. If I at least will be allowed to have the chance.


Rubric:

20 pts. You submitted a blog comment!
30 pts. You described the acting and singing in Figaro's aria in a paragraph (3-5 sentences)
30 pts. You described the acting and singing in Rosina's aria in a second paragraph (3-5 sentences)
20 pts. You used good grammar and spelling when writing.


Please write and submit your post for this assignment by Monday, October 22 for full credit.


In case you can't watch the videos to the right, here are the URL's for the videos:
Figaro's Aria (sung by Pietro Spagnoli) - http://youtu.be/k9ZddMufCxk
Rosina's Aria (sung by Kathleen Battle) - http://youtu.be/B8LFUDwZhvQ

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Mozart Extra Credit Blog


Hello Music Appreciators!

This week, you'll listen to just one video of an orchestra playing the music of Mozart.  On this extra credit blog, you are able to earn up to 50 points!  This cannot hurt your grade; it can only make it better!  Aim for the full fifty points.

Write a well-put together paragraph that describes the characterisitics that you hear and see to prove that this piece does fit in the Classical period. Refer to your Classical characteristics notes as you answer. You should have at least 5 reasons for why the piece is a Classical one. Remember, all of the characteristics in your notes might not fit for this piece, so listen to the entire piece and make sure you pick the ones that are most relevant.

Rubric:
15 points - You wrote a nice paragraph - at least 5 sentences
10 points - You used at least five characteristics to prove that this piece is a Classical piece.
15 points - You show that you understand all of the characteristics that you mention, and they are truly applicable to the piece in the video.
10 points - You used excellent grammar in your writing.

Please turn in by Monday, October 8 to earn extra credit.

Here is the URL, if the video above is not working correctly:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5c5oChD-Jo


-Mr. Ward

Evolution of Music

Background - Lecrae

Hansel and Gretel