Note: This activity is an extention to the Firebird ballet lesson (click here)

 

Directions

 

1. Ask students to get into groups of 2-4 people. 

 

 

2. The task of this activity is to create a short piece of music (4-16 measures) that depicts the firebird, the capture of

    Prince Ivan, or the wedding of Prince Ivan and Princess Tsarevna using similar techniques to those used by Stravinsky.

 

- He wrote this music for a large orchestra, with many instruments 

- He used dynamics (both louds and softs) to help depict the mood of the character/scene.  This was accomplished

  by having less instruments play during softer moments and all the instruments play during louder moments.

- He used repetition to help portray a 'happy' atmosphere (such as repeated the same melody over and over)

- He used quick notes to depict one of the characters

- He included a brass instrumental fanfare, which is most often used to anounce a person, thing or event

 

 

3. Students must choose instruments and/or singing that depicts the chosen character or scene.

 

 

4. Once completed, ask students to play the same short piece but in a contrasting style (i.e., quick notes become long

    notes; loud and  triumphant becomes soft and hestitant).

 

 

5. Ask students to play both (original and contrasting) for the rest of the class.