Mr. Asher

Romantic Era

The General Music class has now completed the "Classical Era" unit and is proceeding to the "Romantic Era."  For those who may not realize, the Romantic era in music does not necessarily refer to love interests.  Rather, it refers to the yearning of anyone for something that is just beyond their grasp.  In addition to love, such yearnings might include money, power, fame, health, success, or even the basic necessities of life (food, water, shelter...).  Composers that will be studied are Beethoven, Liszt, Rossini, Mahler, and others.  Information will be presented by video, teacher demonstration, lecture, hand-outs, and CD recordings.

Classical Unit

We finished the Baroque unit and are currently studying 3 composers and the music history of the Classical era (1750-1820).  The composers being studied are Hayden, Mozart, and Beethoven.  Sources for the study of these composers are CD recordings, video, and general knowledge via lecture.  Much of the information presented is focused on the compositional freedoms enjoyed by the composers of this era as compared to the Baroque era and focuses on the innovative compositions and behaviors of the composers. 

Baroque Unit

The students have been studying the characteristics of the Baroque era with an emphasis on composers,their lives, and their compositions.  Along the way the students have made connections with art, history, the development of instruments and the limitations of the time.  The students are currently learning about the life and music of George F. Handel, and by the end of the week will take a unit test over the Baroque era.  In preparation for the test students should review the handouts, the notes taken and perhaps take time to listen to music by Vivaldi (The Four Seasons), Bach ( The Brandenburg Concertos), and Handel, ( The Messiah, Water Music, and The Royal Fireworks Music).

General Music - Read this First

Welcome and thank you for the opportunity to share my enjoyment of music with you.  We will be taking a historical approach to the music and composers of western Europe and America beginning with the Baroque Era and concluding with the contemporary period. 

Presentations in class will include teacher demonstrations of music and musical instruments, student presentations of music and musical instruments, lectures and discussions.  Students will also benefit by watching selections of videos about composers and the composers' music as well as listening to compact disc recordings of the same.