F.A.M.E. for February
February’s Fine Arts Mini Experience (FAME) was taught during the week of February 2nd – 6th, and featured the French artist Jean Honore Fragonard’s painting “The Love Letter” and the Italian composer Giacomo Puccini’s composition, “Musetta’s Waltz” from the opera “La Boheme”.
The theme of this FAME lesson was “Rich and Poor in Paris, France”. From the luxurious Palace of Versailles in 1770’s Paris to the poor Bohemian artist cafes in 1890’s Paris, this lesson explored both ends of the spectrum.
Students learned what it was like to be a portrait painter in Marie Antoinette’s court. Fragonard painted the frivolous life that went on around him. From extravagantly ladies receiving love letters to ladies in gilded swings playing in the gardens of the palace. We discussed the style of the day – Rococo – which was basically an over the top trend involving anything that was costly --gold, silk, brocade, fur and curlicues.
We reviewed the concept of what an opera is, heard the story of Puccini’s music, and learned the plot line to one of the world’s most famous operas – La Boheme. Students watched a short video of Musetta singing her gorgeous waltz, and discussed how harmony adds complexity to a simple melody. When time permitted, we also shared a bit about the modern day version of La Boheme – the Broadway musical Rent.
February’s Fine Arts Mini Experience (FAME) was taught during the week of February 2nd – 6th, and featured the French artist Jean Honore Fragonard’s painting “The Love Letter” and the Italian composer Giacomo Puccini’s composition, “Musetta’s Waltz” from the opera “La Boheme”.
The theme of this FAME lesson was “Rich and Poor in Paris, France”. From the luxurious Palace of Versailles in 1770’s Paris to the poor Bohemian artist cafes in 1890’s Paris, this lesson explored both ends of the spectrum.
Students learned what it was like to be a portrait painter in Marie Antoinette’s court. Fragonard painted the frivolous life that went on around him. From extravagantly ladies receiving love letters to ladies in gilded swings playing in the gardens of the palace. We discussed the style of the day – Rococo – which was basically an over the top trend involving anything that was costly --gold, silk, brocade, fur and curlicues.
We reviewed the concept of what an opera is, heard the story of Puccini’s music, and learned the plot line to one of the world’s most famous operas – La Boheme. Students watched a short video of Musetta singing her gorgeous waltz, and discussed how harmony adds complexity to a simple melody. When time permitted, we also shared a bit about the modern day version of La Boheme – the Broadway musical Rent.