The Purple Robe
Henri Matisse
December’s Fine Arts Mini Experience (FAME) was taught during the week of December 3-7th and featured the French artist Henri Matisse’s “The Purple Robe”, and the American composer George Gershwin’s music “Rhapsody in Blue”.
Matisse’s bold use of color was discussed and students learned of the post impressionist band of painters which Matisse helped create –they were called the Fauves – which meant “Wild Beasts” in French - so called for their wild and unconventional use of color. We also talked about Matisse’s ability to convey rhythm with the use of line. Finally, we learned about Matisse last great artistic achievement -- his massive paper cut outs that grace the walls of many a famous museum to this day.
We all listened to Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and learned the story of the first time the composition stunned concert going audiences with its original style and sound. Students also heard about New York City’s Tin Pan Alley of the early 20th century, where Gershwin got his start. We watched a few videos to see what a player piano roll looked like and a phonograph record player sounded like. Amazingly, there is also old footage of Gershwin playing the piano, and we watched a few minutes of the composer playing some of his signature syncopated songs.
Matisse’s bold use of color was discussed and students learned of the post impressionist band of painters which Matisse helped create –they were called the Fauves – which meant “Wild Beasts” in French - so called for their wild and unconventional use of color. We also talked about Matisse’s ability to convey rhythm with the use of line. Finally, we learned about Matisse last great artistic achievement -- his massive paper cut outs that grace the walls of many a famous museum to this day.
We all listened to Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and learned the story of the first time the composition stunned concert going audiences with its original style and sound. Students also heard about New York City’s Tin Pan Alley of the early 20th century, where Gershwin got his start. We watched a few videos to see what a player piano roll looked like and a phonograph record player sounded like. Amazingly, there is also old footage of Gershwin playing the piano, and we watched a few minutes of the composer playing some of his signature syncopated songs.