Music We Listen To
Each week children listen to a piece of music as they enter and leave collective worship. We aim to to a wide range of genres, eras and cultures represented as well as linking to the seasons and significant events.
W/C 27th March 2023
This week we are listening to the Barber of Seville Overture by Gioachino Rossini.
The Barber of Seville follows the escapades of a barber, Figaro, as he assists Count Almaviva in prising the beautiful Rosina away from her possessive guardian, Dr Bartolo, so she can be with her one true love.
W/C 20th March 2023
This week we are starting to notice more signs of spring, so what better to listen to than 'Spring' from Vivaldi's four seasons. It is played by stringed instruments: violins, violas, cellos and double bass along with some piano/harpsichord. Can you hear the birds singing represented by the violins? What signs of spring have you noticed in your garden or local woods?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LAPFM3dgag&list=RD6LAPFM3dgag&start_radio=1&rv=6LAPFM3dgag&t=0
W/C 13th March 2023
This week we are listening to African Suite by Fela Sowande. The Nigerian composer, Fela Sowande (1905-1987) designed his African Suite for radio broadcast from London to West Africa. He sought to integrate native folk material with western music. This performance includes all five movements of the work, Joyful Day, Nostalgia, Onipe, Lullaby & Akinla. It is performed by the New Symphony Orchestra conducted by Trevor Harvey from a long out-of-print LP issued in 1951.
W/C 6th March 2023
This week we start to think about our new value for half term which is 'Justice.' I thought this song was perfect to start us thinking about it. THE JUSTICE SONG" Words and Music by Selorm Tamakloe and Kaign Christy Opening Voice Over: Martin Luther King Jr. Second Voice Over: Gary Haugen This record features over 90 vocalists from 33 countries. Their voices and hearts stand in solidarity against modern-day slavery and trafficking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IASdERt3-m0
W/C 27th Feb 2023 - I Giorni
‘I Giorni’ became one of Steinway Artist Ludovico Einaudi's most-played piano pieces because, in the composer–performer's words, "I was among the first of a new generation to create and to write music that was, let’s say, playable and contemporary. At a certain point, it was difficult to find contemporary repertoire that you could enjoy playing at home. I think the music that I started to create was, in a way, filling the space left open and abandoned by composers." Ludovico Einaudi trained as a classical composer and pianist before continuing his studies with Luciano Berio, a leading composer of the twentieth-century avant-garde. He ultimately turned away from what seemed a glittering classical career to forge his own musical path, giving him the freedom to reconcile his wide-ranging influences.
Einaudi took great courage to step away from what he thought people wanted him to do, to do something that he wanted to do. Have you ever had to make difficult decisions in the face of pressure to do something else?
W/C 13th Feb
This week is Valentines week so I thought we would think about love and all the different forms that can take, and what else could I choose but the Beatles 'She loves me'
W/C 6th February 2023
This week we are celebrtaing CUSPfood festival, so what else could we listen to but 'Food Glorious Food' from the musical Oliver. What food do you enjoy? What would be top of your list?
W/C 30th January 2023
This week we are listening to some music from the soundtrack to the film Avatar: The Way of the Water. Which was composed by Simon Franglen. It is a science fiction film - what images does the music create in your mind as you listen to it? Do you like the music? Why/why not?
W/C 23rd January 2023
This week I have chosen Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros. You may recognise it from the planet earth series. What do you think of as you are listening to it?
W/C 16th January 2023
This week we are listening to Bolero by Maurice Ravel. This piece was made particularly famous by ice skaters Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean who were British, European, Olympic and World Champions over their career. This music was originally composed for a Ballet which premiered in 1928. Ravel lived between 1875-1937.
How does the music make you feel when you listen to it, does it make you want to dance or even ice skate?
W/C 9th Jan
This half term were are thinking about our value of perseverance so I thought we would listen this week to a song called 'Don't Give Up.' What do you need to work hard on to achieve?
W/C 2nd Jan
This week we are focusing on our dreams and goals - setting them and working hard to achieve them. The song i have chosen this week is Eye of the Tiger- how does it make you feel when you listen to it? Do you ever want to give up on you dreams? What can help you achieve them?
W/C 12th Dec
This week we are listening to Prokofiev Troika. It's a song which is often played around Christmas. How does it make you feel when you listen to it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GUzJ7fQBtg
W/C 5th Dec
This week as we continue to prepare for Chritsmas I thought we would listen to Carol of the Bells. Bells are often used at times of celebration and on Christmas morning many churches will be ringing out their bells in celebration of the birth of Jesus. Listen to how the singers use their voices to sound like bells ringing.
I wonder if you have ever heard bells ringing - perhaps you have heard them at Carlisle Cathedral or perhaps the bell ringers practising in Wigton or Dalston? I've never had the chance to ring a church bell - but would love to have a go as it looks fun, but I have been part of a hand bell musical performance - campanology is its correct name - it too is great fun, but a little complicated to remember which bell you have in which hand! Do give it a go if you ever get the chance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvAb4xfqcxA
W/C 28th Nov
This week as Christians start advent, I thought I would choose a piano and cello version of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. A traditional Christmas carol. The Emmanuel of the title refers to the Hebrew ‘Immanuel’ which appears in the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament as a sign of God’s protection, whereas in the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament the name Emmanuel refers specifically to Jesus Christ.
For Christians, advent is a time of preparation and contemplation for celebrating the birth of Jesus. I wonder if you have heard the original hymn and which version you prefer?
W/C 21st Nov
This week we are listening to Benjamin Britten's 'Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra.' This piece was written to showcase all the different instruments which make up an orchestra and is based on the Rondeau from Henry Purcell's incidental music. Can you name any of the instruments? Have you got a favourite instrument?
W/C 14th Nov
This week is anti-bullying week so I thought it would be good to listen to the official song for 2022, whilst we wear our odd socks! The song is a good reminder that we must 'reach' out if we think that bullying is happening to us or someone else. Bullying is never ok.
W/C 7th Nov
We'll Meet Again 1939 - Dame Vera Lynn
This week we are starting to think about Remembrance Day which is marked at 11am on 11th Nov and about Remembrance Sunday which this year takes place on 13th Nov. During WWI and WWII music played an important role in lifting morale for people both at home and away fighting. Dame Vera Lynn was a very popular musician who recorded songs during this era and even went and performed for soldiers based around the world. As you listen to this piece of music try and imagine how people who were listening to it at the time were feeling, how do you feel listening to it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Nzy1cfnKh4
W/C 31st Oct
This week we are thinking about firworks in preparation for Bonfire Night on 5th Nov.
So what could be more fitting that George Frideric Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks (1749)
Handel was born 23rdFeb 1685 in Halle, Brandenberg - Germany and died on 14th April 1759. He was a German born English composer who composed many pieces for orchestras. He wrote the most famous oritorio Messiah (1741) and is also known for the pieces Water Music (1717) and Music for the Royal Firework (1749.)
Handel travelled around Europe, but for most of his life he lived in England. In 1727 he became a Britich Subject which enablled him to be appointed a compser of the Chapel Royal.
When you listen to the music, does it make you think of fireworks? Have you heard this piece played before?
W/C 17th Oct
This week we are listening to Florence Price - Symphony No.1 in E minor.
October is Black History Month. As an Africa-American women Florence combined the traditions of classical music with the sound of spirtuals and West African rhythms and dance from her own culture.
In 1933 she overcame prejudice to become the first black female composer to have her work performed by a major orchestra. Have you ever heard of anyone overcoming prejudice?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s4yY_A2A2k
W/C 10th Oct 2022
This week we are listening to a piece by the modern day composer Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea, Jasha Klebe - and is from the BBC series Planet Earth II Suite Official Soundtrack. This piece is inspired by the beauty of the world around us and is called 'Earth'. As our focus for this half term is 'Thankfulness' try and reflect on something incredible that you have seen in nature. Perhaps the changing colours on the trees...
What other awe and wonder does nature bring?