Home > Curriculum > Fine Arts Curriculum > Literature Approach History of Classical Music

A Literature Approach to the History of Classical Music

Rea Berg’s study guides for history use a literature approach.  Reading excellent historical fiction is a better way to learn about history.  Her book selections are superb.  (Guides are written by Rea Berg unless otherwise noted.)

This study guide is a musical journey from the Baroque Age of composition to the Modern era. Beginning with Corelli, the father of modern violin playing, and tracing the development of composition up to the time of Igor Stravinsky, students will learn of the lives of great composers, many of whom were devoted Christians. The formation of the orchestra, as well as a study of each type of musical instrument is included. Using the highly acclaimed Music Masters CD collection, students will learn how to identify music by the great composers, as well as name instruments by sound. A combination of music and biography makes A Literature Approach to the History of Classical Music enjoyable as well as educational.  Grades 4-8

In addition to A Literature Approach to the History of Classical Music Guide, you will need the following items:

9780012104224

$12.95

Musical Genius

By Barbara Allman

"Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is perhaps the most important and most recognized composer of all time.  Playing the keyboard when he was just three years old and composing at age four, Mozart spent much of his youth touring European courts with his family.  although he died at the age of thirty-five, he created a huge volume of musical works.  among them are the famed operas The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro, and Don Giovanni."

9781575056371

$6.95

The Farewell Symphony

By Anna Harwell Celenza

"In 1772, with summer long gone and winter fast approaching, Joseph Haydn, court musician to Prince Nicholas of Esterhazy, creates a symphony that finally persuades his oblivious employer to close up his summer palace and allow the staff to return home."

9781570914072

$7.95

Great Composers Volume 2 Coloring Book

Bellerophon

Chopin to Tchaikovsky

More detailed information is available for the Great Composer Coloring Books.

9780883880463

$4.95

Great Composers Vol. 3 Coloring Book

By Bellerophon

Mahler to Stravinsky

0883881349

Temporarily Out of Print

Composers Card Deck

This is a game similar to the famous authors game, but with composers. Each deck includes color portraits of 13 composers and highlights their achievements.

9781572814486

$6.00

Spiritual Lives of Great Composers

Patrick Kavanaugh

"Patrick Kavanaugh uncovers the spirituality of twenty of music's timeless giants, revealing legacies of the soul as diverse as the masterpieces they created.  Warmly written, beautifully illustrated, and complete with listening recommendations for each composer, Spiritual Lives of the Great Composers is a fascinating look at the inner flame that lit the works of these masters."

9780310208068

$10.99

History of Classical Music Timeline

Rebecca Berg

The newest edition to the Beautiful Feet timeline collection, the History of Classical Music Timeline charts the course of musical development from Baroque composer Corelli up to modem composers Mahler and Stravinsky. Featuring key composers such as Vivaldi, Bach, Handel and many others, students will enjoy coloring the beautiful pictures that make up this visual history of music. For use in conjunction with A Literature Approach to the History of Classical Music. A 2-student pack for the Classical Music Timeline is also available.

Grades 4-8

9780012104248

$9.95

Two Student Pack for Classical Music Timeline

Beautiful Feet Books

Two-Student Timeline Packs include two of the timelines.

CM2TL

$14.95