Vol. 2 Issue No. 4
December 2015
Lifelong Listeners Newsletter
Long before James Pierpont wrote "Jingle Bells" in 1857, composers were celebrating the holiday season in music.  This month we will learn about Christmas season music written in the Baroque era (1600-1750).  We will study some of the most famous Baroque composers and learn about cool instruments and traditions.  No matter what holiday you celebrate, we hope you enjoy learning about Baroque Christmas music and that you have a wonderful December.  Happy Listening! 

Music 101
Music 101 Events! christmas_tree_red_gold.jpg

12/20 (Sun.), 4:45 P.M. - Group Performance Class! This month Music 101 faculty violinist Jennifer Herzig will host. Come hear Jenny play, learn about Spanish violin music, earn some listener points, and play a piece of your own. Don't forget, sign up early to reserve your spot!
Live Concerts! christmas_ornaments.jpg
(Use this section with Listener Worksheet #1 and Listener Worksheet #2)

*This symbol indicates that Music 101 faculty will perform in this concert!
 
12/5 (Sat.), 7:30 P.M. and 12/6 (Sun.), 3 P.M. - Polymnia Choral Society (Melrose) Support our local chorus and celebrate the holidays.  In this "Luminous Night" concert, the chorus will perform beautiful holiday works by Gjeillo, Whitacre, and Mendelssohn.
 
12/11 (Fri.) and 12/12 (Sat.), 8 P.M. - Melrose Symphony (Melrose) Gospel vocalist Renese King will perform holiday favorites.  The orchestra will also perform selections from Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite" with the Melrose Youth Ballet. Tickets tend to sell out for this concert so get them fast! 

3 Chances to Hear Josh Garvey Sing:

*12/11 (Fri.), 5 P.M. (Cambridge) - Josh will sing a duet by Britten as part of a chamber music concert at Longy School of Music (27 Garden St. Cambridge, 02138). Free admission. 

*12/15 (Tues.), 7 P.M. (Cambridge) - Josh will sing "Salve Regina" by Nicola Porpora in an early music chamber concert at Longy School of Music (27 Garden St. Cambridge, 02138). Free admission. 

*12/20 (Sun.), 11A.M. (Boston) - Josh will sing "O Thou that Tellest Good Tidings to Zion" from Handel's Messiah during the worship service at First Church (66 Marlborough St, Boston, 02116). 
Listen Online! candy-cane-sm.jpg
(Use this section with Listener Worksheet #1  and Listener Worksheet #2 )
 
Choir
George Frideric Handel "Hallelujah Chorus from The Messiah" (Mormon Tabernacle Choir) This famous chorus is often heard at Christmas concerts, but it is actually from the Easter portion of The Messiah! People over time have decided that its grand sound lends itself well to Christmas celebrations too. Click here to hear more about Handel's Messiah and other classical music traditionally played at Christmas time. 

Organ
Johann Sebastian Bach "Puer Natus in Bethlehem" (Gilberto Guarino, organ)  Bach is probably the most famous Baroque composer, and he spent many years as the director of music for a church where he was expected to write music for services. Therefore it is not surprising that he wrote this and many other pieces of church music about Christmas. Watch as the organist plays keyboards with his hands and feet at the same time! 
 
Baroque Chamber Orchestra
Arcangelo Corelli "Christmas Concerto Movement 3" (Voices of Music Ensemble) Here is another example of Baroque music inspired by the Christmas season. Here the piece is played on authentic instruments from the baroque period.  Notice the harpsichord and the archlutes!
 
Guitar
Antonio Vivaldi "Winter Movement 1 from the Four Seasons" (arranged/played by Emre Sabuncuoglu, guitar) Just like the other Four Seasons concertos, this piece was originally written for baroque orchestra with solo violin.  Here we hear it arranged for solo guitar. This movement is based on a poem that talks about the bitter cold winds of winter making you shiver and your teeth chatter.  Do you hear any sounds that sound like harsh winter winds or shivering with chattering teeth?
In This Issue
Composers & Artists

Other Links
How to Earn Listener Points!
You can earn Listener Points by exploring this newsletter, completing worksheets, and redeeming them for great prizes!  Here is how:

 

1) Download Listener Worksheets from our website or pick up copies at the studio. 

 

2) Go to a concert!  See our "Live Concerts" section for ideas.  Turn in your program for 10 points.  Turn in Listener Worksheet #1 or
about something you heard for 10 additional points. 

 

3) Listen online!  Listen to one of the videos in the "Listen Online" section and turn in Listener Worksheet #1 or Listener Worksheet #2 for 10 points.

4) Click on a link in the "Composers & Artists" section.  Turn in
for 10 points. 

5) Click on a link in the "Other Links" section.  Turn in Listener Worksheet #4 for 10 points.    

6) Look up any music topic that interests you.  Turn in Listener Worksheet #5 for 10 points. 

 Have a question? Email Jenny Herzig at [email protected]