Christmas theme in classical music, music class. Christmas music F
Christmas is one of the most beloved and long-awaited holidays among Christians all over the world. In our country, Christmas has not been celebrated for so long that people are accustomed to considering the New Year's celebration more significant. But time puts everything in its place - the country of the Soviets did not last even one century, and since the birth of Christ the third millennium has already passed.
A fairy tale, music, anticipation of a miracle - that’s what Christmas is all about. And from this day on, Christmastide began - a massive folk festival, gatherings, sleigh rides, fortune telling, funny dances and songs.
Christmas rituals and entertainment were always accompanied by music, and there was room for both strict church chants and playful folk carols.
Stories related to Christmas served as a source of inspiration for artists and composers who worked during the most different time. It is impossible to imagine a huge layer of religious music by Bach and Handel without referring to such significant events for the Christian world; Russian composers Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov played with this theme in their fairy-tale operas and ballets; Christmas carols, which appeared in the 13th century, are still very popular in Western countries.
Christmas classical music takes its origins from church hymns. IN Orthodox Church to this day, the holiday begins with the ringing of bells and a troparion in honor of the Nativity of Christ, then the kontakion “Today the Virgin gives birth to the Most Essential” is sung. The troparion and kontakion reveal and glorify the essence of the holiday.
Famous Russian composer XIX century D.S. Bortnyansky devoted much of his work to church singing. He advocated preserving the purity of sacred music, protecting it from excesses of musical “embellishment.” Many of his works, including Christmas concerts, are still performed in Russian churches.
Tchaikovsky's sacred music occupies a separate niche in his work, although during the composer's lifetime it caused a lot of controversy. Tchaikovsky was accused of predominant secularism in his spiritual creativity.
However, speaking about the theme of Christmas in classical music, first of all, the masterpieces of Pyotr Ilyich come to mind, quite far from church music. These are the opera “Cherevichki” based on Gogol’s story “The Night Before Christmas” and the ballet “The Nutcracker”. Two completely different works- a story about evil spirits and a children's Christmas story, united by the genius of the music and the theme of Christmas.
Christmas classical music is not limited to “serious genres”. Songs that people especially love can also be considered classics. The most popular Christmas song throughout the world, “Jingle Bells,” was born more than 150 years ago. It can be considered a musical symbol of the New Year and Christmas holidays.
Today, the music of Christmas, having lost much of its ritualism, has retained the emotional message of the festive celebration. An example is the famous film “Home Alone”. American film composer John Williams included several Christmas songs and psalms in the soundtrack. At the same time, the old music began to play in a new way, conveying an indescribable festive atmosphere (may the reader forgive the tautology).
Merry Christmas everyone!
Why was it necessary to write about the country of Soviets? The holiday of Christmas is holy, it should bring joy! But apparently it is more important for the author to express his opinion about the USSR than to reveal the stated topic.
As for the text - very sparingly! Not only that musical material nothing was touched upon at all, and they only touched upon it at the level of names.
Music lesson on the topic:
"Music of Christmas"
The purpose of the lesson: developing students' knowledge about the holiday Christmas, cultural traditions different countries.
Tasks:
further accumulation of listening experience: perception of Christmas works;
singing Christmas carols and carols;
development of the ability to analyze, compare and generalize spiritual and folklore Russian music;
development creative thinking and initiative of students in the process of perceiving the music of Christmas;
development of the ability to operate with existing knowledge in the process of analyzing works of Russian sacred music and folklore.
educational:
developing:
educational:
introduce children to the traditions of celebrating Christmas, the symbolic images of this holiday based on the gospel narrative, the generally accepted version of the origin of the holiday and the features of its meeting in different countries peace;
formation in students of an idea of a single cultural space based on combining musical works in one lesson as examples of the culture of different peoples.
Lesson type:- a lesson in communicating new knowledge.
Software: computer, audio equipment, piano
Student drawings;
P.I. Tchaikovsky “Waltz of the Flowers” (fragment from the ballet “The Nutcracker”);
F. Gruber “Silent Night” (Christmas hymn);
Troparion of the Nativity of Christ (fragment);
During the classes.
Students enter the classroom to the music of P.I. Tchaikovsky from the ballet “The Nutcracker” (“Waltz of the Flowers”)
Organizing time.
Hello guys.
How many of you know this? musical composition? Who is its author?
/P.I. Tchaikovsky ballet "The Nutcracker"/
What do you think our lesson will be about today?
/New Year, Christmas/
Conversation about Christmas. Reading poems.
When is Christmas celebrated abroad and here in Russia?
How many of you know the Christmas story?
/students' answers/
Christmas is a wonderful holiday that is celebrated by people all over the world. Many works of art are dedicated to this event.
Name which ones?
/poems, songs, icons, films/
What poems about Christmas do you know?
A teacher's story about the creation of a Christmas carol. Listening and Analysis
musical work (F. Gruber “Silent Night”).
It was night in the modest apartment of teacher Gruber. It was night there not only because neither the Christmas tree nor the lamps were lit in the apartment. It was night because recently they were struck by a great test: their only child, tiny Marichen, left, recalled by God to heaven. The father came to terms with this departure, but this loss dealt such a blow to the mother’s heart that she could not recover. She couldn't cry. For days on end she remained motionless, absent from this world. In vain did the teacher, who courageously endured grief, speak to her many words of consolation and heartfelt admonition; in vain did he surround her with caring consideration and tenderness; the poor mother remained insensitive to everything, as if she were only a body without a soul, wandering in this world that could give her nothing more.
On this Christmas evening, Gruber, called by duty, went to the village church. With deep sadness, he looked with eyes wet with tears at the charming spectacle of children overwhelmed with joy. Then he returned to the cold darkness of his apartment. In the corner of the room, the mother, sitting deeply in an armchair, seemed like marble or ice. He tried to tell her about the service, but the answer to everything was deathly silence.
Dejected at the futility of all efforts and attempts to bring his heartbroken wife back to life, the poor teacher sat down at the open piano. How many times it musical talent brought to mind melodies that lull, console and attract to heaven, but what could I tell my poor friend that evening?
Gruber's fingers wandered randomly over the keys while his eyes searched the sky for some vision. Suddenly they stopped at a star shining in the sky with an unknown brilliance! From there, above, a ray of love descended, which filled the heart of the mourner with such joy and such peace that he suddenly began to sing, improvising that clear melody that we repeat every Christmas. That evening, for the first time, a melody composed by Gruber was heard: Silent night, wonderful night. Everything is asleep... Only the reverently young couple is awake..."
There's a star in the sky! School teacher, seeing her, he seemed to call her with his singing to his sad apartment. And when he sings, the inconsolable mother awakens and returns to life! The trembling shakes her and breaks through the ice sheet that has frozen her heart! A sob breaks out of her chest, tears stream down her cheeks. She gets up, throws herself on her husband’s neck and, together with him, finishes the singing she started. She's saved!
Brother Gruber that night ran 6 km to Pastor Mohr and repeated the singing of this hymn with him. It was December 24, 1818.
Today this Christmas carol is sung all over the earth and in almost every language in the world.
Listening to the Christmas prayer “Troparion of the Nativity of Christ.”
So, if in European countries they sing Christmas hymns, then in Russia the main music of Christmas is considered to be a prayer called Troparion. Let's listen...
Guys, what is TROPAR?
/students' answers/
* Troparion (church) - chants in honor of any Orthodox holiday or saint. (S.I. Ozhegov)
Independent work students with text.
/independent work with the text “The Gifts of the Magi” (children’s Bible)/
Worship of the Sages .
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem and said: “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and came to worship Him.” Hearing this, King Herod became alarmed, and all Jerusalem with him. And, having gathered all the high priests and scribes of the people, he asked them: “Where should Christ be born?” They said to him: “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means the least of the governors of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel...” Then Herod, secretly Having called the wise men, he found out from them the time of the appearance of the star and, sending them to Bethlehem, said: “Go, carefully investigate the Child and, when you find it, notify me, so that I too can go and worship Him.” In fact, the king decided to kill the Baby, because he was afraid that He could take his throne in the future. The sages, having listened to the king, left. “And behold, the star that they saw in the east walked before them, when at last it came and stood over the place where the Child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with very great joy.”
Arriving in Bethlehem, the wise men entered the house over which the star stood. Seeing the Child with Mary, His mother, they bowed to Him and, opening their treasures, brought Him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Gifts are placed under the Christmas tree, where did this tradition come from?
What did the wise men bring to little Jesus?
Each of the gifts had a certain canonical meaning and served as a sign of recognition of Christ:
gold is a symbol of royal power;
incense (Lebanon) - recognition of his divinity;
myrrh - recognition of his humanity.
* Incense - an aromatic substance obtained from the bark of a white tree in India and Arabia. It is used for perfumes, incense, and is part of incense (church incense).
* Smyrna – precious oil, balm, used for anointing
A conversation about an ancient ritual - caroling.
So, Christmas has come...
How do people celebrate Christmas?
/sing songs, dance, ride a slide, have fun/
What songs do people sing at Christmas? What are their names?
/carols/
* Carol - an old Christmas and New Year ritual song.
(S.I. Ozhegov)
What type of RNP can these songs be classified as?
/ritual/
What is the name of the ritual itself? What is its essence?
/rite - carol/
* Kolyada - an ancient Christmas and New Year ritual, accompanied by a round of neighbors with a ritual song (S.I. Ozhegov)
Guys, what is the essence of this ritual?
/students' answers/
Singing Christmas carols.
In the last lesson we learned carols. Let's do them together.
/performance
carols familiar to students/
Reflection.
Today we will also decorate the Christmas trees with you. You have Christmas trees on your desks; decorate them with balls of the color that matches your mood during the lesson.
Summing up the students' activities in the lesson.
Today in lesson you learned new words. Let's remember what they mean.
Our lesson has come to an end.
Christmas is one of the most beloved and long-awaited holidays among Christians all over the world. In our country, Christmas has not been celebrated for so long that people are accustomed to considering the New Year's celebration more significant. But time puts everything in its place - the country of the Soviets did not last even one century, and since the birth of Christ the third millennium has already passed.
A fairy tale, music, anticipation of a miracle - that’s what Christmas is all about. And from this day on, Christmastide began - mass festivities, gatherings, sleigh rides, fortune telling, merry dances and songs.
Christmas rituals and entertainment were always accompanied by music, and there was room for both strict church chants and playful folk carols.
Plots related to Christmas served as a source of inspiration for artists and composers who worked at very different times. It is impossible to imagine a huge layer of religious music by Bach and Handel without referring to such significant events for the Christian world; Russian composers Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov played with this theme in their fairy-tale operas and ballets; Christmas carols, which appeared in the 13th century, are still very popular in Western countries.
Christmas classical music takes its origins from church hymns. In the Orthodox Church to this day, the holiday begins with the ringing of bells and a troparion in honor of the Nativity of Christ, then the kontakion “Today the Virgin gives birth to the Most Essential” is sung. The troparion and kontakion reveal and glorify the essence of the holiday.
Famous Russian composer of the 19th century D.S. Bortnyansky devoted much of his work to church singing. He advocated preserving the purity of sacred music, protecting it from excesses of musical “embellishment.” Many of his works, including Christmas concerts, are still performed in Russian churches.
Tchaikovsky's sacred music occupies a separate niche in his work, although during the composer's lifetime it caused a lot of controversy. Tchaikovsky was accused of predominant secularism in his spiritual creativity.
However, speaking about the theme of Christmas in classical music, the first thing that comes to mind is the masterpieces of Pyotr Ilyich, which are quite far from church music. These are the opera “Cherevichki” based on Gogol’s story “The Night Before Christmas” and the ballet “The Nutcracker”. Two completely different works - a story about evil spirits and a children's Christmas tale, are united by the genius of music and the theme of Christmas.
Christmas classical music is not limited to “serious genres”. Songs that people especially love can also be considered classics. The most popular Christmas song throughout the world, “Jingle Bells,” was born more than 150 years ago. It can be considered a musical symbol of the New Year and Christmas holidays.
Today, the music of Christmas, having lost much of its ritualism, has retained the emotional message of the festive celebration. An example is the famous film “Home Alone”. American film composer John Williams included several Christmas songs and psalms in the soundtrack. At the same time, the old music began to play in a new way, conveying an indescribable festive atmosphere (may the reader forgive the tautology).
Merry Christmas everyone!
Why was it necessary to write about the country of Soviets? The holiday of Christmas is holy, it should bring joy! But apparently it is more important for the author to express his opinion about the USSR than to reveal the stated topic.
As for the text - very sparingly! Not only is there absolutely nothing touched on the musical material, but they also touched on it only at the level of titles.
01/11/2017 01/11/2017 by Paul
J. S. Bach. "Christmas Oratorio"
The grandiose oratorio, consisting of six cantatas, was performed in parts over several days during Bach's time - from Christmas to Epiphany. Each cantata is dedicated to one of the episodes in the history of the Nativity of Christ. With his music, Bach depicted the joy of the shepherds who learned about the birth of the Messiah, and the jubilant choir of angels singing “Glory to God in the highest,” and the reverence of the wise men standing over the cradle of the Savior. And the choirs and arias telling about the Gospel events are united in the oratorio with recitatives on behalf of the Evangelist.
Choir "Ehre Sei Gott In Der Höhe"("Gloria").
"Christmas Oratorio" (full version)
G.F. Handel. Scene “Prophecy of the Birth of Christ” from the oratorio “Messiah”
One of the most famous works Handel's "Hallelujah" chorus, which concludes the oratorio "Messiah". The oratorio was created as an Easter work and was first performed on Easter. However, after the death of the composer, the first of the three parts of the oratorio began to be performed much more often in the days before Christmas. This part is entirely devoted to the Nativity of the Savior - from the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah to the appearance of angels to the shepherds.
No. 9. Viola aria and chorus “O Thou That Tellest” [Isa. 40:9, 60:1] Go up to high mountain, O preacher of Zion! lift up your voice with might, O preacher of good news to Jerusalem! exalt yourself, do not be afraid; say to the cities of Judah, Behold your God!
Arise, shine, [Jerusalem], for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
No. 12. Choir “For Unto Child is born” [Isa. 9:6] For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; the government is upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
A. Corelli. "Christmas Concerto Grosso" (Op. 6, No. 8)
Peru Arcangelo Corelli, whose work was highly appreciated by J. S. Bach and G. F. Handel, owns twelve Concerto grosso or “ Big concerts" This genre is based on the principle of “chiaroscuro”, opposition, widespread in Baroque music: small group solo instruments (for Corelli there are two violins and a cello) seem to oppose the orchestra.
One of Corelli's concerto grossos is dedicated to the Christmas holiday. It is called “Christmas Concerto Grosso” or “Christmas Concert”.
P. I. Tchaikovsky. Ballet "The Nutcracker"
The Nutcracker ballet, which tells that Christmas Eve is a time of miracles, and evil is always defeated by goodness and love, has remained beloved by the public for more than a hundred years. AND main reason Tchaikovsky's magical music serves this purpose. In The Nutcracker, the composer used an incredible variety of orchestral timbres - colors that depict the characters and situations. In Tchaikovsky, music does not accompany the dance, but becomes its main element, thanks to which even the most fantastic and unrealistic characters come to life and take on character.
Full version:
Waltz of the Flowers:
P.I. Chaikovsky. Opera "Cherevichki"
In "Cherevichki", written on the basis of the plot of Gogol's story "The Night Before Christmas", there are no less miracles than in "The Nutcracker". It is no coincidence that “Cherevichki” was given the subtitle “comic-fantastic” opera: the fantastic world and the real world are intertwined in the opera as closely as in Gogol’s story. And Little Russian folklore, so beloved by Gogol, is also, of course, in Cherevichki. Tchaikovsky, when composing this opera, widely used Ukrainian folk motifs.
P.I. Chaikovsky. “Christmas time (December)” from the series “Seasons”
Throughout 1876, each issue of the monthly St. Petersburg magazine “Nouvelist” published one piano piece P.I. Tchaikovsky. The series “Seasons” was written by special order from the magazine publisher. These are living pictures of Russian nature and life, the personification of the annual circle of worries and holidays. The cycle ends with the play “Christmastide” - a bright lyrical waltz that evokes thoughts of the Christmas tree and joyful preparations for one of the main holidays of the year.
N. Rimsky-Korsakov. Suite from the opera “The Night Before Christmas”
Twenty years after Tchaikovsky, N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov turned to the plot of Gogol’s story “The Night Before Christmas”. After the premiere, the author was often reproached for the fact that the main semantic load in his opera is carried by symphonic, and not vocal, episodes. Meanwhile, it is these episodes that depict the winter landscapes of Dikanka, the flight to the capital of Vakula, the dancing of the stars... The orchestral suite “The Night Before Christmas” consists of these sound or, as the composer himself called them, “moving” pictures.
V. I. Rebikov. Waltz from the opera "The Christmas Tree"
The opera “The Christmas Tree” is based on two sad Christmas stories - “The Little Match Girl” by Andersen and “The Boy at Christ’s Christmas Tree” by Dostoevsky. A little beggar woman begs on the street on Christmas Eve. No one cares about her, everyone is in a hurry to go home to their relatives. The sounds of a waltz can be heard from the windows - there are happy children dancing around the Christmas tree. And the girl gradually freezes, and she dreams of a luxurious hall with a huge Christmas tree. The Christmas tree turns into a huge staircase along which the girl, surrounded by angels, ascends to heaven...
R. Schumann. “Santa Claus” from the series “Album for Youth”
Schumann's children's play in Russian translation, called "Father Frost", is actually called "Knecht Ruprecht". According to German legends, Knecht Ruprecht accompanies Saint Nicholas (who in modern world turned into Santa Claus). Knecht Ruprecht was believed to be asking children if they knew how to pray. If the children know how to pray, then he gives them candy, but if not, then the children only receive ugly and useless things: a piece of coal or a rotten piece of wood.
F. Leaf. "Christmas tree"
Liszt dedicated the piano cycle “The Christmas Tree” to his granddaughter Daniela von Bülow. This music belongs to a little-known page of the composer's work. Liszt here seems to forget about his usual virtuosity. The plays of the cycle are lyrical miniatures for performance in home circle. The composer combines religious and secular motifs of the Christmas holiday, precisely defining the program of each play in its title.
Old Christmas Song: 2. Holy Night! 3. Shepherds at the manger 4. Adoration of the Magi 5. Lighting up the Christmas tree! 6. Chime 7. Lullaby 8. Old Provençal Christmas Carol 9. Evening Bells 10. In the Old Time 11. Hungarian March 12. Polonaise
Plast musical compositions, dedicated to Christmas and New Year, is huge - from folk carols and spiritual works to original music. As for Christmas music itself, its origins lie in spiritual hymns and Christmas folk songs- carols, ovsen, shchedrovki.
Particularly noteworthy are the excellent examples of Russian sacred and original music dedicated to Christmas, in particular the “Collected Spiritual and Musical Compositions and Arrangements” by Archpriest P.I. Turchaninov and “Glory to God in the highest: stichera after the Gospel for the Nativity of Christ” by D.S. Bortnyansky. One cannot ignore the works of P.I. Tchaikovsky on the theme of Christmas. They occupy a separate niche in his work, although during the composer’s lifetime they caused a lot of controversy. However, if we talk about the theme of Christmas in classical music, the first thing that comes to mind are the masterpieces of Pyotr Ilyich that are quite far from church music: the opera “Cherevichki” based on Gogol’s story “The Night Before Christmas” and the ballet “The Nutcracker”. Two completely different works are united by the genius of music and the theme of Christmas and represent classic examples Russian original music.
European Christmas music includes masses, oratorios, cantatas, symphonies, concerts, and sonatas. For example, the story of the creation of Hector Berlioz's oratorio "The Childhood of Christ" (L"enfance du Christ) is interesting. As the composer himself said, being bored during a dinner party, he wrote a four-voice piece. Then he added words to it, turning his work into a choir, and came up with The author's name is Pierre Ducret. When the work grew into a three-part oratorio and its individual numbers were performed in concerts, Berlioz still continued to hide his authorship for some time. In the 16th century, Yule music was written by Pretorius and di Lasso, in the 17th century the tradition was continued by Heinrich Schütz , Adam Vaclav Michnu, Wolfgang Karl Briegel. Among the first French musicians, Marc Antoine Charpentier turned to the theme of Christmas, among the Italians we note Alessandro Scarlatti, Antonio Vivaldi, Arcangelo Corelli, Giuseppe Torelli, Francesco Manfredini, Pietro Locatelli (in the collections "Torelli, Manfredini, Locatelli / Christmas concertos / Slovak Chamber Orchestra, Bohdan Warchal", "Weihnachtskonzert der Virtuosi Saxoniae. Manfredini, Bach, Vejanovsky, Vivaldi, Torelli, Heinichen, Schmeltzer, Corelli"). As for German and Austrian music, Christmas themes are found in the works of five Johannes: Schelle, Matteson, J.S. Bach and his son Johann Christoph Friedrich, Johann Heinrich Rolle, as well as Georg Goebel, Georg Telemann and others. One can recall the beautiful Dutch edition of Bach's "Christmas Oratorio" (Bach. Weihnachts-oratorium. Chor und symphonie-orchester des bayeriscchen rundfunks. Eugen Jochum ); “Christmas Mass” by the Czech composer Jan Jakub Ryba (Czech Christmas mass), a collection of Czech baroque music for Christmas, is also beautifully designed.
Christmas classical music is not limited to “serious genres”. Songs that people especially love can also be considered classics. The most popular Christmas song throughout the world, “Jingle Bells,” was born more than 150 years ago. It can be considered a musical symbol of the New Year and Christmas holidays. Today, the music of Christmas, having lost much of its ritualism, has retained the emotional message of the festive celebration - as an example, one can recall the famous film “Home Alone”: American film composer John Williams included several Christmas songs and psalms in the soundtrack. At the same time, old music began to play in a new way, conveying a unique festive atmosphere.
From modern composers I would like to especially mention Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeev), a member of the Union of Composers, and his “Christmas Oratorio,” the premiere performance of which took place on December 17, 2007 at the National Cathedral Basilica in Washington, the most majestic church in America.
A. Mankov,
regent male choir Trinity Cathedral in Klin
Photo: razebra.ru
Yuletide story in Russian and foreign literature
Author: Natalya Matsenova, Irina Filipova
The first stories with a Christmas theme appear in Russia in mid-19th century centuries after the famous "Christmas Stories" by Charles Dickens were translated into Russian. It was Dickens who is considered the founder of the genre, although he was not the first author of Christmas stories.
Light of the Star of Bethlehem
Author: Archpriest Boris Balashov
And in distant eastern countries learned sages, called Magi in the Gospel, observing the starry sky, discovered a suddenly appeared new bright star. From the place of her appearance in the sky, they realized that an extraordinary event had occurred in Judea: an extraordinary King was born. The Magi gathered in long journey, taking with you expensive gifts: gold, which was presented to kings as earthly rulers, incense - a fragrant resin, which was brought to God in temples, laid on burning coals, while everything was filled with an extraordinary fragrance. The third gift was myrrh, a special resin that slowed down decomposition processes. They smeared the dead with it in order to preserve their bodies from decay longer in hot climates. It was all providential.
Reproduction on the Internet is permitted only if there is an active link to the site "".
Reproduction of site materials in printed publications (books, press) is permitted only if the source and author of the publication are indicated.
