TEACHER'S RESOURCE PAGE





Having worked with these scores and kids for many years I have found it helpful to introduce each piece in certain ways that help to understand the background of the music and its setting as well as inspire the imagination and enthusiasm of the kids. On this page are some suggestions that you may find helpful starting points. The pictures below can help to set the mood of this piece. - Keith Sharp

About the ELIZABETHAN series:

		The Elizabethan age is celebrated for its literary and dramatic culture, its music and chivalry. The wealthy of the land would entertain each other with great banquets of rich foods, wine, music and dancing. When Queen Elizabeth was not busy with matters of state, she too would enjoy some of these pleasures. The Elizabethans loved music, and Elizabeth was no exception. She was a skilled musician and played the virginals and the lute. She enjoyed musical entertainments, encouraged musicians and composers, and was especially fond of dancing.

About MASQUE OF ARNE -

""The Queen delighted in the spectacles which at least since her father's time had provided entertainment in the winter months, when the court was largely at Whitehall. The most characteristic of these were the masques, a combination of dance and pageant." - Biography of Elizabeth I by Wallace MacCaffrey

Masque of Arne is a quasi-Renaissance piece which presents two distinct styles of dance. The first section joyfully trumpets, encouraging the development of soft marcato strokes and ensemble awareness of "space between the notes" to avoid rush. The second section is an ambient, tonal pavane. It enables focus on resonance, chordal balance and sustain. The dances could be presented separately or in succession as indicated, with da Capo return of the first dance to end.

Useful points to remember:

· Playing range between 3rd year and 7th year of learning. · Neo-Baroque texture. · Evenly written for all parts. · Lyrical cello solo in middle section · Optional percussion part included

Your suggestions are important and welcome!

If you have some additional suggestions that can help in the classroom, please share them with us. We will add your comments to this page to make it a richer resource for everybody. Simply send an e-mail (suggestions@musichouse.com.au).