April 2 – April 8: Listening Assignment (remember that listening assignments apply to the weeks during which the listening is assigned.)

Johann Sebastian Bach (#1)

• Welcome to a new focus in the listening assignments! We are going to work on piano repertoire for at least the next year. You will get to know composers, performers, famous recordings, and significant pieces. This will "beef up" your understanding of the piano repertoire! We will also focus on stylistic components of each piece you hear so you can more clearly understand each musical period. (aka: You will be a genius soon!)
• Read the composer's short bio here.
• Read Bach's famous quotes: 
• The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.
• It's easy to play any musical instrument: all you have to do is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will play itself.
• I was obliged to be industrious. Whoever is equally industrious will succeed equally well.
• Q. 1. Write out the composer's entire name in your lesson plan.
• Q. 2. What era did this composer live/write in?
• Listen to and watch the Prelude and Fugue in E minor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEgU0PBTGhk
• Q. 3. Name 3–5 famous pieces this composer wrote for the piano (or what is now played on the piano, if originally written for a different instrument). Use different pieces if the composer has previously been asked for.
• Q. 4. Name 3–5 stylistic characteristics of why this piece is a part of the musical era you wrote above. (Refer to the new page on the blog on the right called "Musical Period Characteristics" for help.)