Classical Music for the Seasons Music for the Seasons    

Lesson 11: The Consecration of the House

by Ludwig van Beethoven

Performer: European Archive

Directions

Study the musical selection for one week.

Over the week:

• Each day, listen to the musical selection.
• Practice reciting the title of the composition and the composer's name.
• Read the synopsis.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Study the review questions.

Synopsis

Pumpkin pie, stuffing, green bean casserole, family gatherings, and giving thanks for our blessings, November is a month to appreciate our homes and families and to reflect on all that we have. This week, continue to listen to selections that embody gratefulness for home, health, family, and country. Ludwig van Beethoven composed 'The Consecration of the House, Op. 124' in 1822 for the opening of the Josephstadt Theater in Vienna, Austria. A 'consecration' is the dedication of something for a certain purpose. A theater might be consecrated to promote the arts and elevate the human spirit. People might consecrate their own houses as well, dedicating their houses to their families and the love they share in them.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Describe the Music

After listening to the music, describe and discuss what you heard.

Read the list of adjectives below. Select those that describe the music or think up additional adjectives.

• Happy
• Sad
• Quiet
• Loud
• Fast
• Slow
• Scary
• Dreamy
• Magical
• Rhythmic
• Dignified

Activity 2: Can You Find it?

Ludwig van Beethoven composed 'The Consecration of the House, Op. 124' in 1822 for the opening of the Josephstadt Theater in Vienna, Austria.

Find the following items in the engraving of the Josephstadt Theater below:

• Stage
• Curtain
• Audience
• Balconies
• Pillars
• Special Curtained Section of the Balcony
• Flowered Wreaths and Garlands
• Children on Stage
• Adults on Stage

Activity 3: Celebration Discussion

People often gather together on Thanksgiving or other special occasions and celebrate with a special meal.

Discuss the special things you do with your family on Thanksgiving or another special celebration.

• Do you travel anywhere to have your celebration?
• Do you eat any special foods for your celebration?
• Who do you celebrate the special day with?
• Do you reflect on what you are thankful for during the special celebration?

Activity 4: Celebration Sketch

• One day this week, as you listen to the music, color, draw, or sketch your own celebration. You might wish to include the place, the people, and/or the special meal in your drawing.

Activity 5: Map the Music

• This composition is about the dedication of Josephstadt Theater in Vienna, Austria.
• Zoom in on the map of Europe below, and find Austria.

Review

Question 1

What is the title of the music?

1 / 4

Answer 1

The title is 'The Consecration of the House.'

1 / 4

Question 2

Who composed the music?

2 / 4

Answer 2

The composer is Ludwig van Beethoven.

2 / 4

Question 3

What is 'The Consecration of the House' about?

3 / 4

Answer 3

'The Consecration of the House' is about the dedication of a theater.

3 / 4

Question 4

Where is the Josephstadt Theater?

4 / 4

Answer 4

The Josephstadt Theater is in Vienna, Austria.

4 / 4

❮ ❯

1. What is the title of the music? The title is 'The Consecration of the House.'
2. Who composed the music? The composer is Ludwig van Beethoven.
3. What is 'The Consecration of the House' about? 'The Consecration of the House' is about the dedication of a theater.
4. Where is the Josephstadt Theater? The Josephstadt Theater is in Vienna, Austria.

References

'The Consecration of the House (overture).' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.