Classical Music for the Seasons Music for the Seasons    

Lesson 24: Ballade no. 1 in G minor

by Frédéric Chopin

Performer: Frank Levy

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

Showing kindness and appreciation, planning happy surprises, and thinking of those you love, in honor of the Valentine's season, you'll listen to the last selection that represents love and affection for family and friends. Frédéric Chopin composed 'Ballade no. 1 in G minor, Op. 23' in 1831. At the time, he lived in Vienna and longed for his home in Poland, where the people were fighting against the Russian Empire. He incorporated his feelings of longing, loyalty, and love for his homeland into this piece (Wikipedia entry on the piece).

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: Map the Music

At the time Frédéric Chopin wrote this composition, he lived in Vienna (Austria) and longed for his home in Poland, where the people were fighting against the Russian Empire.

• Zoom in on the map of Europe below and find the countries of Austria, Poland, and Russia.

Activity 3: Make a Card for Someone You Love

One day this week, as you listen to the music, create and decorate a special card for someone you love. Give the person the card and tell them you love them.

Review

Question 1

What is the title of the music?

1 / 3

Answer 1

The title is 'Ballade no. 1 in G minor.'

1 / 3

Question 2

Who composed the music?

2 / 3

Answer 2

The composer is Frédéric Chopin.

2 / 3

Question 3

What is 'Ballade no. 1 in G minor' about?

3 / 3

Answer 3

'Ballade no. 1 in G minor' is about Chopin's love and longing for his homeland.

3 / 3

❮ ❯

1. What is the title of the music? The title is 'Ballade no. 1 in G minor.'
2. Who composed the music? The composer is Frédéric Chopin.
3. What is 'Ballade no. 1 in G minor' about? 'Ballade no. 1 in G minor' is about Chopin's love and longing for his homeland.

References

'Ballades (Chopin).' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.