Classical Music for the Seasons Music for the Seasons    

Lesson 26: The Sorcerer's Apprentice

by Paul Dukas

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

Transitioning from winter to spring, uncertain and unstable weather, and feeling invigorated and hopeful, you'll continue listen to selections that embody the turbulence of the transition from winter to spring. Listen to this music from the warmth and comfort of your home as the cold wind blows ice, snow, and rain all around you. Written between 1896 and 1897, 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' is a symphonic poem by the French composer Paul Dukas. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's 1797 poem of the same name inspired this piece. In the poem, a sorcerer has left his apprentice and has tasked him to clean. The apprentice enchants a broomstick to do the cleaning for him, and the situation soon spirals out of control. Both the music and the storyline from the poem were featured in Disney's cartoon 'Fantasia.'

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: Draw the Sorcerer's Apprentice

One day this week, as you listen to the music, draw, color, or paint the sorcerer's apprentice and his enchanted broom.

Study the drawing of the apprentice enchanting his broom with a wand and a spell book for inspiration.

Review

Question 1

What is the title of the music?

1 / 3

Answer 1

The title is 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice.'

1 / 3

Question 2

Who composed the music?

2 / 3

Answer 2

The composer is Paul Dukas.

2 / 3

Question 3

What is 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' about?

3 / 3

Answer 3

'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' is about an apprentice who uses magic to complete his cleaning chores until his magic goes awry.

3 / 3

❮ ❯

1. What is the title of the music? The title is 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice.'
2. Who composed the music? The composer is Paul Dukas.
3. What is 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' about? 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' is about an apprentice who uses magic to complete his cleaning chores until his magic goes awry.

References

'The Sorcerer's Apprentice.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.

'The Sorcerer's Apprentice (Dukas).' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.