Classical Music for the Seasons Music for the Seasons    

Lesson 3: St. Paul's Suite, Op. 29 no. 2

by Gustav Holst

Performer: Skidmore College Orchestra

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

Cool, crisp days and brightly colored leaves characterize autumn in northern climates. This week features another selection that embodies the fall season. Go outside, play in the leaves, and enjoy the music. St. Paul's Suite, a composition for string orchestra, was written in 1912 when Gustav Holst was the director of music at St Paul's Girls' School in London, England. It has four movements: 1) Jig - Vivace (lively and brisk manner), 2) Ostinato - Presto (a quick tempo), 3) Intermezzo - Andante con moto (moderately slow), and 4) Finale - Allegro (brisk tempo). This piece evokes the crisp, colorful days during the fall semester of a school year.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Discuss what happens at the start of the school year. For example:

• Summer comes to an end and fall begins.
• To prepare for school, children and their families might buy school supplies and new warmer, school clothes.
• Children return to their studies in subjects such as reading, writing, and math.

Activity 2: 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 3: Act Out the Music

• One day this week, act out the events of the music.
• As the music plays, play teacher and students.
• Take turns at playing the teacher and the students.
• Play at teaching ABCs, counting, or other items of interest.

Activity 4: Map the Music

• Gustav Holst wrote St. Paul's Suite in 1912 when he was the director of music at St Paul's Girls' School in London, England.
• Zoom in on the map of Europe below, and find England (UK).

Activity 5: Create a School Picture

• One day this week, while listening to the music, draw, color, or paint a scene of students learning from an instructor.

Review

Question 1

What is the title of the music?

1 / 4

Answer 1

The title is 'St. Paul's Suite.'

1 / 4

Question 2

Who composed the music?

2 / 4

Answer 2

The composer is Gustav Holst.

2 / 4

Question 3

What was the inspiration for the music?

3 / 4

Answer 3

The inspiration was Holst's experiences as St Paul's Girls' School in London, England.

3 / 4

Question 4

Describe what happens at the start of the school year?

4 / 4

Answer 4

At the start of the school year, summer ends, fall arrives, children shop for school supplies, and classes begin.

4 / 4

❮ ❯

1. What is the title of the music? The title is 'St. Paul's Suite.'
2. Who composed the music? The composer is Gustav Holst.
3. What was the inspiration for the music? The inspiration was Holst's experiences as St Paul's Girls' School in London, England.
4. Describe what happens at the start of the school year? At the start of the school year, summer ends, fall arrives, children shop for school supplies, and classes begin.

References

'St Paul's Suite.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.