Classical Music for the Seasons Music for the Seasons    

Lesson 34: 'Flower Duet' from Lakmé

by Léo Delibes

Performer: Quatuor Quatre Saisons

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

Spring swinging into summer, flowers thriving, and people basking in the sunshine, you'll continue to listen to selections that embody the freedom of summer. Listen to this music as you enjoy playing outside on the green grass. Léo Delibes' 'Flower Duet' is a famous duet from his opera Lakmé. The duet is sung by Lakmé, a princess, and Mallika, her handmaid, in a garden near a river. They celebrate how flowers uplift their souls, even in times of conflict.

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 and Define the Music

• The title of this piece is, 'Flower Duet.' A duet is a musical performance by two people.
• One day this week, as you listen to the music, draw exactly two flowers to symbolize the title of the composition.

Review

Question 1

What is the title of the music?

1 / 4

Answer 1

The title is 'Flower Duet.'

1 / 4

Question 2

Who composed the music?

2 / 4

Answer 2

The composer is Léo Delibes.

2 / 4

Question 3

What is 'Flower Duet' about?

3 / 4

Answer 3

'Flower Duet' addresses how flowers uplift our souls, even in times of trouble.

3 / 4

Question 4

How many people perform in a 'duet?'

4 / 4

Answer 4

Two people perform together in a duet.

4 / 4

❮ ❯

1. What is the title of the music? The title is 'Flower Duet.'
2. Who composed the music? The composer is Léo Delibes.
3. What is 'Flower Duet' about? 'Flower Duet' addresses how flowers uplift our souls, even in times of trouble.
4. How many people perform in a 'duet?' Two people perform together in a duet.

References

'Flower Duet.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.

'Lakmé.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.