Classical Music for the Seasons Music for the Seasons    

Lesson 7: Totentanz, S. 126/2

by Franz Liszt

Performer: Neal O'Doan

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 picking, leaves crunching underfoot, corn mazes, hay rides, and apple cider, the fall is a season for family fun. This week features another spooky selection. Get a flashlight, hide under a blanket, and read some spine-tingling stories while listening to the spooky music. Hungarian composer Franz Liszt was fascinated by the concepts of religion, heaven, life, and death. A haunting reflection of human mortality, 'Totentanz' reflects Liszt's keen interest. Totentanz means 'Dance of the Dead' in English.

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 Music

One day this week, as you listen to the music, draw some spooky skeletons dancing to the music.

Look at the image of a skeleton below for reference.

Review

Question 1

What is the title of the music?

1 / 4

Answer 1

The title is 'Totentanz.'

1 / 4

Question 2

Who composed the music?

2 / 4

Answer 2

The composer is Franz Liszt.

2 / 4

Question 3

What is 'Totentanz' about?

3 / 4

Answer 3

'Totentanz' is Liszt's reflection on life and death.

3 / 4

Question 4

What does 'Totentanz' mean in English?

4 / 4

Answer 4

'Totentanz' means 'dance of the dead' in English.

4 / 4

❮ ❯

1. What is the title of the music? The title is 'Totentanz.'
2. Who composed the music? The composer is Franz Liszt.
3. What is 'Totentanz' about? 'Totentanz' is Liszt's reflection on life and death.
4. What does 'Totentanz' mean in English? 'Totentanz' means 'dance of the dead' in English.

References

'Totentanz.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.