Classical Music for the Seasons Music for the Seasons    

Lesson 8: Pictures at an Exhibition - II. The Old Castle

by Modest Mussorgsky

Performer: Skidmore College

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. Modest Mussorgsky wrote 'Pictures at an Exhibition' in memory of his friend, Viktor Hartmann, who died young at the age of 39. Each movement within the suite represents one of Hartmann's pictures. 'The Old Castle' was inspired by Hartmann's sketch of an Italian castle.

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

• 'The Old Castle' was inspired by Hartmann's sketch of an Italian castle.
• Zoom in on the map of Europe below, and find Italy.

Activity 3: Define Castle Features

One day this week, study the definitions below. Find the terms in the picture of the castle below.

• Castle: A large building or group of buildings that are protected from attack with thick walls, towers, and moats.
• Moat: A water-filled ditch around a castle or town.
• Gatehouse: A defensive, often guarded entryway into a castle.
• Tower: Tall narrow building forming part of a castle.

Activity 4: Sketch a Castle

One day this week, as you listen to the music, study the castle below. Find the moat, the gatehouse, and the towers.

Sketch a castle like the one shown below.

Be sure to sketch the moat of water surrounding the castle as well.

Review

Question 1

What is the title of the music?

1 / 3

Answer 1

The title is 'The Old Castle.'

1 / 3

Question 2

Who composed the music?

2 / 3

Answer 2

The composer is Modest Mussorgsky.

2 / 3

Question 3

What is 'The Old Castle' about?

3 / 3

Answer 3

'The Old Castle' was inspired by Viktor Hartmann's sketch of an old Italian castle.

3 / 3

❮ ❯

1. What is the title of the music? The title is 'The Old Castle.'
2. Who composed the music? The composer is Modest Mussorgsky.
3. What is 'The Old Castle' about? 'The Old Castle' was inspired by Viktor Hartmann's sketch of an old Italian castle.

References

'Pictures at an Exhibition.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.