Classical Music for the Seasons Music for the Seasons    

Lesson 9: A Hymn of Thanksgiving

by Ludwig van Beethoven

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

Pumpkin pie, stuffing, green bean casserole, family gatherings, and giving thanks for our blessings, November is a month to appreciate our homes and families and to reflect on all that we have. For the next four weeks, you'll listen to selections that embody gratefulness for home, health, family, and country. Enjoy this music while preparing your Thanksgiving dinner or eating your Thanksgiving meal. Ludwig van Beethoven composed string quartet, Opus 132 in A minor near the end of his life. He was 54 and recovering from a life-threatening illness which he cured by limiting his diet to certain foods. In Beethoven's words, this movement was 'offered to the divinity by a convalescent.' Beethoven said the more energetic parts of the piece reflected him 'feeling new strength.'

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: Gratitude Discussion

Beethoven was grateful to the divine for being cured of his illness. One day this week, as you listen to the music, discuss what you are thankful for. Potential answers might include:

• Your family members
• A safe place to live
• Nutritious food to eat
• Opportunities for learning, reading, and schooling
• Friends and neighbors
• Religion and the divine
• Opportunities to participate in activities, hobbies, and sports

Activity 3: Gratitude Sketch

• One day this week, as you listen to the music, color, draw, or sketch one or more things that you are grateful for.

Activity 4: Study the Painting

Examine the painting below while listening to the music.

• Narrate the scene shown in the painting aloud using your own words.
• Describe how the painting relates to the music.

Find the following items in the painting:

• Pumpkin/Squash
• Grapes
• Bowl
• Plates
• Wooden Handle
• Cork
• Bottle
• Basket
• Bread
• Brown and Purple Jug
• Table Surface

Review

Question 1

What is the title of the music?

1 / 3

Answer 1

The title is 'A Hymn of Thanksgiving.'

1 / 3

Question 2

Who composed the music?

2 / 3

Answer 2

The composer is Ludwig van Beethoven.

2 / 3

Question 3

What is 'A Hymn of Thanksgiving' about?

3 / 3

Answer 3

'A Hymn of Thanksgiving' captures gratitude and thanking the divine for being cured of a sickness.

3 / 3

❮ ❯

1. What is the title of the music? The title is 'A Hymn of Thanksgiving.'
2. Who composed the music? The composer is Ludwig van Beethoven.
3. What is 'A Hymn of Thanksgiving' about? 'A Hymn of Thanksgiving' captures gratitude and thanking the divine for being cured of a sickness.

References

'String Quartet No. 15 (Beethoven).' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.