Unit2 The universal language. Welcome to the unit. 高二选修 8

How much do you know about music?

music: classical music, pop music, folk music, swing music( 摇摆舞爵士乐 ), blues ( 布鲁斯 曲 ), jazz, rock and roll, rap ( 说唱乐 ),opera…

people related to music: musician, singer, composer, conductor performer, player, pianist, violinist, drummer, bassist…

musical instruments: guitar, piano, violin, drums saxophone, trumpet ( 小号 ) …

Look at the four pictures then answer the questions

a jazz band Jazz is a musical art form. At the end of the 19th century, jazz music was started in New Orleans in the USA and most jazz musicians at that time were black. It has been called the first original art form to develop in the USA. Early jazz musicians made money by playing in small bands. What are the people doing in this picture? What do you know about jazz?

Chinese opera What are the people doing in this picture? What is Chinese opera?

Chinese opera is a traditional form of drama in China. It started in the Tang Dynasty when Emperor Xuanzong founded the ‘Pear Garden’. A Chinese opera performance includes elements such as _____________________________ and acrobatics. The features of Chinese opera which can distinguish a character’s age, gender and personality are the_______, ___________, props and the color of costumes. dialogue, swordplay dance, song, makeup movements

What is the girl doing in this picture? What do you know about the violin? The violin belongs to the ______ family of instruments. It is made of wood and uses steel strings. A violinist uses a _____ pulled across the strings to create beautiful music. string bow

What is the man doing in this picture? What do you know about the piano? The piano belongs to the __________ family of instruments. It consists of a keyboard attached to a wooden box, inside of which are____________. A piano is played by pressing the keys. Each of the keys is attached to a hammer that strikes one of the strings inside the box. percussion metal strings

Work in pairs and have a discussion about the three questions below the pictures. Discussion

Sample answers 1. My favourite kind of music is classical music. Classical music uses orchestras and many instruments cooperating to create music together. I like listening to music played by orchestras. You can hear things played on instruments from all of the different families—woodwind, string, percussion and brass. Also, classical music tends to be slower, so it makes me feel calm when I listen to it.

2. The musician I like very much is Jay Chou. Many people may think that he is just a pop singer, but I consider him to be a pop musician. He sings about broken heart, urban stress and young dreams. He expresses his experiences, feeling and personality into his music, which attracts young people who have similar thoughts. That is why many teenagers in China like him so much.

3. Yes. I watched Chinese operas with my grandfather when I was young. A Chinese opera performance includes elements like dance, dialogue, swordplay and acrobatics. The music instruments used for Chinese opera include gongs, cymbals, drums and stringed instruments. A character’s age, gender and personality are shown through the makeup, movements, props and colours of costumes.

In comparison, Western opera puts greater emphasis on music and design, conveying a story through singing and dancing. Dialogue is expressed through songs. Both Chinese and Western opera use music to express themes like love, betrayal and hope.

There is a theory, called the ‘Mozart Effect’, that playing classical music for a child can help his or her brain develop. As a result, a lot of parents play classical music for their children, in the hope that their children will be smarter. What do you think of the ‘Mozart Effect’ theory? Do you think it is true? Why or why not?

1. Collect more information about music. 2. Preview the Reading Part.

祝同学们学习进步！