The Big Picture.Joe Ringhofer, chief examiner for theoretical subjects, delivered an engaging and inspiring presentation entitled "The Big Picture: Classical Music Goes to the Movies." Designed for teachers of music history, music appreciation or for piano teachers who want to bring some levity lev·i·ty n. pl. lev·i·ties 1. Lightness of manner or speech, especially when inappropriate; frivolity. 2. Inconstancy; changeableness. 3. The state or quality of being light; buoyancy. into their studios, this presentation demonstrated how effective Hollywood can be in harnessing classical music to help set the tone, or even advance the plot, of a movie. As part of the process of teaching Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique to students, Ringhofer used both Andre Previn's documentary-styled commentary of the work and Sleeping with the Enemy, a film starring Julia Roberts. Scenes from the latter film were compelling because they illustrated how the Symphonie Fantastique forms an integral part of the story and action, not merely background music on a movie soundtrack The second portion of the presentation moved to Puccini's Madama Butterfly, again showing how the use of films can bring new insight and enhanced enjoyment to the students. Here, several contrasting films were juxtaposed jux·ta·pose tr.v. jux·ta·posed, jux·ta·pos·ing, jux·ta·pos·es To place side by side, especially for comparison or contrast. : from the verismo-style movie treatment starring Ying Huang, to the impressionistic im·pres·sion·is·tic adj. 1. Of, relating to, or practicing impressionism. 2. Of, relating to, or predicated on impression as opposed to reason or fact: impressionistic memories of early childhood. haze of the Mirella Freni production, to the startling star·tle v. star·tled, star·tling, star·tles v.tr. 1. To cause to make a quick involuntary movement or start. 2. To alarm, frighten, or surprise suddenly. See Synonyms at frighten. Kabuki-influenced minimalism minimalism, schools of contemporary art and music, with their origins in the 1960s, that have emphasized simplicity and objectivity. Minimalism in the Visual Arts of Robert Wilson's production for the Netherlands Opera [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The main message of the presentation was to confirm that indeed, a picture is worth a thousand words A picture is worth a thousand words is a proverb that refers to the idea that complex stories can be told with just a single still image, or that an image may be more influential than a substantial amount of text. . Video is the common language of pop-culture. Utilizing these resources contributes significantly to opening up the minds and imaginations of the aspiring music student, and it gives the teacher another way--a fun way--of connecting with their students. Joe Ringhofer, presenter |
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