April Showers
Busy Kids Love Music
"April showers bring May flowers!" This common saying reminds us that rainy days lead to beautiful spring blooms. In this episode of Busy Kids Love Music, weâre exploring three classical pieces that capture the sound and feeling of rain. From gentle drizzles to powerful storms, these composers found incredible ways to bring rain to life through music. đ” Music Featured in This Episode: 1ïžâŁ "Raindrop" Prelude â FrĂ©dĂ©ric Chopin Listen for the repeating note that sounds like steady raindrops. Did you know Chopin may have been inspired by a real rainstorm while staying at an old...
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Sonata Form
Busy Kids Love Music
Hi friends! Have you ever wondered what makes a sonata different from other pieces of music? In todayâs episode, weâre diving into the world of sonatasâone of the most important forms in classical music! Youâll learn: â What the word "sonata" means and where it comes from â How composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn used a special structure called sonata form â How to listen for the exposition, development, and recapitulation in famous sonatas đ§ Weâll explore examples from Mozartâs âEasy Sonata,â Beethovenâs âMoonlight Sonata,â and more! Listen closely and...
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Turlough OâCarolan
Busy Kids Love Music
Happy (almost) St. Patrickâs Day! đ In this episode of Busy Kids Love Music, weâre traveling back in time to explore the life and music of one of Irelandâs most beloved composersâTurlough OâCarolan. Known for blending traditional Irish melodies with European Baroque influences, OâCarolan created music that is still performed and loved today. đ” What Youâll Learn in This Episode: â Who was Turlough OâCarolan, and how did he become a traveling harpist? â What are planxties, and why did OâCarolan compose them? â How did he blend Irish folk music with Baroque elements...
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Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins
Busy Kids Love Music
In this special Black History Month episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we explore the life and legacy of the extraordinary musician and composer, Blind Tom Wiggins. Born into slavery in 1849, Blind Tom overcame immense challenges, including blindness and exploitation, to become one of the most celebrated musical prodigies of the 19th century. Join me as we delve into his remarkable story, his unique musical talent, and his enduring contributions to American music. Learn about his compositions, including his dramatic retelling of a Civil War battle in "The Battle of Manassas," and discover how...
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Porgy and Bess
Busy Kids Love Music
Hi friends, and welcome back to Busy Kids Love Music! This week, we conclude our three-part series on the brilliant composer George Gershwin with a look at his opera masterpiece, Porgy and Bess. What Youâll Hear in This Episode: Background on Porgy and Bess: Learn how Gershwin, his brother Ira, and DuBose Heyward collaborated to create this groundbreaking "folk opera" that premiered in 1935. The Story: Explore the operaâs plot, centered on the struggles and resilience of a close-knit African American community in Catfish Row, Charleston. Unforgettable Music: Enjoy excerpts from iconic...
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Rhapsody in Blue
Busy Kids Love Music
Welcome to Busy Kids Love Music! In todayâs episode, we continue our series on the remarkable George Gershwin, focusing on one of his most famous works, Rhapsody in Blue. Discover the story behind this iconic piece, learn what makes it unique, and hear why itâs considered a groundbreaking moment in American music history. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The Inspiration: Learn how a train ride and a tight deadline led to the creation of Rhapsody in Blue. The Title: Explore the meaning behind the title and how the piece captures the spirit of America. The Music: Dive into Gershwinâs...
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The Life of George Gershwin
Busy Kids Love Music
Welcome back to Busy Kids Love Music! In todayâs episode, we kick off a brand-new series all about one of Americaâs most beloved composers, George Gershwin. From his humble beginnings in Brooklyn to his rise as a composer who seamlessly blended jazz and classical styles, Gershwinâs life and music continue to captivate audiences of all ages. đč What Youâll Learn in This Episode: Gershwinâs early life and how he discovered his passion for music. How his unique style merged jazz and classical traditions. His collaborations with his brother, Ira Gershwin, and their unforgettable hits...
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The Music of New Year's Parades
Busy Kids Love Music
Welcome to this special New Yearâs Eve episode of Busy Kids Love Music! Today, weâre diving into the world of New Yearâs Day Parade Music. From Pasadenaâs iconic Rose Parade to the lively streets of London, youâll discover how music brings these celebrations to life. What Youâll Learn in This Episode Rose Parade Highlights The role of marching bands in this historic Pasadena tradition. Traditional parade tunes like âEverythingâs Coming Up Rosesâ and âStrike Up the Bandâ. London New Yearâs Day Parade The international mix of British and American bands....
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A Closer Look at 3 (more!) Christmas Carols
Busy Kids Love Music
In this festive episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we'll explore the stories behind three classic Christmas carols: âAngels We Have Heard on High,â âThe First Noel,â and âSilent Night.â Each carol has a rich history and has been cherished across generations for its beauty and meaning. What We Cover in This Episode: Angels We Have Heard on High Originated as the French carol âLes Anges dans nos campagnes.â Features the famous âGloriaâ refrain with its joyful melisma. Believed to have roots in 18th-century French shepherd songs. The First Noel Traditional English carol from...
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A Ceremony of Carols
Busy Kids Love Music
In this final episode of our Benjamin Britten series, we dive into one of his most cherished works for the holiday season, A Ceremony of Carols. Join me as we explore the origin story behind this iconic piece, its medieval poetry inspiration, and Brittenâs unique use of harp and treble voices to create its enchanting sound. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The story of how A Ceremony of Carols was inspired during Britten's voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in 1942. How Brittenâs love for medieval English poetry shaped this beautiful holiday collection. The musical styles and contrasts...
info_outlineWelcome back to Busy Kids Love Music! I'm thrilled to continue our Solar Eclipse series with Episode 120, where we'll explore the enchanting world of songs inspired by the moon.
đ **Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven:** We kick off our lunar journey with Beethoven's iconic "Moonlight Sonata". Discover the hauntingly beautiful melodies and the emotional depth that has captivated listeners for centuries.
đ **"Song to the Moon" from Rusalka by AntonĂn DvoĆĂĄk:** Join me as we delve into the world of opera with DvoĆĂĄk's mesmerizing aria, "Song to the Moon". Experience the longing and yearning of Rusalka as she sings to the moon, seeking solace and guidance in her quest for love.
đ **Clair de Lune by Debussy:** Next, we immerse ourselves in the dreamy soundscape of Debussy's "Clair de Lune". Lose yourself in the shimmering moonlight as Debussy paints a musical portrait of nocturnal beauty.
đ **"Lake in the Moonlight" from Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky:** Finally, we conclude our lunar journey with Tchaikovsky's ethereal "Lake in the Moonlight" from his beloved ballet Swan Lake. Lose yourself in the magical atmosphere as Odette dances under the moon's gentle glow.
Join me as we explore these enchanting pieces and discover the timeless allure of music inspired by the moon. Tune in to Episode 120 of Busy Kids Love Music and let the fun begin!
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Episode 119: Songs Inspired by the Sun
Musical Samples You'll Hear in this Episode:
Beethoven - Moonlight Sonata (FULL)
Renee Fleming,@Dvorak - Song to the moon - Rusalka
Tchaikovsky - Lake in the Moonlight
Playlist for Episode 120
I've put together a curated playlist of the 4 pieces we learned about in today's episode so that you can hear them in their entirety.
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