Broadcasts 47-50 Baroque, Reformation

Related Themes Lessons: The Natural World Vivaldi's The Four Seasons Relationships Social Dance (handout) Search for Self

Broadcast 47 - Gloria Thomas, Intro to Baroque
Class objectives: From Gloria Thomas, students learn about the creative process; Intro to Baroque: students see a shift in thinking from Renaissance Era to Baroque

1. (optional) As Gloria Thomas discusses her paintings, choose one quote or "soundbite" to share with the class afterwards -- a point for discussion and review.
2. In the 1600's there was a new sense of man's place in the universe. Two areas of change were science and religion. Name one way thoughts were changing or shifting in each of these areas.
3. What is the Counter Reformation?
4. What was Bernini's contibution to St. Peter's Basilica? How did his architectural design relate to the Counter-Reformation?
5. Michelangelo's David and Bernini's David share a common subject, but the artistic style is dramatically different. Describe differences in:
   1. The faces
   2. Stance (or positioning of the bodies)
   3. Sense of Drama
6. Define chiaroscuro, and use one of Caravaggio's paintings as an illustration.
7. Verisimilitude means:

Broadcast 48 - Reformation and Counter Reformation
Class objective: Students consider more changes in the arts during the Reformation. Vermeer and Rembrandt provide a contrast between northern and southern baroque art.

1. What was Martin Luther's position on church music? How was this a departure from Roman Catholic ritual?
2. What are some characteristics of the music of Palestrina?
3. Match the name of the northern artist with the description provided.

   Rubens??	Rembrandt??	Vermeer??
   In The Night Watch this painter captures human character, the captain is giving orders and men are bustling about. It has light and sound effects, and creates a dramatic moment.	The Kitchen Maid stands before a window pouring milk. Light from the window is cool and subdued. The painting seems to contain its own source of light.	In The Raising of the Cross, Christ has a muscular, athletic figure that recalls the work of Michelangelo. The composition is placed on the diagonal. Figures have energy and vitality and expand beyond the limits of the frame.

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Broadcast 49
Class objective: Students learn essential characteristics of Baroque music, and experience the work of Handel and Bach.

1. How is an oratorio different from an opera?
2. A recitative and an aria are musical opposites. Explain.
3. What is a choral fugue?
4. What's "baroque" about The Messiah?

Note: Text to Bach Celebration is located in Music Connections. The Lecture-demo by Schuyler Robinson elaborates on the idea of fugue. Both pieces are intended to give students a fuller appreciation of the scope of Bach. No discussion questions on these segments.

Broadcast 50 - Arts at the Court of Louis XIV
Class objective: Students see how Louis XIV used the arts for social and political purposes in the late 17th century.

1. Why was it politically important for Louis to relocate his court to Versailles?
2. Describe some of the activities with which Louis "subdued" the nobles.
3. Lullly and Moliere were famous members of Louis' court. What was each artist known for?
4. How did dance, in particular, highlight the power structure in Louis' court?
5. How did Louis XIV help establish dance as a respected art form?
6. What is the importance of the famous "Hall of Mirrors" at the Palace of Versailles?