This week we learned about Neoclassical Art/Architecture. Neoclassical art is a return to greek and roman art/architecture.

-We looked at the Pantheon in Paris

-Check out Neoclassical architecture here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoclassical_architecturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panth%C3%A9on

We looked at different forms of art during this time frame. Here are portraits of Napoleon crossing the alps, same scene, different styles, one is more classical era, (form, simplicity, control), the other is in the Romantic style (emotion, imagination, lack of restraint)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_Crossing_the_Alpshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonaparte_Crossing_the_Alps

We also studied Beethoven. Beethoven composed during the classical era,and during the romantic era. We pictured the classical era as music for “thinkers” during a period of enlightenment. Beethoven wrote music that would use elements from the classical period and would be more restrained, then his music would cast off all restraint and “wake people up”. This was indicative the romantic period that they were moving into. This can be seen and heard in his 5th symphony.

Listen to Beethoven’s 5th here:http://twentytwowords.com/follow-what-each-instrument-does-in-beethovens-5th-on-a-scrolling-graph/

Beethoven, like the other people we have studied in this unit, practiced diligence in his work. And saw his abilities as a gift from God. This reminds us of Ephesians 2:10 that we are studying in chappel.

In Class Listening :-For the past 30+ years, Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture has been

performed during countless United States' Independence Day celebrations, due largely in part to an exhilarating performance by the Boston Pops in 1974, conducted by Arthur Fiedler. Many American's believe that Tchaikovsky's overture represents the USA's victory against the British Empire during the War of 1812, however, Tchaikovsky actually tells the story of Napoleon's retreat from Russia in 1812. In fact, Tchaikovsky even references the French national anthem La Marsillaise and Russia's God Save the Czar within the music. The USA was quick to adopt the piece, as it found itself lacking in the patriotic song department.

Online Listening:-Listen to “The year of 1812” by Tchaikovsky. It is a musical celebration of Russian

victory over Napoleon’s troops. -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbxgYlcNxE8-While listening think about the following

-What do you hear? What was the composer trying to convey? Can you see in your head Napoleon's troops, and Russian troops? How does this piece make you feel?

- Listen to the French national anthem. Can you hear it in this piece?

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIQSEq6tEVs

Homework:Please spend at least one hour discovering this period of history this week. (4th -9th grade, discover while preparing for your presentation that is due next week).

3rd-5th Choose One of the following:-Please draw yourself in a classical portrait and then in a portrait from the the romantic era. Hint: Looking like a Hero, and one looking realistic (how you really look). -Draw or create (use legos, cardboard, or recyclables) a neoclassical building. Hint: Remember the charistics of neoclassical buildings. Ex. clean lines, domes, pillars etc. (Links to buildings above). Perfection is not required here, just a demonstration of what we learned.

Younger students, look at the online biography of Beethoven:-https://www.youtube.com/watch/?v=fazaTlnlfkg

What does this quote mean?

Digging deeper (Not required): -Check out the movie Beethoven Lives Upstairs -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6skXE1qYxg8