Music and Literature: Abiyoyo

Music and Literature

Abiyoyo

Pete Seeger was an American folk singer and activist. He was born in 1919 in New York City and died in 2014 in New York City. He was born into a musically gifted family and sang in bands and solo gigs throughout his life. He was a strong and active supporter of environmental causes.

Pete Seeger adapted a South African folktale into the story-song Abiyoyo. The original folktale involves an ancient monster who eats people. The village parents get the monster dancing, it falls down in a fit and then it is dispatched by the parents. Seeger’s story-song was based entirely on a footnote that he read about that tale. Like every fairy tale, this story has a villain and hero.  (Parents: I've previewed the video and I don't think the video has any scary images for the students to see or hear. If your child is especially sensitive and has an active imagination, please preview before letting your child view.)

After watching the video, please answer the questions below and post in Seesaw.

1. What is the name of the singer who is telling the story?
2. What is the name of the giant in the story?
3. What kind of stringed instrument is the singer playing? The story talks about a ukulele but the singer is actually holding a playing a different stringed instrument at the beginning and end of the video.
4. Post your answers on Seesaw.

Music and Literature: I See a Song

Music and Literature

I See a Song by Eric Carle

Eric Carle wrote the book I See a Song....but he didn't add words. So, someone decided to put music to it instead. As you watch the video, listen to the different pieces of music that are played. The songs are featured in this order:

Peer Gynt, Op. 23 Morning by Ibsen
Wagner, The Ride of the Valkyries by Wagner Concerto for Flute and Harp in C Major by Mozart Unknown harp music Cantata No. 140 Sleepers Awake by Bach Piano Sonata No. 14 in C Sharp Minor by Beethoven Tambourin by Leclair (performer Emilie Autumn Unknown music
Heartstrings from Songs from a Secret Garden Yanni, Santorini

Your assignment:

1. Choose one song from the above list and search for it on Spotify or watch a video below.
2. Listen to the entire piece.
3. Tell me the title of the piece you chose.
4. Tell me three things you noticed about the piece. For example, was it fast or slow; loud or soft; what was the mood of the piece or how did it try to make you feel; what instruments were used; if this piece was in a movie, what would be happening in this particular scene; why did you choose this piece; or tell me something else you noticed about the piece.
5. Post your answers in Seesaw.
6. Once complete scroll down to the bottom of this post and watch the final video.

Peer Gynt, Op. 23 Morning by Ibsen

Wagner, The Ride of the Valkyries by Wagner

Concerto for Flute and Harp in C Major by Mozart

Cantata No. 140 Sleepers Awake by Bach

Piano Sonata No. 14 in C Sharp Minor by Beethoven

Tambourin by Leclair

Heartstrings from Songs from a Secret Garden

Yanni, Santorini

If you made it to the bottom of the post, you can click on the video to watch an animated version of this book. But don't forget to do the assignment listed above first! I am looking forward to hearing from you.