2.1 To be able to summarise information

English first additional language

Grade 9

Group work and music

Module 8

To be able to summarise information

Activity 1:

To be able to summarise information

[lo 3.4.4, 5.1.2]

• Read the following and then write a short summary of the life of Johann Sebastian Bach, using the heading and sub-headings as suggested:

This German composer and organist was born on 21 March 1685. Aged ten, he was orphaned and went to live with his brother. He attended St Michael’s School where he sang in the church choir and came in contact with organists and composers. He married Barbara Bach, his cousin, and they had seven children.

After his marriage he was appointed organist and chamber musician to the Duke of Saxe-Weimar in 1708. Prince Leopold became his new employer and Bach could concentrate on instrumental composition. It was during this time that he wrote his violin concertos and the six Brandenburg Concertos.

Bach had a happy family life and enjoyed being a father. He became famous as an organist and was in constant demand as a teacher and an expert in organ construction and design.

His eyesight deteriorated towards the end of his life and he died, after two eye operations, on 28 July 1750.

Heading : Name of composer:

1 Date of birth

2.1 Schooling:

2.2 Influences at school:

3.1 Married:

3.2 No. of children:

4.1 Employment:

4.2 Employment:

5. Famous works

6. Famous as:

7. Died:

• Now, YOU do the same with the following. Read the passage first of all and then summarise it under headings YOU think suitable.

Remember:

• Neat, crisp heading;
• Good spacing
• Clear numbering

The Italian composer, Antonio Vivaldi, was born on 4 March 1678 in Venice and died on 28 July 1741. Vivaldi was trained for the priesthood and ordained in 1703, but settled on music as his chosen profession. He was nicknamed ‘The Red Priest’ because of his red hair. In 1703 he was accepted as the music teacher, composer and conductor at the Ospedale della Pieta, a school for orphaned and illegitimate girls in Venice.

Vivaldi’s reputation began to grow with his first publications, which were issued in Amsterdam and in northern Europe, so much so that other musicians sought him out in Venice and even commissioned work from him. So he was very popular, but towards the end of his life he fell out of favour with the public. Still, he is remembered for refining the concerto form, usually set in three movements: fast, slow, fast. His most famous work is The Four Seasons.

Activity 2:

To be able to read for information and write to communicate information

[lo 3.4.4, 4.1.3]

A. You need to do some group research for the next project.

• First, your group should select ONE country. (Each group must select a different country).

1. Now, find their national anthem.

2. Make a drawing of their national flag. Explain what their flag represents

3. Find out if they have a national dress. Try to copy it or at least make a picture.

4. Select a food that you think represents that country. Bring it along or bring a picture.

5. Find some music that is popular in that country. Play some or tell the class about it.