6:55
Throughout history, nature has been more of an
obstacle and challenge than a
source of inspiration.
But suddenly, with the advent of the Romantic
era in the 1800s, artists
began setting up easels outdoors.
Poets hugged trees, and artists conquered mountains.
Why?
Because they
are there.
Composers also delved into the wonders of nature.
Communicating with nature,
then embodying these dramatic feelings in my music.
If you listen carefully, you can
almost hear what the composer meant.
Julie will take us on a short
tour of her favorite musical pieces that capture
the wonders of nature.
So, are you ready?
Yes.
Close your eyes.
OK.
And see what images of the natural world this music evokes.
To
begin with, a work by the Norwegian Edvard Grieg.
Oh, yes.
Norwegian.
This is probably about the fjords.
I feel this connection.
A
wonderful fjord.
I've heard this piece in cartoons, so I can cheat a little.
I think
I see the sun.
It is coming down.
It's morning.
I drink delicious coffee.
That's right.
This is Grieg's " Morning Mood" .
" Morning mood," exactly.
Okay, now something from the Russian composer Rimsky-Korsakov.
OK.
Yes.
An image immediately appeared in my head .
Something is moving fast.
It's
bustling.
Is this a tired teacher?
No, it's...it's a small creature.
A creature buzzing back and forth is
buzzing.
That's definitely a buzz.
This is the "Flight of the Bumblebee" that
everyone knows, along with its sting.
Here's a bit of musical nature thanks to Robert Schumann.
Good.
Mhm.
The gurgling of water?
No, wait.
I think I'm in a different...I don't know.
I'm
just...I'm in a different forest.
You are getting closer.
Really?
Can you hear something in the branches, perhaps?
Chirp?
Here it is.
That's right.
I'm in the forest, and there, in the
treetops, the birds are doing their thing.
Yes.
This is from Schumann's Forest Scenes collection, and it's called The
Prophetic Bird.
I like it because it reminds me of the shade of
trees and complete peace.
That's right.
I love this piece.
Mhm.
Okay, now it looks like someone escaped from the zoo.
Can you
tell me what piece of music this is
by the composer Saint
Saëns?
This...this is not a little bird in the branches.
No.
These branches would have been broken long ago .
This...this is from "Carnival of the Animals." Elephant.
The bass suggests that
this is a large animal.
That's right.
I will choose the biggest animal.
Elephant.
You guessed it.
It is called an elephant.
's perform a wonderful piece by Debussy.
I adore Debussy.
This is so beautiful.
It's very carefree.
I don't
use that word often, but it's carefree.
A little melancholy.
It's like I'm
in a garden.
It gives me, it gives me such peace.
It's so quiet here.
Maybe it's, maybe it's at night.
I walk in the garden at
night.
That's right.
There is a big moon in the sky.
Oh, what a distant month.
It is a peaceful moonlit night, and I am
walking in the moonlight.
You guessed it.
This is a very famous work, "Clair de Lune
", which means moon light, moonlight .
" Clair de Lune", I adore it.
Nature and
music come together thanks to a great composer
and a wonderful pianist.
Even if you can't go out into nature
to hug a tree or talk
to the birds, beautiful music can transport you there .
Thank you, Julie.
