Mid-Term Paper
I chose to research the violin because I feel like this instrument can be played in many different ways. The violin was first introduced in the 16th century in Italy, but evidence was found in painting’s as early as 1530’s. The violin has been known to evolve over time; from three strings and a short base to four strings and a longer base. It became most popular in Europe because of it’s small size, versatility, and its sweet, melodic tone. It was played by both the high and low class people just like today. The violin is now one of the most popular instruments in the world and older ones can go for millions of dollars. The violin has also evolved to be played through amplifiers and microphones, therefore, not …show more content…
Habanera is one of the arias in the Opera Carmen, based on some of the videos on YouTube, Carmen seems to have control of any man that she wants. She taunts the men with her Gypsy spirt and embarrasses them without any remorse. Another aria I watched was called Toreador; the bull fighter shows off his prestige technique. Trying to impress the crowd, he kisses a woman to show that he can also have whoever he wishes. Throughout both of these arias, the orchestra emphasizes the drama in a way that is unnoticeable. You can hear all sorts of string instruments that help with the drastic change in tempo. A famous Classical composer that I choose was Johann Sebastian Bach. He was a German composer and musician of the Baroque period. Bach was born on March 31, 1685, in Eisenach, Germany. He was born into a family of brilliant musicians. His father was the director of two town musicals and all of his uncles played instruments on the professional level. Unfortunately, at the age of ten, Bach lost both his mother and father due to unknown illnesses. He then moved in with his older brother and continued to play the violin. His brother also taught him theology, Latin, Greek, French, and Italian at the local gymnasium. At the age of fourteen, was awarded a choral scholarship to study at the prestigious St. Michael's School. After graduating from St. Michael's and being turned down for the post of organist at Sangerhausen, Bach was appointed court musician in the chapel of Duke Johann Ernst III in Weimar. He had many more positions as a musician and composer over his lifetime and became well-known throughout