Be sure to write your full name and class period on the very first line of your blog entry. Thank you.
For this week, write about your thoughts about Mahler's Symphony #8. What have you learned? What do you think about the piece? What are your reactions to the music and/or the singing? In your entry, try to avoid writing about something that someone else has already written about.
On Sunday we will attend a performance of the symphony. Next week's blog entry will ask you to write a review about the performance, so hold those thoughts until next week, or type them on a word document, save them, and cut and paste them into next week's blog.
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77 comments:
Kyle Glaser P. 2
In these past few weeks I have learned the difference between a Symphony, an Opera, and a musical. If I had seen Mahler's Symphony #8 before I had taken this class I would have thought it was an Opera because I picture Symphonies as instruments only and no voice involved whatsoever. I think this piece from what I hear sounds interesting and the whole Symphony has you on your toes and wanting more. I think that even we had not learned the story behind Mahler's Symphony #8 that we would know what was going on because throughout the whole Symphony you can feel the emotion. I am excited to see the Symphony and I believe it will be a great piece to start the year off.
Rebecca Taicz, Period 6
What I learned about Mahler’s Symphony #8 was about the completely different styles that could be brought together to form one piece. Veni Creator Spiritus and Faust Part II are not only different in theme, but the entire mood and setting for each differs. The first is praising the omniscience and complete ruling of God, while Faust Part II tells a more subdued and mystical story about a God who forgives as long as man is willing to try to earn his forgiveness. Although the two parts of the Symphony have very different inspirations, Mahler, at least according to the snippets of music we have heard in class, has managed to make them come together not only skillfully, but interestingly. I can't wait to hear the whole symphony in its entirety on Sunday.
Erika Hodges p.2
I have learned that not everything has to be sung in English for me to appreciate it. I have also learned that a symphony can also have singing parts that make the music even more beautiful. I think the piece is amazing and totally moving. I can feel and hear the emotion in the singers voice and even though I may not understand the language, i understand the emotion.
Melissa Nimon p.2
I have learned over the last week or so that Mahler's Symphony #8 is a unique peice written differently than most of his other peices. Also, it uses peices from the poem Faust which I really enjoyed reading. I normally don't find German to be a beautiful language however, the way the music blends with the operatic voices it sounds like I will enjoy it from the small clips we listened to in class. Overall, I think I have alot more to learn but it is a pretty good start.
Talia Cowan per 6
I have learned, that Mahler's 8th symphony was one of his greatest pieces. It's performance consists of many different instruments as well as 3 different choirs singing words taken from the text of Faust and Veni Creator spiritus. This piece will be most interesting to actually see preformed rather than recordings. Then it will also be more interesting, knowing what the singers and basically singing. Other than my being interested in the music and the performance, i have no real idea of how i will react to the music.
Helen Wiltsey Period 4
During our study of Mahler's Symphony #8 I have enjoyed the exzpose to this kind of music. Even though I am not too keen on the singing style presented, the instrumentals of the picee we have listened to in class has been very intriguing. The text itself, from Faust, has also been interesting. In fact the whole of the Faust play has been something I really enjoyed. The whole story line and prose (even translated) is quite remarkable. Overall I enjoyed studying Mahler and wish we could do more symphonies.
Mackenzie Engel
Period 6
I was surprised to hear that Mahler's Symphony #8 would not only be instrumental, but would have vocals in it as well. I do not picture a symphony as anything more than a compilation of instruments and would have probably considered it an opera if I was not aware of its name or history. Even though i liked the chant version better, I still enjoyed the Veni Creator Spiritus clip that we listened to in class, and I’m hoping that the performance of this half meets my expectations. Now that we have learned about the themes and story line of Faust I’m also curious to experience the story through music and see if the music brings out any emotion, as we have discussed was the aim in old Greek theater.
Porter Bree P.4
In the past few weeks I have learned about all the different elements that were brought together to create Mahler's symphony, for example the instruments, the choirs(men, woman, boys), the themes of god the father/and creator, there are so many aspects of religion and music.
I have just really began to realize how breath taking this piece of work is... especially with the abundance of musicians and singers
Nathan Zimmerman, Per. 6
Gustav Mahler is one of the great composers of the romantic period. Before a few weeks ago I had not heard of Mahler or even knew when the romantic period was. I've learned a lot about Mahler himself from Jill Becker. She explained how a lot of bad things happened to him and that, before his child died for example, was when he wrote his 8th symphony. I expect that the "symphony of a thousand" will carry a light tone versus what might be considered dark. I know that Mahler's 8th is a celebration of mankind’s creative endeavors as well as what Mahler claimed to be a connection to the cosmos. The first part of the symphony provided by Veni Creator Spiritus I thought started it of with a bang and I liked the way it was sung. After listening to that and to the part supplied by Goethe's Faust I think that this symphony is shaping up to be an epic performance. I think the most exciting part is going to see all of those people on stage, in excess of 300, performing this piece.
Andrew Kemis Period 6
Mahler's Symphony #8, Symphony of A thousand is my opinion is the most amazing piece ever written and performed and not necessarily because of its musical beauty. The symphony itself is beautiful however what strikes me most of all is what I learned from the woman who visited our sixth period class. She explained to the class how Mahler on the opening night of the symphony actually had a thousand performers. The challenge of getting that many people to play as one and even writing all the different parts for the different instruments make Mahler in my opinion one of the greastest composers. Of the little pieces of the music we have heard, so fsr I love it and cant wait for the whole thing to be put together and hear all those different people play their instruments nad use their voices. I have never heard a symphony or even that many performers so it will be an unforgetable experience for sure. Mahler's life is a very interesting one however the story of his wife is even more interesting to me. Its amazing but at the same time awful how Mahler's life could go down the tube. First his daughter dies and then his wife leaves him. At some point there has to be a limit for all the bad things that can go wrong. If it was possible for something bad to happen, it happened to Mahler. However even in the toughest of times Mahler still managed to compose symphony's and further his career making wonderful pieces of music.
Chris Hong period 6
Mahler's Symphony #8 i personally think is a very interesting symphony. it is very diverse (meaning diffrent instruments and sound effects) and attractive. it is also based off of a very peaceful/beautiful chant. beccuase of this reason i think there are a lot of emotion involved in this music and also it sounded quite dramatic and some points. i love the size of this symphony and its incredible sound itself. i am very excited to see this live saturday because i can not make it on sunday. it sould be alot of fun and a great experience at the same time. :)
Shae Hurst Period 6
I have learned a lot about Mahler's Symphony #8. When Jill came in and talked to our class I learned a lot about Mahler himself. I was suprised to find that Mahler had felt like he didn't belong for most of his life. Also it was intersting to hear that his work had not been widely accepted during his life. The way that Mahler was able to use two pieces of literature that had been written almost a thousand years apart was also astounding. The first part, Veni Creator Spiritus is a Gregorian Chant and then the second part is from Faust; they are so different and yet they seem to go together really well. It was also intersting how superstitous Mahler was. And even though this wasn't really important to his 8th Symphony I still was fascinated by the fact that he didn't want to write his 10th symphony.
Stephanie Morgan period 6
Over the past week or so I’ve learned a lot about Mahler's Symphony #8, Mahler himself and his other works, especially since before I only knew his name. One of the things I thought was surprising is that the symphony isn’t just instruments that it has people singing in it to, when I think of a symphony I see instruments and a conductor, and it surprised me to know that people were singing in it as well. Something that I really enjoyed learning about what Mahler’s life, even though it was very sad at times it was still very interesting and I hope I can learn more about him in the future, especially the life of Mahler’s wife.
I am really looking forward to tomorrow and hearing Veni Creator Spiritus as well as the other parts of the symphony.
Jessica Taylor per 2
Over that last week I have learned that someone can put two pieces of completely different writings together to create a very emotional piece of art. Mahler's Symphony 8, I think, was pieced together very well and I am very excited to see the entire performance live. Even though the performance will be in German, I am sure I will apreciate all of the emotions the actors put into their parts. It also helps that we have read Veni Creator Spiritus and Faust II in English.
Bergen Anderson p. 2
Unfortunately, since I was absent so many days I didn't get to enjoy all of the reading we did of Faust. However, what I did read was interesting and had many key points that relate to life, even today. What we listened to of Mahler's Symphony #8 was beautiful and I'm excited to go to the performance, especially since I have never been to a smphony before. I also think it will be quite the cultural experience because it is sung in German and that is not something I hear often.
Leticia Lopez Period 5
Ive actually learned about the difference between opera and musical,which was basically just the fact htat musicals used microphones and opera singers did not. I enjoyed the whole listening to music but really, I kind of am still getting used to how its in German. I dont know, German is kind of a harsh language for me to hear..but I'm really diggin it as a whole. i love the whole instrumental transitions and how you can tell whats going on just by the instruments.
Jinny Kim p.4
What I leanred about Mahler's symphony #8 is different from other Mahler's symphony. It has music, words and emotion. It is about God's glory, also it is huge orchestra and singers.
I thought we will going to see and listen all the Mahler's symphony (if.. then it will takes long time). If I have a chance to see all the Mahler's symphony then I want to go. I am so exited to see first symphony in our class. I hope I can feel and understand Mahler's think and mind when I listen and see it.
Jessica Karr, period 4
I have learned that Mahler's Symphony #8 is an immensely dynamic piece written in the style of Greek theater. Part 1 and Part 2 are vastly different, but are still connected and tell a story through the music. I am excited to see this in person after listening to pieces of the score in class because every bit of it keeps you interested. Even when it gets slower, it makes you wonder what is happening, then eventually speeds up. I really think I'm going to enjoy it.
Lacey Helmuth 4
In class I know we have learned alot about the symphony, but I still don't know exactly what to expect. There are going to be a range of songs and instruments so that will be cool. My reaction to the slower/calm music makes me want to fall asleep haha. Not because it's bad, but because it's just really slow and smooth. Then there are really loud parts so that will keep me awake.
Megan Lowry Period 2
Before this class I had honestly never heard of Mah'er's Symphony Number 8. I did, however, know the story of Fuast. I had never pictured turning that story line into a symphony. Translating a story like Faust, with God and the Devil and romantic ideals is never something I would have thought of as a piece of music. But from what we've heard in class Mahler did an excellent job. He uses both the chorus and the orhestra to display the majesty of the 2nd part of Faust brilliantly. Combining this with parts of Veni Creator Spiritus creates some really interesting themes about God,humanity, and romantic ideals. I'm really excited to see the rest of the piece, especially since I have never seen a professional choir perform.
Rosie Polaschek, Period 4
What I have learnt about Mahler's Symphony #8 was how much of a difference understanding the background story to a piece of music could make to my enjoyment. It was really interesting to learn about the different parts that make up the Symphony, and you could see how they fitted in and changed the music, which gave me a better appreciation for what I was listening to. The singing and the way al the different pats of the choir fitted together was really amazing. I'm excited to see/hear the difference between experiencing it on tape, and in real life.
Bryttany Enge, Humanities Period 6
Veni, Creator Spiritus is the one chorus that I have particularly learned much about during this past week’s focus on Mahler’ Symphony #8. Written in 1910, Mahler was influenced by the era’s Romantic movement in which stressed strong emotion as a source of aesthetic experience as well as elements of medievalism. Thus, Mahler’s text is greatly influenced by religious pieces such as Rabanus Maurus’ Veni, Creator Spiritus as well as Geothe’s Faust. I have learned that Veni, Creator Spiritus is sung in Gregorian Chant and is considered one of the most famous of hymns. I have also learned that this part of Mahler’s symphony is much different than the symphony’s second part, the end of Faust by Geothe. What I have most enjoyed while studying Mahler’s Symphony #8 is the instrumentals which takes many turns in sound from confident, majestic tones to more devious, shifty tones. Such performances are especially entertaining and I am more than excited to see the show this Sunday (today).
Sam Franklin per 6
Before we started studying Mahler's #8 I had never heard of Mahler, Goethe, of Faust. I also had a stereotypical image of symphonies and Opera being long and boring. Just reading this play I was fascinated by the story and style. IV learned a great deal about the Romantic era as well as opera and Mahler. I think that #8 is mesmerizing; it flows and tells a story just by the music, very powerful and interesting
I have learned that English is an ugly language. I mean, as far as prose go English is easy to write in and it's the language I have always spoken but when I hear the beauty of Latin and German singing and then hear English opera singing, like in Liverpool Oratario, the language sounds rough and ugly. I think that Mahler's Symphony is very interesting because it is sung in Latin and German, not just one language. I think that the language of the libreto has a huge influence on the piece and I guess I just never realized how ugly English sounds compared to Latin and German when sung in opera form.
Preston Longoni Period 4
The past few weeks of school I have learned alot about Mahler's Symphony #8. Starting with just the name, I learned something new because the word 'symphony' I used to think meant just instruments and I didn't know there could also be singers. I also learned that Mahler's Symphony is one of the greatest in size and I can imagine now after seeing the Symphony despite the horrible seats I had. I also learned that there were various types of music such as really loud, fast and obnoxious to very smooth, quiet and peaceful. Veni Creator Spiritus was definetly my favorite piece we listened to in class. My reactions to the singing are; it's either really annoying and screeching or low and pieceful, basically I can't stand high pitched women voices. :-D
Andrew Song Period 6
I think that Mahler's Symphony #8 is very good. I've learned a bit about Mahler when that lady from the symphony came and talked to us. Some info about his life and some of the pieces he wrote. I think Mahler's music is obviously wrote in the romantic period, because his pieces include lots of different instruments and much more people than a classical symphony.
Ryan De La Riva
P-2
My thoughts on Mahler’s Symphony #8 was that it was interesting to listen to. The words and the music were both done well. What I have learned from Mahler’s Symphony is about the history that this was done in. The music and singing sound well done they give an intense feeling when it’s played. The singing is very impressive to me it would seem to take talent. All these things makes me look forward to other operas we are going to and maybe some in the future.
Heather Thomas Period 2
I think that Mahler's Symphony #8 was very old fashion and I could really tell it was written in the Romantic Period. The instruments were amazing and really left you on your toes although, for me, was a little to long. I really haven't seen or heard a story in the music but I'm eagar to learn about it more in class. The Symphony was interesting and even though my first, not too bad!
Alyssa De Hoop
Period 2
Before discussing this in class I knew the difference between a musical and an opera but wasn't so sure about symphonies. Now I know that a symphony is a rich variety of sound with many different parts to it. In Mahler's Symphony #8 there are instruments, the choir and the religious meanings behind the lyrics. Both songs are very different. The first song sounds like a big, loud party and the second starts off quite and creepy and builds from there.
Dathan Bauman period 2
The little part of Mahler's Symphony 8 i liked because of the different speeds the music changed. This will also be my first time to Benaroya Hall so that I'm looking forward to. I like the music but I can't keep up with the words in German though.
Jamae Coonts period 6
I started this class with no understanding of symphonies or operahs and such. But in these past few weeks i have learned the diference between them, and a good idea of what they are about. Going to a symphony was a good new experience. But i didnt like it so much. Growing up as a dancer i always put music with movement. And sitting for an hour and half listening to fantastic music and singing, with no music was hard for me. But like i mentioned, the music and singing were great, and im really glad i got to experience it.
Selena Swaim, period 2
You can understand a lot about a piece from just knowing what time period it was written in. Knowing that Mahler's 8th symphony was written at the end of the Romantic era, in 1910, I could pick up on general themes that were common throughout the era after learning about it. Romanticism has many different ideas and styles, but a couple include inner feelings and emotions, and the appreciation of nature. I liked how I was able to pick up on those ideas shown in Faust right at the beginning when it talks about "the tree thrusts through the air impassioned, so, too, it is almighty love by which all things are nursed and fashioned." As far as the music and singing goes, I'm not sure, because I thought it was hard to understand the emotions being portrayed. Hopefully I will get better at that the more symphonies we study!
Sam Bellefeuille P. 6
These past few weeks i have learned quite a bit about Mahler's Symphony #8. For example he based some of the work off of Faust and that he included not only a great variety of instruments but also voices. It amazes me the size of the symphony and how he used so many different talents to make this wonderful piece. This piece is very dramatic and peaceful at the same time. I really enjoyed hearing this piece live, i really thought it was going to be boring but when i was sitting there, there was nothing bad to say about it.
Phillip Foshee
period 6
Durring the past few weeks I have learned alot about mahler's symphony #8. To me this is a very powerfull piece. It is amazing to me how one composer can come up with an idea as unique as this one into such a great piece of music. I think it is very interesting how he combined all the differnt types of instruments as well as all the singers in one and could make it sound good.
Michelle Le, period 2
In my entire life I'd never heard of Mahler's Symphony #8 until a few weeks ago, when we started learning about it. The symphony was created in 1910, and has 2 parts to it. Part I is Veni Creator Spiritus, which was by Hrabanus Marcus. Part II is from Faust by Goethe (which is pronounced like Gerta or something like that). Part I of Faust, Mephistopheles, was created in 1808, and part II was created in 1832. From the music I've heard in class, the Symphony sounds very grand during some parts, and mysterious in others. For some reason the mysterious part always reminds me of The Lord of the Rings and I don't know why. The way the voices blend together is amazing.
Matt MacDougall
P4
mahler's symphony was a very interesting symphony to me. I'm use to the very low key music with soft strings and no horns what so ever. in mahlers symphony number 8 it showed me that not all symphonys are soft but that they can be very up beat stings as well as including many horns and other instruments. I was suprised to hear the giant organ in it as well. All in all i think that this syphony was very interesting and deffinatly did not fit my deffination of a symphony
Stuart Dransfield
period 4
In the past weeks i have learned a lot about Mahlers symphony #8. The symphony itself brings a lot of different elements of music together. I can tell that it was written in the romantic period because it sounds very epic but it does have an old fasioned feel to it. I also learned that even though the play is written in German i can still understand it meaning in english. I want to know how true this is to other symphonys.
Kayla Aldridge
Period 6
These past few weeks I learned a lot about Mahlers Symphony #8. Coming into this class I really had no knowledge about symphonies at all, so learning all of this was very new andinteresting. I learned that this was one of Mahlers greatest pieces and that he based part of it off Faust. It includes a variety of instruments and voices that come together to make one piece. One of the things I found most interesting was how there were a variety of moods reflected through out the symphony.
Dan Reisz P.6\
In these past few weeks i have learned a lot about symphony's and what all goes into the production of these wonderful cultural experiences that have weathered the test of time and are still important today. I find it very interesting how mahler has constructed his symphony and all that he put into his peice, drawing from the rich history itselve to be turned into a beatiful collection of mahler and his creativites. I also learned alot about mahlers life from the visit by rachel from the production and was glad to be in 6th period to learn from her.
Stephanie Bateman Period 2
The first few weeks of school have been really interesting because I got to study new things. Which is why i took this class actually. Learning about the Symphony has been really neat. I used to play the flute and still play the piano so i was really excited when i found out we got to go to a Symphony. Listening to the music in class was really awesome especially the instramentals. I was a little suprised at the Opera voices in the background because I guess my only thought on Symphony was instramental. But after getting used to that, and knowing the story and so forth did think it was cool to listen to and read about.
Montana Ferris / Period 2
I have found Mahler's Symphony #8 and all of it's components to be very interesting. I have learned a few things about the piece called Veni Creator Spiritus. It means "come Holy Spirit Creator" and commemorates the feast of Pentecost. My reactions to the singing were very different from hearing songs on the radio. Although the style of singing is different, I can still appreciate it. All together, I thought these pieces were extremely well composed and sounded amazing with the mixture of vocals and orchestra.
Kaiti Staup Period 4
Throughout the past couple weeks, the lectures a long with the small portion of the symphony its self that we have listened to has really expanded my opinions of classic symphonies. It was interesting to learn how large this particular symphony is and I was really excited to see the choir and the boys choir because i don't have any vocal talent and to see a large amount of people singing in unison is amazing to me. I think the inspiration from faust adds another level of complexity to the performance and I know that we will have some interesting discussions relating to two together.
Megan Housekeeper
Period 6
I have learned a fair amount about Mahler's 8th symphony in the past couple weeks, especially about the effect of Mahler's environment (and most other composers) on his music and this symphony in particular. When Jill from the Seattle Symphony came to speak with us about Mahler she discussed his life and about how the point in his life that he wrote his 8th was before all of the tragedy occurred and he was consumed with the idea of love-specifically with his wife and his children. This was also during the romantic time period, which is very blatant in his symphony. I did not realize how the resounding ideas of so many works of art fit into the ideals of the musical time periods, such as romanticism. Mahler's 8th symphony seems to embody the ideals of this era, and the feelings Mahler had at the time and this is how the music makes me feel when I am listening to it.
Brendan Connor Per. 4
Unfortunately, I was only able to post after the symphony. However, I think that I can convey what I thought of Mahler's 8th before I saw it. The beginning, as has been pointed out several times, is booming. It resonates through your body, and ends at the top of your skull and the tips of your toes. The immensity of it is, in a word, German. It is quite obviously a German work, as it is seamless in it's perfection.
Sarah Jane Elliott - Period 2
At first I had known nothing about the story of Faust or who Goethe and Mahler were. I didn't even know what the romantic period was. Honestly, I though it was something like the "baby boom" period (pretty embarrassing). Now, I completely understad all of these. I really enjoyed learning about Faust because the story about man selling his soul to the devil is used so much nowadays. Especially in movies. I believe that the story that Goethe wrote is very well done, too, and listening to the words it wonderful. As for Mahler, well his music is easily one of the most pleasing to listen to. The way he uses the choir and boys choir to highlight certain points in the text. I was a bit sceptical at first when I heard that it was all in German because German isn't all that pretty of a language. Of Course I was totally proved wrong when we listened to the first portion of the symphony in class. Mahler's work really is beautiful. Also learning about the romantic period was very interesting. I find there are part of that period that relate to the world now, like how the people had a fasination with the natural world. Nowadays we are very focused on the natural world. At least those of us living in Washington are. I was very excited to go see the symphony after weeks of prep for it.
Karin Ochsner Period 4
At first I thought Mahler's Symphony #8 was just instrumental with no vocals. I realized it when we listened to a piece in class that it was a mixture of both. I enjoyed listening to it not only because it was dynamic but also because it used some of Faust's lines from his poems we had discussed in class. I have learned that a symphony piece can tell an emotional story through just instruments.
Before this class started, i had no clue about anythign to do with symphonies or operas. Now after studying symphonies, i learned that symphonies such as Mahler's has singers and a choir along with instruments. One major thing i noticed is that the music throughout the whole piece has many different parts such as very loud and fast pased and very quiet and slow pased.
Regan McComb p.6
I'm surprised at how much I have learned about Mahler's symphony #8. For example, the fact that this symphony was his biggest success and also that it was dedicated to his wife and love, even though she had an affair and their marriage didn't last. I've also learned that his symphony consists of many different instruments and voices put togther as one, which makes sense because throughout the Romanticism period, symphonies became more complex and expanded. It was very helpful and informative to listen to Jill speak about Mahler's history.
Trisha Hancock Period 2
Coming into this class i knew very little at all about Mahler's Symphony #8. So everything that we have gone over in class has been new to me. The music, and singing was amazing to me, everything that went into this symphony was outstanding. I didn't realize their was so many singers. This was based off of Faust, and all the insturments together, when it was either slow or fast, was most interesting to me.
Kenny Exelby Period 4
Ive learned a lot about operas and symphonies in the last few weeks in the class, and I think that even though I'm not a fan of this kind of music in particular the experience over all will outweigh the expectations I already have. Listening to Mahler's Symphony #8 in class was pretty cool, and I did like the parts where the music was upbeat and loud, but I thought that the parts where it was slow and kind of soft dragged on and on. Anyway we'll see what happens at the performance (even though Ive already seen it).
Gabe Gonzalez Period 2
First of all, I was very suprised to learn that Mahler's Symphony #8 was a symphony at all, as I had always assumed that symphonies did not have vocals. That being said, the vocals and music together give a very powerful effect, and the music seems to tell a story on its own, even without looking at the translations of the text. It can be remarkably dramatic and intense at times, and then shift to become peaceful and mellow. I was very impressed with this piece, and it seems like a great way to start out the year, and gather an introduction into Humanities.
Brian Penoyer, Period 2
Before we started, I honestly couldn't tell you the difference between a musical and an opera. I work with the drama department on our musicals, but I've never seen an actual opera, just cartoon renditions that always show a very large viking woman singing something in another language. But now I know, and let me just say I'm glad that operas are a lot more fun to listen to in real life. Unfortunately I'm still unclear as to what the difference between an opera and a symphony is. But I've still learned a lot about the romantic period and Faust itself, which I've never heard of before this class.
Katie Hodgson Period 2
Hearing some of the parts before actualy going to the symphony got me excited to go and see it. But i did not know that symphonies had vocals in them i had always thought of them as just people playing instruments. This symphony was writen in the romantic period, and i think it sounds very beautiful. I learned that the blessed boys in the symphony are children that have died right after birth..and after hearing them signing today..i was really impressed.
Kristina Thorson per. 2
These past few weeks have been very interesting. I have learned about symphonies and the choir that sings along with them. I really thought that the symphony would only be musicians before we studied it in class. After learning a little bit about how this symphony works and how the choir fits with it I feel a little more educated with music. I have been in band for a while so I know quite a lot about music but when we started I didn't know that much about a chorus. I also learned about the different voices in the chorus. Its interesting how many different ranges a voice can have and it is amazing to hear. The recordings we listened to were pretty amazing. I thought the performance was amazing and think it was a great way to start the year off.
I think that i have learned alot about Mahler's symphony #8. He really put alot of emotion and time into it and it is now one of te greatest pieces ever. Since he wrote it for his wife it goes well with teh romantic period since it is all supposed to be about love and he made it different. He expressed not only one form of love but many different forms which made it unique. i also find it interesting how this all happened right before his life started going crazy and his wife cheated on him. He used all his passion to write the piece and it worked.
I think that i have learned alot about Mahler's symphony #8. He really put alot of emotion and time into it and it is now one of te greatest pieces ever. Since he wrote it for his wife it goes well with teh romantic period since it is all supposed to be about love and he made it different. He expressed not only one form of love but many different forms which made it unique. i also find it interesting how this all happened right before his life started going crazy and his wife cheated on him. He used all his passion to write the piece and it worked.
Joel Maltos, P-4
This Mahler number 8 is a very interesting Symphony. In the past weeks we have learned a lot about the opera faust which is very interesting too. The music that we have heard from the symphony so far as been elegent and well rounded. What i mean by well rounded is that is contains all kinds of different moods: tense, smooth, off the walls, sleepy. It really has its own personality.
Brendan Cox period 2
While listening to music from Mahlers Symphony #8 I have taken great appreciation to the music and how it ties in with emotion felt through the music. I learned about the different styles of music that were all brought together to make a work of art. Ive also learned alot about Mahler himself and his way of creating music that flows. We actually went to the symphony today and I thought it was a great experience. There was great talent being put to the test and they definately didnt fail.
michael haines
p 4
the symphony today was very interesting. i went into it kind of skeptical because it wasnt really my style but came out impressed. i saw how impressive all the sounds were blended together and realized how much preperation it really takes to get that perfect sound that they had. the choir really impressed me on how great they all sound with so many different style of singers and how great they really meshed with the symphony.
Megan Pinzon period 4
Before we learned about Mahler's symphony #8 I didn't know there was any meaning or text behind symphonies. I learned that there are many parts to a symphony, before we studied this I didn't know that the choir was involved in it. I found veni creator spiritus to be a very interesting piece and learned about Faust. The music is very different from anything I listen to on a day to day basis so it's definitely an experience.
Mandi DeLaVergne, Period 6
Over the past week we have been studying Mahler's Shyphony #8 which was written in 1910. I have learned that he had a different type of writing and always wanted to be over the edge. His music has many highs and lows and is very interesting to hear.The symphony itself has fast and slow movements, and from what i have learned, was about love. Mahler was very dedicated to his wife and loved her until the very end. I also learned that he really did have a "symphony of a thousand" and actually had 1,000 people crammed on one stage!!! Thats a lot!
Clayton Butler P.2
Mahler's symphony#8 is really different than any of his other symphony's. He changes the number of movements from the typical amount and he did the piece all about love and the different forms for his wife right before she cheated on him. I have never really leanred about symphony's before so i didnt really know anything about them so all of this is new to me. The concepts and ideas of everything is something i've never really thoght about or studied so i am learning alot from the study of Mahler.
Clayton Butler P.2
Mahler's symphony#8 is really different than any of his other symphony's. He changes the number of movements from the typical amount and he did the piece all about love and the different forms for his wife right before she cheated on him. I have never really leanred about symphony's before so i didnt really know anything about them so all of this is new to me. The concepts and ideas of everything is something i've never really thoght about or studied so i am learning alot from the study of Mahler.
Jacob Carpenter
Period 4
Mahler’s symphony # 8 is a great piece of work. He took a lot of time on this piece, but you could hear his passion through each bar crystal clear. The symphony was awesome and a lot more fun than I thought it would be in the first place. Mahler is amazing, the way he uses nice transitions and shows emotion through each part of the symphony. In the past few weeks I have learned the drastic difference between a symphony, an opera, and a musical. I look forward to going to more events with the class throughout the year and I hope they can all be as fun as this one.
spencer asavadejkajorn
Period 4
I think if we had gone to the symphonies and operas without learning about them first we would just be bored. I liked learning about the symphony before going to it because then I actually would know what is going on, and be able to poor out parts that are significant. I really liked reading Faust and getting to know that story as well. Listening to the music in class was fun because then I could get the feel of the music and prepare for the actual day.
Zoe Thiemann Period 6
Listening to Mahler's music and class and learning about the music was interesting because it was all new to me, but what really got me interested in the music was more learning about Mahler himself. I found the music more interesting and meaningful because it just seemed to have more emotion in it. When our guest speaker came in and told us about Mahler's stories and life experiences it really put the music together. So even though i have learned about everything in a symphony and different aspects that go into it, I personally find it most interesting how well you can tie the emotions and everything else into the music.
Cristina Rice period 2
Mahler's Symphony is kind of hard to follow because there is no story plot. I learned that symphonies are only instruments and voices. Also I learned that the difference between operas and musicals are that operas have no microphones so the vocalist have to sing loud enough to fill the whole hall. With musicals they have microphones so they don't have to have that talent of singing very loud and sounding great. I think the singing is very elegant but I wish it was in english so i can follow along better and be able to fully hear the song. I have never really heard a symphony so it was interesting listening and learning about them.
Tanner Low P. 4
I really enjoyed studying Mahler's 8th symphony and the Romantic period. In AP European history last year we looked at a little bit of the art and history of the Romantic period and studied its influences, and I can really see those influences present in the music of Mahlers 8th. I really enjoyed the beginning of the peice, that we listened to in class and thought it was very humble yet epic. Reading the story of Faust was pretty neat, but I'm still a little confused on the whole organization of the opera and who sings what.
Alex Garcia Period 6
In class the past couple days i have learned a lot abot mahler's eighth symphony. It is the symphony of a thousand voices and i find it really interesting that he decided to incorporate singing along with musical instruments while most symphonies only contain instruments. I also found it very interesting how Jill told us that Mahler had a depressing life with so many issues pertaining to his wife and kids.
Tess Opincarne
Period 6
The first thing that excited me about the symphony was the opening we listened to in class, the voices mixed with the grandness of the music behind it gave me goosebumps, and intrigued me, as I thought the symphony would be my least favorite performance. I thought the choice of texts was odd, not because of the difference in time periods, but Gregorian chanting and an epic poem? I never thought those two things could go together. I've learned alot about the piece, for starters who it was written by and when, and how their life was (extremely depressing). I also learned about the two texts by themselves, though more of Faust than I learned of the chant. I thought Faust was very interesting, and I think I'm going to read it on my own time. A lot of what I learned was of the Symphony for a Thousand, but I also picked up some interesting little tidbits, such as how to pronounce Goethe without sounding ignorant, and about the curse of the nine, which I thought was really interesting.
Andrea Wolfe Period 2
I really liked learning about mahler's life and background before he wrote his symphony and how his life changed after he wrote this piece. It is sad that he created such a great work of art and soon following his life seemed to take a turn and give him many problems.
Evan Norris P.6
I learned quite a bit from these past few weeks. Reading the piece in class helped to know what they are saying. The piece is very interesting and I can tell its from the romantic period because of how the mood changes in the music. I wasn't there when Jill came but from listening to his music, Mahler seems like he was a pretty intense guy.
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