Opera, a multifaceted and multidisciplinary art form, has enthralled audiences for centuries with its blend of music, drama, and visual spectacle. Tracing its roots from the liturgical dramas and early forms of sung theatre of the Middle Ages to the innovative contemporary productions of today, the works of the Western classical opera repertoire showcase social/political/technological shifts, changes in tastes and cultural expression, and the possibilities of artistic creativity. Let's explore ten examples that highlight this genre's rich history and enduring appeal. What is opera? Opera is a unique form of theatre that combines singing (usually by unamplified voices, trained according to the classical vocal tradition), orchestral music (or other instrumental accompaniment), drama, and often dance to tell a story. What we consider now as opera originated in Italy at the end of the 16th century, with Jacopo Peri's "Dafne", produced in Florence in 1598. This art form has evolved over the centuries, incorporating various styles and traditions. It is characterised by its use of expressive melodies and harmonies, as well as its emphasis on the capabilities of the human voice. The narratives often explore complex themes, emotions, and stories, making it a deeply immersive experience. Operas are typically performed in an opera house, with sets and costumes that enhance the storytelling. These elements may attempt to recreate the historical time period of the original work/story, or may be reimagined by directors, designers, and other people on the creative team. The music of an opera is created and orchestrated by a composer, and the text is written by a librettist (who may have written the entire text themselves, or may have reworked an existing story from another form of writing). These two people/roles generally work very closely together, and in some cases one person takes on the role of both librettist and composer - for example, in the works of Wagner. In the historical context of European society, composers (and librettists) were predominantly men, reflecting prevailing gender roles of the time. However, Francesca Caccini (1587-1646) broke this tradition as the first recorded woman composer to craft an opera. Her pioneering work paved the way for subsequent generations of female composers who have since made significant contributions to the operatic repertoire. Within a standard "number" opera, there are smaller sections which can be excerpted. Here are a few common ones: Overture/prelude - The opening music, which often features musical themes and motifs which can be heard later in the opera. Recitative/dialogue - A recitative is a sung/spoken text which is used to carry the plot. Some operas and similar works of this genre contain spoken dialogue instead. Aria - A song performed by a solo character, and which usually gives an insight into their inner world. Ensemble (duet/trio/quartet/etc) - A sung section, similar to an aria, where multiple characters perform together. The musical phrases of each character are intricately interwoven, reflecting their relationships and the emotions the composer aims to convey. Chorus - A musical excerpt typically performed by a group of singers who do not have solo roles. Instead, they represent a collective character, such as townspeople or observers, providing general commentary on the action. Choruses are traditionally divided into four vocal parts: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. More recent operas (from around the late 19th century onwards) are often "through composed", meaning that the work is conceived as an entire piece without these smaller sections which can easily be sung in other contexts. The principal characters of an opera are performed by soloists, and different voice types are assigned by the composer to each role. Often this involves an element of typecasting; romantic leads and young heroes are most often played by tenors and sopranos, and secondary characters/antagonists are most often played by lower-voiced singers. You can find out more about classical voice types here. The development of opera Opera has undergone significant evolution since its inception. Early operas, such as Claudio Monteverdi's "L'Orfeo", were characterised by their emphasis on the dramatic expression of text and the pioneering use of recitative, which allowed for greater fluidity between speech and song. The Baroque era saw opera flourish with composers like George Frideric Handel and Jean-Baptiste Lully. This period emphasised grandeur and spectacle, with elaborate da capo (repeated section, with "ornaments" (virtuosic embellishments to the vocal line)) arias. The stories often featured mythological or historical themes. During the Classical era, composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart refined opera with a focus on structural clarity, balance, and the integration of music and drama. Mozart's operas, including "The Marriage of Figaro" and "Don Giovanni", are renowned for their sophisticated character development and the seamless blend of orchestration and vocal lines. The Romantic era brought a heightened emotional intensity, complex harmonies, and nationalistic elements to opera. Composers like Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner pushed the boundaries of the genre. Verdi's works, such as "La Traviata" and "Aida", are celebrated for their memorable melodies and deep emotional content, while Wagner revolutionised opera with his concept of the Gesamtkunstwerk, or "total work of art," epitomised in his epic "Ring Cycle." The 20th century witnessed a diversification of operatic styles, from the expressionism of Alban Berg's "Wozzeck" to the minimalist approach of Philip Glass's "Einstein on the Beach". This era also saw the incorporation of new compositional and vocal techniques and the exploration of contemporary themes, reflecting the rapidly changing social and cultural landscape. In the 21st century, opera continues to evolve, embracing new technologies and multimedia elements. Contemporary composers create works that address current issues and experiment with form and presentation. Opera in this era is marked by a blending of traditional elements with innovative approaches, ensuring its relevance and appeal to modern audiences. Examples "Le Jeu de Robin et Marion" by Adam de la Halle (c. 1283): While not considered an opera in its more developed form, this work is considered the earliest surviving secular French play with music, and is an important precursor. It combines elements of pastoral drama (between rural characters, especially involving a shepherd/shepherdess) and musical interludes. The characters of Robin and Marion are not the same as in the tale of Robin Hood, but rather they are a knight and shepherdess. "L'Orfeo" by Claudio Monteverdi (1607): One of the earliest operas, notable for its use of recitative and its dramatic portrayal of the Orpheus myth. "Giulio Cesare" by George Frideric Handel (1724): Known for its virtuosic arias and elaborate orchestration, exemplifying the grandeur of Baroque opera. "The Marriage of Figaro" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1786): Celebrated for its sophisticated character development, intricate ensembles, and the seamless integration of music and drama. It is also notable for its commentary (both in the original story by Beaumarchais and in the opera) on social hierarchies in European society at that time. Sound Garden : classical music immersion Just a short word about Sound Garden! Founded by classical singer Kayla Collingwood, Sound Garden is an online hub to engage with classical music, no matter your age or level of knowledge or experience! Through online content, digital products, and more, Sound Garden's aim is to provide resources for discovering classical music in all its forms. "Der Freischütz" by Carl Maria von Weber (1821): An early Romantic opera that incorporates German folklore and supernatural elements, with a strong sense of nationalism. "La Traviata" by Giuseppe Verdi (1853): Known for its emotional depth, memorable melodies, and its portrayal of societal issues and personal tragedy. "Tristan und Isolde" by Richard Wagner (1865): A landmark in Romantic opera, featuring Wagner's revolutionary use of "leitmotifs" (musical motifs to represent specific characters and other features) and his concept of the Gesamtkunstwerk (a comprehensive artistic creation that synthesises multiple art forms, such as music, drama, poetry, visual arts, and stagecraft, into a unified whole). "Salome" by Richard Strauss (1905): Noted for its intense emotional expression and innovative orchestration, based on Oscar Wilde's play (and the Biblical tale of King Herod and John the Baptist). "Peter Grimes" by Benjamin Britten (1945): A cornerstone of 20th-century opera, renowned for its psychological depth, complex characters, and evocative musical depiction of the sea. "Ainadamar" by Osvaldo Golijov (2003): A contemporary opera exploring the life and death of Spanish poet Federico García Lorca, blending elements of flamenco, Arabic music, and contemporary classical music. 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Scroll down to take the quiz and uncover your ideal calming method paired with a soothing classical music piece. After completing the quiz, enhance your calming experience with a specially curated playlist. You can also check out the Classical Sessions for... Calm digital product, available on Etsy. Sound Garden : classical music immersion First, a short word about Sound Garden. Founded by classical singer Kayla Collingwood, Sound Garden is an online hub to engage with classical music, no matter your age or level of knowledge or experience! Through online content, digital products, and more, Sound Garden's aim is to provide resources for discovering classical music in all its forms. Learn more about Sound Garden Click here to browse the site!

Are you ready to put your composer identification skills to the test? Scroll down to take the test and challenge your memory/your knowledge of classical music composers. From Bach to Beethoven, Mozart to Mahler - ...or maybe none of them! – see if you can identify these musical masterminds just by their portraits. After completing the quiz, don't forget to explore the Composer Profiles page on the Sound Garden website here! Sound Garden : classical music immersion First, a short word about Sound Garden. Founded by classical singer Kayla Collingwood, Sound Garden is an online hub to engage with classical music, no matter your age or level of knowledge or experience! Through online content, digital products, and more, Sound Garden's aim is to provide resources for discovering classical music in all its forms. Learn more about Sound Garden

Explore both timeless classics by the great classical music composers and modern masterpieces by more recent composers! Scroll down to take the quiz and discover your perfect classical music pairing! After completing the quiz, why not take your classical music exploration further? Book a 1:1 Classical Music Immersion video call with Sound Garden founder Kayla Collingwood. Take a general deep-dive, or hone in on specific topics of interest (for example composers, instruments, sub-genres). Find out more here! Sound Garden : classical music immersion First, a short word about Sound Garden. Founded by classical singer Kayla Collingwood, Sound Garden is an online hub to engage with classical music, no matter your age or level of knowledge or experience! Through online content, digital products, and more, Sound Garden's aim is to provide resources for discovering classical music in all its forms. Learn more about Sound Garden

A young child's day is filled with learning - every experience is important as they grow and develop! The preschool years are critical for personal/interpersonal, intellectual, emotional, and physical development; why not integrate classical music into the learning journey? Here are 6 (more than 6, in fact!) suggested activities to help your child to engage with classical music, targeting some of the different focus skills for this age group! Want a child-friendly playlist with selected classical music works all ready to go? Head to the Early Childhood section in the Learning Hub! Focus Skills and Classical Music Activities Literacy/Communication and language Early literacy learning consists of developing skills in speaking/listening and reading/writing - competencies which are necessary for all other learning. These skills are essential for being able to understand and communicate feelings, experiences, opinions, and more. Other abilities, such as fine motor movements and letter recognition, are also crucial in the development of these larger skills. All of these can be developed through age-appropriate play activities and regular home life! Select classical pieces that tell a story through music (like "Peter and the Wolf" by Prokofiev). As you and your child listen together, discuss what you both can hear. Here are some prompts: Does this music sound fast or slow? Does it make you want to be still, to get up and dance, or something else? How does this music make you feel? Happy/sad/excited/calm/scared/amazed/etc... How many different timbres (sounds) can you hear? Is there just one instrument being played/sung, or can you hear more than one? What does this instrument sound like? Does it sound high or low? Harsh or gentle? Big or small? Does the sound of this instrument make you think of a particular animal? A colour? A food? A person? How do you think the sound on this instrument might be created (striking/blowing/plucking/rubbing/etc.)? Do you think the music might be telling a story? What do you think the story might be? Are there different characters? Where do you think the story is taking place? What are you some words you could use to describe this music? If your child is learning to read and write, you could select some words related to the chosen musical work and use these words in activities specific to these skills. Physical development It's time for a dance party, of course! Your child may like to dance freely, or they may like to use props they can shake, twirl, and move about with, such as maracas/a well-sealed container of pasta, ribbons/scarves, or their favourite soft toy. Encourage your child to explore the movements they can make with their bodies and how they can interact with the space around them. Can they stretch high, low, side-to-side? Can they create shapes with props or with their bodies? Can they turn in circles? Can they make big/small, fast/slow movements? If you have child-friendly musical instruments available, or simply pots and pans or other sound-making items around the home, set up a sound exploration activity. Allow your child to experiment with creating their own melodies and rhythms. Sound Garden : classical music immersion First, a short word about Sound Garden. Founded by classical singer Kayla Collingwood, Sound Garden is an online hub to engage with classical music, no matter your age or level of knowledge or experience! Through online content, digital products, and more, Sound Garden's aim is to provide resources for discovering classical music in all its forms. Personal/Emotional/Social development Play various classical pieces conveying different emotions (e.g., joy, sadness, excitement). Guide your child in identifying and discussing the feelings evoked by the music. Here are some further activity ideas you can use to extend this activity, or which may be suitable for earlier developmental stages and non-verbal children: Create a picture/craft inspired by the way the music makes your child feel. Emotively "conduct" the music (or family/friends as they sing songs/play instruments). A "musical freeze" game, where your child dances freely until you pause the music. The child then freezes in a pose that reflects the emotion of the music. Play scenarios, using dolls, puppets, or other character toys, to create stories inspired by the music. Numeracy Music is full of opportunities for numeracy learning! Foundational numeracy concepts such as one-to-one correspondence (matching up one thing with another) can be learned in tandem with music listening. Place some sets of identical items in front of your child (for example: crayons, erasers, and colouring pens), and ask them to count the item sets into their groups, while the music plays in the background. Listening to music more closely is the perfect opportunity to practice identifying patterns, spotting sequences, and counting! Put on some music with a strong, steady "pulse", and see if you can tap/clap/stamp/count in time to the beat. Practice creating and repeating rhythmic patterns! Understanding the World Through opportunities to explore, observe, and discover, children learn to make sense of the world around them. Many different activities can play a part in this, and music can be the soundtrack to your child's adventures! For example, you and your child can discover classical music works related to nature while exploring in the woods together. If you're planning to stay indoors, you can create play trays/tuff trays/small world set-ups inspired by musical works. For example, you could listen to the "Carnival of the Animals" by Saint-Saëns and use some toy animals and other items/ingredients to create an animal-themed play tray. Arts Provide art supplies for your child to create visual artworks inspired by the music. This encourages creativity, imagination, and the connection between music and visual expression. This could be painting, drawing/colouring, collage-making, sculpture-making, or any other visual arts activity! The only limit is your imagination! Classical music can play a part in all kinds of learning activities, as a central element which your child can engage with directly, or in the background while focusing on other tasks. What other activity ideas do you have? Drop them in the comments!

The product - Discover classical music inspired by spring! In this music education resource, ten classical music works have been selected, on the topic of spring. Ten pages of information and activities for each composer/work will help you to kick start the topic! Perfect for homeschoolers, music teachers, music lovers, and anyone who needs a resource to help children to engage with classical music! This product is also available on the topic of Autumn/Fall This product is available as a digital download PDF, 13 pages including front and back covers. Suitable for school-aged children. Listen to the music The selected pieces referenced in the product can be found here. Contact us if any of the links stop working! Antonio Vivaldi: The Four Seasons: La primavera (Spring) Ludwig van Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 5 (“Spring” Sonata) Felix Mendelssohn: Song without words, Op. 62, No. 6 Robert Schumann: Im wunderschönen Monat Mai Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 1, "Titan" Sound Garden Products Online products and courses for all ages - pair this product with the Classical Composer Profiles! Camille Saint-Saëns: Samson et Dalila: Printemps qui commence Aaron Copland: Appalachian Spring Franz Schubert: Frühlingsglaube (Faith In Spring) Claude Debussy: Printemps (Spring) Frederick Delius: On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring Learn more about Sound Garden

Lithuanian musician Emilija Karaliūtė specialises in performing classical/folk music and more with a unique traditional instrument: the kanklės. In this guest post, learn all about the origin and particularities of this special instrument! Sound Garden : classical music immersion First, a short word about Sound Garden. Founded by classical singer Kayla Collingwood, Sound Garden is an online hub to engage with classical music, no matter your age or level of knowledge or experience! Through online content, digital products, and more, Sound Garden's aim is to provide resources for discovering classical music in all its forms. Lithuanian music and the kanklės Lithuania, located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, boasts a rich cultural heritage reflected in its unique customs. Lithuanians strive to preserve these customs through folk dancing, traditional music, art, and other means. The country’s dedication to preserving its history is evident in events such as the Song and Dance Celebration, which brings the nation together to showcase and celebrate its longstanding traditions; the year 2024 marks the celebration's centenary anniversary. Lithuania has its own national instrument, the kanklės, which belongs to the Baltic Psaltery family. This includes instruments such as the Latvian kokles, Estonian kannel, Finnish kantele, and Russian gusli, among others. The kanklės is a traditional instrument which carries a beautiful and significant message. When a family member died, Lithuanians would go to the forest and cut a tree to make the kanklės; they believed that whenever you played the instrument, the dead person spoke through the strings. Following this heartfelt message, it is easy to see why it has been dubbed the "singing tree" by some! Kanklės with 5, 7, 9, or 12 strings originated in the XV century and were initially used to accompany church singing and later in folk music. In 1964, attempts were made to transform traditional kanklės into concert kanklės, showing a desire to integrate the instrument into Western Europe's classical music scene. The kanklės, also known as concert kanklės due to its use in concert settings, has 29-32 strings that span over four octaves. The added strings and chromatic levers on the kanklės allow players to expand their repertoire by adapting pieces written for other instruments, such as piano, harp, marimba, or any other instrument with two staves. Insights from a kanklės specialist As a musician who specialises in playing this unusual instrument, it is very interesting to follow and analyse the process of arranging a well-known classical piece for the instrument that it was never meant to be played on. I enjoy playing classical music by renowned composers like Debussy, Hasselmans, Handel, or Bach - but that means that these pieces were written before the concert kanklės even existed! That is not to say that the pieces cannot be performed on this traditional instrument; they simply need to be applied effectively. Every instrument has limitations, such as octave range or some technique restrictions; what matters is how you 'battle' these limitations and use them to your advantage. I typically have to bring up lower notes an octave, because the instrument does not have that many bass notes. To maintain a smooth flow in music, we may need to remove some notes due to chromatism levers on the side of the kanklės that need to be moved up or down while playing. Playing classical music on the kanklės can be challenging. If we take any of Debussy's pieces as an example, we can see that he mainly wrote for the piano, and the techniques for the piano and strings are very different. However, my perspective on the kanklės’ limitations has changed, I no longer prioritise performing the piece in the same way as a pianist would. Because I am already performing a piece that was not written for my instrument, I believe it opens up possibilities for limitless interpretation. Find out more I am now a dedicated classical music performer in London; I came to the UK from Lithuania with the goal of popularising a relatively unknown instrument. I am a classically trained musician with a folk fusion - the subtitle of my personal website (balticstrings.org) is 'Where Classical Meets Folk', and that is because I explore my journey of how a traditional instrument coming from the XV century that was primarily used to play folk music evolved and began to discover its possibilities within the context of classical music. For more on my experience playing the Lithuanian national instrument kanklės in London, UK, visit my newly launched website: balticstrings.org. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilijakaraliute/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXlMoPDKo2sDB9L4GdTvKYQ Sound Garden

Classical music, or Western art music, has a long and rich history, beginning after the fall of the Roman Empire and continuing to progress today! Let's take a look at the evolution of this genre of music, through a crash course overview of the standard historical era divisions. Each era represents the artistic tastes, political and social changes, and the general characteristics of Western societies at different times in history; music has always been a reflection of humanity! Early Music (500-1600 AD) The Early Music period is largely associated with religious music, in particular "chant" styles, from simple monophonic (one voice) chants of the Medieval Era, evolving into intricate polyphonic (many voices) compositions. Secular music, such as the music of the troubadours, folk songs, and more, were also common, but we have fewer surviving musical scores and other sources of information to enable us to perform this music now. In the Renaissance Era, music began to become more complex as the Early Music period drew to a close. Listen to: 1. Gregorian Chant - "Kyrie Eleison" 2. Guillaume de Machaut - "Messe de Nostre Dame" 3. Josquin des Prez - "Mille regretz" Baroque Era (1600-1750) The Baroque Era marked the beginning of the Common Practice period, where music began to really be codified and to follow rules of tonality (having a "home" key) and what we know as traditional music theory. Baroque music reflected the architectural tastes of the time, with ornate compositions, dynamic contrasts, and the popularisation of purely instrumental music. Following on from the Renaissance Era, the relationships between notes and musical phrases were very important, following strict rules of "counterpoint". Listen to: 1. Johann Sebastian Bach - "Brandenburg Concerto No. 3" 2. George Frideric Handel - "Water Music: Alla Hornpipe" 3. Antonio Vivaldi - "Gloria: Gloria in excelsis Deo" Classical Era (1750-1830~) The tastes of the Classical Era were quite the opposite of the Baroque. Music was characterised by clarity and structure, and beauty was found in simplicity and lightness. The influence of Antiquity was evident, both in the artistic styles and in the values and stories artists sought to share through their art. This was the time during which the early piano became the dominant keyboard instrument, and musical forms such as symphonies and string quartets were popularised. Listen to: 1. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - "Le nozze di Figaro: Deh vieni, non tardar" 2. Ludwig van Beethoven - "Piano Trio in E-flat Major, Op. 1, No. 1: Allegro" 3. Franz Joseph Haydn - "Symphony No. 94 in G Major: II. Andante" Romantic Era (1830~-1900) The Romantic Era takes us on an emotional rollercoaster (not only involving love), with passionate expression and sweeping melodies. Composers were began to explore the horizons beyond tonality, telling stories through a diverse range of both vocal and instrumental musical forms. Music was being performed on a much grander scale, with works being composed for large-scale operatic forces and expanded orchestras (as well as works for smaller instrumental and vocal groupings, such as art songs for solo voice and piano). Listen to: 1. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - "Swan Lake" (final scene) 2. Frederic Chopin - "Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2" 3. Franz Schubert - "Erlkönig" 20th Century The 20th Century heralded the start of the "new music" era, where conventions and rules were being shattered as composers sought to find the possibilities and limitations of music. Technological advancements, war, globalisation, and many other shifts civilisation was going through inspired the arts. Multiple artistic (including musical) movements were occurring at once, from the highly experimental and avant-garde works, through to minimalist works. Listen to: 1. Igor Stravinsky - "The Rite of Spring: Sacrificial Dance" 2. Arvo Pärt - "Spiegel im Spiegel" 3. Steve Reich - "Different Trains: II. Europe, during the war" 21st Century In the 21st century, classical music continues to evolve and develop alongside humanity and our discoveries and advancements. Composers take inspiration from the past and all it has taught us so far, and forge new paths as the future unravels its possibilities. How will the music of this century be remembered? Listen to: 1. John Adams - "On the Transmigration of Souls" 2. Missy Mazzoli - "Breaking the Waves: His name is Jan" 3. Anna Clyne - "Night Ferry" Notes Bear in mind that the era divisions are not exact; some historians place the beginning and end dates differently. This is because society is never in 100% agreement about what is good or trendy at any given time, and classical music era divisions are based on what was generally in vogue in many different Western countries! Take some time to explore each era further and to discover the composers and works which resonate with you! If you would like to dive deeper, check out the Introduction to Classical Music online course, or book a 1:1 Classical Music Immersion session (online or in Paris) with classical singer and music educator Kayla Collingwood! What will you listen to next?

Introducing our Composer Activity Guide: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart for parents and carers of children aged 0-6! This guide introduces you and your child/ren to Mozart and his works through a simple text for the adults and older children, and two stages of activities for each musical work. Here's some of the feedback we've been getting so far: "Easy to understand." "A great guide and reference point that is so accessible for even those with little musical knowledge." "A great reference for simplifying and making the music understandable and fun!" "Just brilliant!" Activities are designed to be able to be adapted for different ages and stages (our youngest tester is 6-months-old, and we hope this product will grow with you and your child)! This product is currently available as a digital download. How it works: Purchase the product. You will receive a link to download. Print and go! Return to this blog post to listen to the musical excerpts. We have heard from our testers that children have expressed interest in writing their own music! We haven't included that exact activity in this guide, but one of our testers was very successful in printing out a page from a score (here's a link to Mozart's "Piano Sonata No. 16" - one of our featured works, and a FREE printable large staff in both black and white and multi-colour versions) for the children to use as inspiration (copying some of the elements they saw in the music into their own design). You will find a similar activity in the second product of our Composer Activity Guide series: Franz Liszt. We have also had a lot of interest in creating a similar product for early childhood centres/kindergartens/etc., so we are working on this for the future. We would love to hear your stories and see your pictures of our guide in action! Ready to buy? Happy Mozart-ing! Join our mailing list At Sound Garden : classical music immersion, we are always adding to our products and resources, with content for all ages and levels of classical music experience! Want to be updated on future product launches? Join our mailing list! Playlist Bought the product, or just want to listen to some Mozart? Here's our playlist with all the referenced works! Learn more about Sound Garden Click here to browse the site!

The product - Add some classical fun to the festive season! Get ready to jingle all the way with this festive printable classical music listening quiz perfect for your holiday celebrations! Includes 30 well-known and seasonal classical music works for you to identify, individually or in teams! Perfect for classical musicians, music lovers, and anyone who wants to test their knowledge or discover new classical music works! This product is available as a digital download PDF, 8 pages including front and back covers. Suitable for ages 12+. Listen to the music The selected pieces referenced in the product can be found in this playlist. Contact us if there are any problems with the playlist. Sound Garden Products Online products and courses for all ages Learn more about Sound Garden

The product - Help children to engage with classical music this Christmas! Follow Apollo and Aria on a Christmas-themed classical music adventure to find the key to the magical music box! Read the story and complete relevant activities as you listen to the music! Five classical music works have been selected, with five different activities to complete as part of the story. Perfect for homeschoolers, music teachers, music lovers, and anyone who needs a resource to help children to engage with classical music! This product is available as a digital download PDF, 9 pages including front and back covers. Suitable for ages 5-10. Listen to the music The selected pieces referenced in the product can be found here. Contact us if any of the links stop working! Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: The Forest of Wild Thyme - Christmas Overture Gustav Holst: In the Bleak Midwinter (this version arranged by Sister Diana Novak) Sergei Prokofiev: Lieutenant Kije - Troika Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov: Christmas Eve (Orchestral Suite) P. I. Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker - Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy Sound Garden Products Online products and courses for all ages Learn more about Sound Garden

The product - Discover classical music inspired by autumn/fall! In this music education resource, ten classical music works have been selected, on the topic of autumn/fall. Ten pages of information and activities for each composer/work will help you to kick start the topic! Perfect for homeschoolers, music teachers, music lovers, and anyone who needs a resource to help children to engage with classical music! This product is available as a digital download PDF, 13 pages including front and back covers. Suitable for school-aged children. Listen to the music The selected pieces referenced in the product can be found here. Contact us if any of the links stop working! Antonio Vivaldi: The Four Seasons: L’autunno (Autumn) Renaldo Hahn: Chanson d'automne (Autumn Song) Arnold Bax: November Woods John Cage: The Seasons: Fall Astor Piazzolla: The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires: Otoño Porteño Sound Garden Products Online products and courses for all ages - pair this product with the Classical Composer Profiles! Tōru Takemitsu: Ceremonial - An Autumn Ode Einojuhani Rautavaara: Autumn Gardens Thea Musgrave: The Seasons: Autumn Franz Joseph Haydn: The Seasons: Der Herbst (Autumn) Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: The Seasons: October: Autumn's Song Learn more about Sound Garden