9th Grade Vocal Music Of The Romantic Period Lesson Plan

Topic: Vocal Music of the Romantic Period

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate an understanding of the characteristic features of vocal music of the Romantic period.

Materials

• Copies of selected vocal music from the Romantic period (optional)
• Handouts with characteristics of vocal music from the Romantic period (optional)

Warm-up

• Review the definition of romanticism as an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that began in the late 18th century and lasted into the mid-19th century. Discuss the characteristics of romanticism, including passion, imagination, and nature.
• Sing a few selected arias from operas by Rossini, Donizetti, and Bellini, who are considered to be the forerunners of the Romantic period.

Direct Instruction

• Show the students a few examples of sheet music from the Romantic period, and discuss the characteristic features of the music, such as the use of wide melodic leaps, use of chromaticism and dissonance, and the importance of expression and melody.
• Have the students listen to a few selected arias from operas by Verdi, who is considered to be the quintessential Romantic composer, and discuss the characteristics of the music, including passionate outbursts and long, expressive melodies.

Guided Practice

• Have the students listen to more examples of Romantic era arias and duets and discuss the characteristics of the music.
• Have the students work in pairs to sing a couple of the arias or duets together, concentrating on the expression and the characteristic features of the music.

Independent Practice

• Have the students choose one aria or duet from the list that they liked and write a short essay analyzing the music and its significance in the context of the opera.

Closure

• Review the main themes covered in the lesson and discuss the importance of vocal music in the Romantic period.
• Ask the students to share their thoughts on the arias and duets that they listened to.

Assessment

• Assess the students' understanding of the main themes and characteristics of vocal music of the Romantic period through their participation in class discussions and their independent project work.
• Evaluate the students' oral presentations and their ability to sing in tune and with proper expression.