Transcript Overture to “Colas Breugnon”

Russian Giant: Kabalevsky
 Born and composed during the rise of the Communist regime
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in Russia.
Studied music despite his parents’ desire for him to study
mathematics.
Began composing at the Moscow conservatory.
Wrote Overture to “Colas Breugnon” during strongest period
of composition at the Moscow Conservatory.
Was member of the Communist Party.
Music was very patriotic and was criticized because of that!
Wrote music for silent films as well.
An Enthusiatic Teacher
Kabalevsky had a great interest in sharing music with
young people and wrote many instrumental pieces and
songs for them. This composer corresponded with
students at 150 high schools, giving them advice and help
with their musical interests.
Kabalevsky’s
Correspondence
A sample letter from Kabalevsky
himself which translates:
Moscow, 7 June 1967
Laurie Ann Perschau
Glencoe, Minn., U.S.A.
Dear Laurie,
I received your letter. It is very
good that you like music
and are studying the piano. The
more you come to know
music the more you will love it
and studying music will
become more and more
interesting to you.
I wish you the very best of
success!
D. Kabalevsky
or, The Craftsmen of the Clamecy
Interesting Facts
 Toscanini conducted Colas Breugnon all over the world in
the 1940s and 50s, making it famous.
 Its music is filled with jazzy syncopation and is a five-tosix minute showpiece.
 Kabalevsky’s most famous piece is “The Comedians”
 The overture to Colas Breugnon was Kabalevsky’s first
opera. It was first performed in Leningrad, Russia in
February 1938.
The Story
Kabalevsky’s first opera.
It was first performed in Leningrad, Russia in February 1938.
Based on a novel by Roman Rolland.
Takes place in the 1500’s.
Colas Breugnon, a Breton master carpenter who defeats a
villanous Duke.
 Bubonic plague brought back by soldiers—all needs to be
burned, including all of Breugnon’s statues!
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Using Kabalevsky’s Overture to “Colas Breugnon”
At First Listening….
 Overture: It sets mood, introduces themes, preps the
audience for the upcoming music, and quiets the audience.
Students will understand the main ideas of the story will
pass by very quickly in this overture.
Discuss about how composers would "borrow" form
their own music
Questions to ask:
 When you listen to Kabalevsky’s Overture to Colas
Breugnon, listen for all the dynamic changes.
 What do you think the music would be like without
them? What else makes the music so interesting?
 Why do you think Kabalevsky chose to put so many
dynamics in the piece?
 Are there any instruments that usually play piano (soft)
and any that usually play forte (loud)?
Dynamics Chart
Overture to Colas Breugnon
Dmitri Kabalevsky
As you listen to the piece, circle the correct dynamic marking when the CD is
paused.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
P
(soft)
P
(soft)
P
(soft)
P
(soft)
P
(soft)
MP
MF
F
(loud)
MP
MF
F
(loud)
MP
MF
F
(loud)
MP
MF
F
(loud)
MP
MF
F
(loud)
Extension of Dynamics
Lesson
 Hand out packets of cards with dynamic markings on it to
groups of students. Have students hold up cards when
listening to the Overture to Colas Breugnon.
 Designate small groups of students as dynamic markings
and have them stand when they hear their dynamic!