Beginning Bach
We definitely didn’t get to everything on my list for September, but I am so glad that we were able to spend a good chunk of time learning about J. S. Bach. Classical music is important to me and my husband, but it’s an acquired taste – meaning our children will need help learning to acquire it. Here’s how we began this month!
We didn’t read every word in these books which reminds me that I must digress to remind you of this Fun Fact: you don’t have to read EVERY WORD in a book. Really, you don’t. If your children aren’t reading yet they won’t even know. These books had some lovely pictures and good information but overall it was just too many words for the current ages and stages of our boys. So, we looked through the pictures, read some sentences here and there, and called it a day. The next time we meet Bach, we will be able to read and understand even more.
Our main focus was listening. Sure, it’s interesting to read about the composer’s life and personality and favorite colors, but what they are known for is their music. Bach’s story probably won’t change your life, but his music just might.
The routine that worked for us this month was to turn on the music during our afternoon cleanup time. That way all three boys were busy, but still able to listen and absorb. Plus, cleaning is just more fun when you’ve got something to listen to! We listened to the entirety of the three cds pictured above throughout the course of a month. I was amazed to see how just 10 or 15 minutes a day quickly adds up!
I picked three different instrumentations – piano, cello, and choral/orchestral – to provide a variety of sounds to experience. Of course, Bach wrote SO much music that with him, the options are almost endless!
We talked about the music briefly each time we listened. I would remind them who wrote it, and ask what instrument or kind of voices they could hear. We might talk about if it was fast or slow, loud or quiet, and high or low. I want the music to speak for itself, but I also want our boys to begin realizing there are different kinds of sounds and how to listen for them.
It was only a very small beginning, but it was such fun to see our children getting acquainted with this glorious music. We’re planning to meet Mr. Mozart in October and I can’t wait!
Originally written October 1 2019
