The Circle Game
Simple Gifts
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The Addams Family Theme
Featured Instrument
The Harpsichord is an early relative of the piano. Notice the two stacked keyboards and the ornate painted decorations. While the melodies played on a harpsichord move along a keyboard, the tone of the music is brighter. Classics for Kids states "When the keys are pressed, the strings are plucked by quills." Can you hear the sound of plucking strings?
According to Britannica for Kids: "For more than two centuries the harpsichord was one of the most important keyboard instruments in European music. From the 16th through much of the 18th century, the harpsichord served as an accompanying or solo instrument. Most of the great baroque composers played or created music for the harpsichord. " |
Teddy Bears' Picnic
Featured Instrument: The instrument pictured above is called a mandolin. David Grisman plays this stringed beauty throughout Teddy Bears' Picnic. When you listen to the song's introduction, listen for the melody line plucked in strings. It sounds similar to a guitar, but more high-pitched.
How many strings does the mandolin have? How are the strings arranged? Traditionally, each pair of strings is tuned to the same note, making four pairs of 'twin' strings. This makes for a very full and bright sound. The mandolin also often has a swirl shape at the top of it's body. The instrument is featured heavily in Bluegrass music.
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Singin' with Ella Fitzgerald
Cab Calloway on Sesame Street
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