Classical Quest

This program is designed to encourage interest and exploration in fine music for students in middle school, high school, and beyond. The Starling Chamber Orchestra, based at the College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati, conveys the connection between historic masterpieces of music, and those who pursue the joys of playing music today. The interplay of composers, conductor, players, instruments, and the audience is revealed.

The video uses a portion of each "season" in Vivaldi's 18th Century composition, The Four Seasons. Students are encouraged to listen to the complete work independent of the video. The video will assist students in developing listening skills and in analyzing the compositional elements of this work.

This single program will address key curriculum areas in a succinct and effective way. For the non-musician, the program introduces vocabulary terms and engaging musical concepts in a way that can be easily understood. For musicians, the program illustrates important issues of musicality, and emphasizes how composers create contrasts of tone, colors, melody, and dynamics.