Pre-reading questions:
- When do you usually listen to music?
- What type of music do you listen to?
Vocabulary:
- prohibit /proh-HIB-it/
- get-together /GET-tuh-geth-er/
- measure /MEZH-er/
- recital /ri-SAHYT-l/
- demonstrate /DEM-uhn-streyt/
[verb] to prevent a particular activity
The use of mobile phones is prohibited during class.
[noun] a gathering of people; one or more people meet
The school batch ‘91 get-together will be held in the university auditorium.
[noun] a method for dealing with a situation
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggested measures to keep people from getting sick.
[noun] a performance of music or poetry, usually given by one person or a small group of people
Lisa is nervous for her violin recital.
[verb] to show something
Michael demonstrated his skills in painting by using only a pencil and paper.
European countries have chosen to prohibit get-togethers due to the coronavirus. Schools, bars, museums and concert halls are closed. Some cities in Germany plan to close public transportation to prevent the spread of the disease. These safety measures are expected to affect musicians; however, Igor Levit, a Russian-German pianist who lives in Berlin, shared his music online using Twitter. He played an impromptu rendition of Beethoven’s Waldstein Sonata Op. 53.
Levit said to his online listeners, “Let’s bring the house concert into the 21st century!” His 25-minute piano recital received over 6,000 likes and 1,500 retweets. Aside from Levit, the Staatsoper Opera House and the Philharmonie Berlin Orchestra also demonstrated their music using the internet.
Levit said to his online listeners, “Let’s bring the house concert into the 21st century!” His 25-minute piano recital received over 6,000 likes and 1,500 retweets. Aside from Levit, the Staatsoper Opera House and the Philharmonie Berlin Orchestra also demonstrated their music using the internet.
Comprehension Questions:
- What was prohibited due to the coronavirus?
- Based on the article, why does Germany plan to close public transportation?
- What did Igor Levit use to share his music online?
- How many likes and retweets did Igor’s performance receive?
- Aside from Levit, who else shared their music online?
Discussion Questions:
- Would you consider Levit’s show online a smart way to gain more listeners? Please explain.
- Would you prefer online shows rather than live performances? Why or why not?
- Do you think classical music is still popular at this age? Please explain your answer.
- What could be the advantages of sharing music online?
- How do you think free concerts online affect people nowadays? Please give at least 2 reasons and explain.