Autumn Leaves

This lesson involves two genres of music: a classical composition, Concerto No. 3 in F major, Op. 8, RV 293, Autumn from Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi; and a jazz rendition of Autumn Leaves, by Joseph Kosma and lyrics by poet Jacques Prévert, performed by Wynton Marsalis. The children are given and bring background information about the fall season, particularly how leaves fall off of a tree or blow in the wind. The children engage in an activity where they can drop a leaf and watch it fall or blow. The children use these visions and background knowledge while they listen to the two musical selections, listening first to Vivaldi’s composition, and then to Marsalis’ arrangement. During each piece they create a picture of their leaf falling. Lastly, they create a story or descriptive words that link their art work of their falling leaf with the music they experienced.