A gypsy violinist stops to wink at a child as she sidles down the aisle and plays her way onto the stage, where a cimbalom and double bass accompany her mournful tune. Then suddenly the music changes into a fast Czardas, dancing and whirling into a final burst of applause.

It is not exactly classical music, explains Monique as she dusts off her violin, but without this exciting folk music, many of our favorite classical pieces would not exist. Dvorak, Brahms, Smetana, and even Mozart were inspired by the folk rhythms and melodies they heard in countryside villages. When was this music played? At celebrations such as weddings, where everyone danced and had a good time. And where did people celebrate? In their barns! And that’s where we have to look to find the roots of many a foot-tapping classical masterpiece.

Beginning with Brahms Hungarian Dances and on through Smetana and Dvorak, Monique extracts the folk elements and lets the audience clap the rhythms and sing the tunes.

Authentic folk songs and folk music is interspersed throughout, giving this program an exotic flair.
 

Repertoire

Vittorio Monti: Czardas for Violin, Cimbalon, and Bass
Johannes Brahms: Hungarian Dance No. 4 in f-minor for Piano four hands. (with young soloists).

Johannes Brahms: Hungarian Dance No. 4 in f-minor for Orchestra (arr. Paul Juon)
Antonin Dvorak: Slavonic Dance Op. 72 No. 7 in C Major
Antonin Dvorak: III. Allegretto grazioso. Molto vivace. from Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88

Henryk Wieniawski: Polonaise in D, Op. 4 for Violin and Orchestra

Bedrich Smetana: "Polka" from „Bartered Bride“

Instrumentation

Full Orchestra. [3.2.2.2] [4.3.2.1] Percussion (2), Timpani, Strings.

This program is also available for piano trio.

Interactive Elements

• Bohemian dance rhythms are played on self-made instruments or clapped together with the orchestra.
• Popular folk songs are sung by audience and performed with the orchestra.
• Children get to come on stage and perform bohemian folk music with orchestra musicians.

Download

Download the music to "Schneider Kakadu" here (PDF; 519 kb) so you can sing and play along with the orchestra at the concert!

For information regarding preparatory materials for teachers, school workshops, or activities before or after the concert, please contact Klassik for Kids at info@klassik-for-kids.de