Carol of the Day
If there is one Christmas carol that has been recorded so many times, it's the song "Silent Night." This touching carol was originally written in German and then translated to English. The tune of this carol has been kept similar to the original music composed by Franz Gruber.
Composer of the Day
Giacomo Meyerbeer was a composer of the Romantic period known for the "grand operas." A grand opera refers to the type of opera which emerged in Paris during the 19th century. It's an opera of a larger scale, from the flamboyant costumes to the choruses, it also includes ballet. An example of this type is Robert le Diable (Robert the Devil) by Giacomo Meyerbeer.
Today in Music History
On this day in 1908, composer Olivier Messiaen was born in Avignon, France. Messiaen was a French composer, educator and organist of the 20th century whose works influenced other notable names in music like Pierre Boulez and Karlheinz Stockhausen. Among his major compositions are "Quatuor pour la fin du temps," "Saint Francois d' Assise" and "Turangalîla-Symphonie."
Suggested Stocking Stuffer
LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table - Compare Prices - This toy was also included in our 2007 gift guide and this year it makes a comeback; understandably so. Your little one 6 months and up will have hours of fun and learning with this interactive activity table filled with music, lights and tactile discoveries. Introduce your baby to instruments and more than 40 songs while develeping motor skills. This is one of those toys that grows with your child; has attachable legs, switches from English to Spanish, teaches colors, counting, shapes and more.
Inside the Music Education Blogosphere
Over at Musiced Magic, blogger and website owner Chad Criswell talks about the YouTube Symphony that is attracting musicians from around the world.
