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This worksheet contains questions about the musical excerpts from The Nightingale. Listen to the audio clips on this page and respond to the following questions. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

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The narrator introduces the proud young emperor of China. As you listen to music, what do you picture or envision the emperor doing? Describe his clothes and his home as you envision them.
At this point in the story, the emperor just told his courtiers that they must find the nightingale by sunset. If they fail, the punishment will be severe. What do you think is happening during this section of the music?
This is the song of the nightingale. As you listen to it, write down the way the music makes you feel. (This does not have to be done in full sentences. Your emotions may change quickly.)
The music changes slightly during this section. Do you think something positive or negative is about to happen in the story?
This is the song of the mechanical nightingale given as a gift to the emperor. As you listen to the song of the new nightingale, what do you hear in addition to the music?
In this clip, you will hear a concert featuring both nightingales. Can you tell the difference between the two nightingales? How?
As you listen to the song of the mechanical nightingale, what do you think is happening to the "bird?" Why?


This music depicts the "wind of death," how do you envision the image of this wind? Write a short description or draw a picture.
As you listen to the battle between the "wind of death" and the nightingale, how can you distinguish between the two voices? Can you tell who is winning the battle? How?
The nightingale takes the voice of a human to speak to the emperor. What is her wish? How does she feel about the emperor? What is her state of mind? Does the emperor grant her wish? How do you know?


ESSAY QUESTION

The mechanical nightingale is a gift to the emperor of China from the emperor of Japan. It is decorated with with fine jewels and metals. However, the Japanese emperor included a note with the gift that said the mechanical nightingale was "far poorer" than the real bird. Explain what you think the emperor of Japan meant by this statement. How can a bird covered in jewels be poor compared to a plain wild bird? Do you agree with the emperor of Japan?

 


This handout may be printed and distributed for personal or classroom use only. Copyright 2003, ARTSEDGE and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.