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DESCRIPTION AND EXPLANATION
In 1928, Copland composed his first chamberwork, Vitebsk. Inspired by Carlos Chavez's use of Mexican folk music, Copland began investigating his own heritage, composing variations on traditional Jewish folk songs. Copland's composition of Vitebsk was further influenced by Polish-Jewish author S. Ansky's lyrical fantasy play The Dybbuk. During this time, Copland viewed Chagall's paintings and was particularly drawn to The Green Violinist. Whether or not Copland's piece was directly influenced by the painting, The Green Violinist visually describes Vitebsk's energy as well as its interest in village life.


MARC CHAGALL
The Green Violinist, 1918, oil on canvas
Marc Chagall (1887-85) was a Russian-born painter and designer. His surrealistic inventiveness renders him one of the most significant 20th century painters and graphic artists. His numerous works combine humor, recollection, folklore, and fantasy in order to vividly represent Russian-Jewish village scenes. Chagall painted The Green Violinist in 1918.

 


QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Elementary and Intermediate
  • Surrealism is a style that uses dreams, fantasies, and the imagination to create works of art. Looking at The Green Violinist, what visual elements make it surreal or dream-like?
  • Can music be surreal? If so, what does surreal music sound like?
  • When listening to Copland's music, what visual images come to mind?
  • Folk art reflects one's cultural traditions. It is handed down from generation to generation and involves little formal training. How are Copland and Chagall's pieces folk art?

High School
  • What could the backdrop to The Green Violinist signify? In other words, does it simply describe the subject's environment or does it express something more?
  • How does Copland's music correspond to Chagall's painting? What musical piece or kind of musical piece better accompanies The Green Violinst?
  • How does Chagall's style of painting relate to Copland's musical style?
  • What aspects of the Jewish identity do Copland and Chagall express in their respective pieces?

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