【文章內(nèi)容簡介】 , the percussive effect of those little hammers means that the pianist, unlike the harpsichordist, can control the dynamics of the sound how softly or loudly each note is struck, hence the name, pianoforte, soft and loud. Now artistically for both posers and performers this was a major turning point. This brand new instrument, capable of producing loud and soft tones, greatly expanded the possibilities for conveying emotion. This capacity for increased expressiveness, in fact, was essential to the Romantic style that dominated 19th century music. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Um, before we get back to the musical impact of this development, I wanna take a look at the social impact that I mentioned earlier. Now, in the late 1 7005 and the earlier 1 800s, the development of the piano coincided with the growth of the middle class in Western Europe. Of course folk music, traditional songs and dances had always been part of everyday life. But as mass production techniques were refined in the 19th century, the price of pianos dropped to the point that a larger proportion of the population could afford to own them. As pianos became more available, they brought classical music, the music which previously had been posed only for the upper classes, into the lives of the middle class people as well. One way in particular that we can see the social impact of this instrument is its role in the lives of women of the time. Previously, it was quite rare for a woman to perform on anything, but maybe a harp or maybe she sang. But suddenly in the 19th century it became quite acceptable, even, to some extent, almost expected for a middleclass European woman to be able to play the piano, partly because among uppermiddle class women it was a sign of refinement. But it was also an excellent way for some women to earn money by giving piano lessons. And some women, those few who had exceptional talent and the opportunity to develop it, their lives were dramatically affected. Later we’ll be listening to works by a poser named Robert Schumann. But let’s now talk about his wife Clara Schumann. Clara Schumann was born in Germany in 1819. She grew up surrounded by pianos. Her father sold pianos and both her parents were respected piano teachers. She learned to play the instrument when she was a small child and gave her first public recital at age 9. Clara grew up to bee a wellknown and respected piano virtuoso, a performer of extraordinary skill who not only gave concerts across Europe, but also was one of the first important female posers for the instrument. Conversation 2Narrator: Listen to a conversation between a professor and a student.Professor: Jeff, I’m glad you drop by. I’ve been meaning to congratulate you on the class leadership award. Student: Thanks professor Bronson, I was really happy to get it and a little surprised. I mean, there were so many other people nominated. Professor: Well, I know the award was well deserved. Now, what can I do for you today? Student: I needed to talk to you about the medieval history test you know, the one scheduled for Friday afternoon. Professor: Yes? Student: Well, there is this trip that my French class is taking. We are going to Montreal for the weekend. Professor: Montreal? That’s my favorite city. What’ll you be seeing there? Student: I’m not sure yet. Well, the reason, the main reason I wanted to go is that we’ll be rooming with French speaking students there, you know, so we can get a chance to use our French to actually talk with real French speakers. Professor: It sounds like a good opportunity. But then, there is that test. Student: Yeah... but.. well, the thing is the bus leaves right in the middle of when our history class meets this Friday. So, well, I was thinking maybe I could take the test on a different day like Monday morning during your office hours? Professor: Eh...Monday morning...um...that would not be...oh wait, let me just see one thing. Aha, okay. That’s what I thought. So, for your class, I was planning a takehome exam so you could just take the test along with you. Let’s see, I guess you could e to class Friday just to pick up the test. That way you’d still make your bus, and then find some quiet time during your trip to plete it and you can bring it to class Wednesday when I’ll be collecting everyone else’s. Student: Hmm.. . um...during the trip, well, I guess I could. So I should plan to take my books and stuff with me. Professor: You’ll definitely need your class notes. I’m giving you several short essay questions to make you think critically about the points we’ve discussed in class, to state.. .uh state and defend your opinion, analyze the issues, speculate about how things might have turned out differently. So, you see, I don’t care if you look updates and that kind of thing. What I want is for you to synthesize informatio