Der Karneval Der Tiere Unterrichtsmaterial

Willkommen! Are you planning a trip to Germany and keen to experience its rich culture? Or perhaps you’re an expat looking to immerse yourself in local traditions? Then you've likely heard of Karneval, also known as Fasching or Fastnacht depending on the region. But have you heard of "Der Karneval der Tiere" (The Carnival of the Animals)? It's not a parade, but a delightful musical journey that's particularly accessible and enjoyable, even if you don't speak a word of German! This guide will help you understand this enchanting work and explore ways to enjoy it, making your German adventure even more memorable.

What is "Der Karneval der Tiere"?

"Der Karneval der Tiere" (The Carnival of the Animals) is a humorous musical suite by the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. Composed in 1886, it's a collection of fourteen movements, each depicting a different animal or group of animals. It's filled with wit, clever musical allusions, and memorable melodies, making it a perfect introduction to classical music for all ages.

Why is it Popular in Germany?

While originally French, "Der Karneval der Tiere" enjoys immense popularity in Germany, particularly as an educational tool in schools and a beloved family concert piece. Its playful nature and easy-to-understand themes make it incredibly appealing to children. Teachers often use it to introduce young learners to classical music, musical instruments, and even animal characteristics. Its popularity during the actual Karneval season is due to its celebratory spirit and focus on fantastical themes.

Understanding the Music: A Movement-by-Movement Guide

Let's explore each movement to appreciate the musical storytelling. Don't worry about understanding complex musical theory; just focus on the imagery and the emotions the music evokes!

Introduction and Royal March of the Lion: A grand and majestic opening featuring powerful brass and strings, depicting the king of the jungle in all his glory.
Hens and Roosters: Clucking and squawking sounds are created by the violins and piano, vividly portraying the barnyard chaos.
Wild Donkeys (Swift Animals): A fast-paced, energetic piece with racing scales and arpeggios, mimicking the frantic gallop of wild donkeys.
Tortoises: A surprisingly slow and deliberate movement, featuring a lumbering melody in the cellos and basses. Saint-Saëns cleverly quotes Offenbach's famous "Can-Can" at a snail's pace!
The Elephant: A heavy and comical waltz, played by the double bass. It's both humorous and endearing, suggesting a clumsy but lovable giant.
Kangaroos: Short, bouncy leaps are represented by staccato notes in the piano, perfectly capturing the kangaroos' hopping gait.
Aquarium: A shimmering and ethereal movement, featuring flute, piano, and strings. It evokes the tranquil beauty of an underwater world, complete with flowing melodies and sparkling textures.
Characters with Long Ears: A series of high-pitched, braying sounds are created by the violins, mimicking the comical calls of donkeys.
The Cuckoo in the Depths of the Woods: A simple and evocative piece featuring the clarinet, which imitates the distinctive call of the cuckoo.
Aviary: Flutes and other wind instruments create a vibrant and chirping soundscape, representing a bustling aviary filled with colorful birds.
Pianists: A humorous interlude where the pianists are portrayed as animals, going through their scales with increasing difficulty. This movement allows the audience to laugh with, and perhaps at, the performers.
Fossils: A collection of musical quotations from Saint-Saëns's own works and other composers. This is a witty and self-deprecating movement, poking fun at musical clichés.
The Swan: The most famous movement, featuring the cello playing a beautiful and melancholic melody. It represents the grace and elegance of a swan gliding across the water. This is often performed separately as a standalone piece.
Finale: A grand and joyful conclusion that brings back themes from previous movements. It's a celebratory culmination of the entire work, leaving the audience with a feeling of happiness and wonder.

Finding Performances in Germany

While "Der Karneval der Tiere" isn't *exclusively* performed during Karneval season, its playful and accessible nature makes it a popular choice for concerts geared towards families and children throughout the year. Here's how to find performances during your stay:

Check local concert halls and opera houses: Websites of venues such as the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, the Konzerthaus Berlin, or the Bavarian State Opera in Munich are excellent starting points. Look for keywords like "Familienkonzert" (family concert), "Kinderkonzert" (children's concert), or "Kammerkonzert" (chamber concert).
Search online event calendars: Websites like Eventbrite, Meetup, and local city websites often list classical music concerts and performances. Use the German translation of "Carnival of the Animals" ("Karneval der Tiere") as your search term.
Ask at the local tourist information center: The tourist information office in your destination city will be able to provide up-to-date information on local events and performances.
Look for announcements in local newspapers and magazines: Check the cultural sections of local publications for concert listings and reviews.
University and Music School events: Universities and music schools often host free or low-cost concerts featuring students and faculty. These are excellent opportunities to experience classical music in a relaxed setting.

Learning Resources Before You Go

To enhance your experience, consider exploring these resources before your trip:

Listen to recordings: There are countless recordings of "Der Karneval der Tiere" available on streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. Familiarizing yourself with the music will make the performance even more enjoyable.
Watch videos online: YouTube features numerous performances of "Der Karneval der Tiere," including animated versions and educational videos. These can provide visual context and deepen your understanding of the music.
Read about Camille Saint-Saëns: Learning about the composer's life and work can provide valuable insights into the context of "Der Karneval der Tiere."
Explore online resources for children: Many websites and educational platforms offer resources for children about "Der Karneval der Tiere," including coloring pages, puzzles, and interactive games. These can be a fun way to introduce the music to young travelers.

How to Enjoy "Der Karneval der Tiere" to the Fullest

Here are some tips to ensure you have a memorable experience:

Relax and let go: Don't worry about understanding every musical nuance. Just allow yourself to be swept away by the music and the imagery it evokes.
Bring children (if you have them): "Der Karneval der Tiere" is a perfect introduction to classical music for children. Its playful nature and animal themes are sure to capture their imaginations.
Read the program notes: Concert programs typically include notes about the music and the composer. These can provide valuable context and enhance your understanding of the performance.
Don't be afraid to ask questions: If you have any questions about the music or the performance, don't hesitate to ask the musicians or the concert staff.
Dress comfortably: While formal attire is not usually required for family concerts, it's always a good idea to dress respectfully.
Arrive early: This will give you time to find your seats, read the program notes, and settle in before the performance begins.
Consider the venue: Select a venue that matches your expectations in terms of atmosphere and audience etiquette. Some performances cater explicitly to families and younger audiences, while others are more formal.

Beyond the Music: Immersing Yourself in German Culture

Attending a performance of "Der Karneval der Tiere" is just one way to immerse yourself in German culture. Here are some other ideas:

Visit a local museum: Germany is home to countless museums showcasing art, history, and culture.
Explore a historic city: Germany's cities are filled with stunning architecture, charming streets, and fascinating historical sites.
Attend a traditional festival: Germany is known for its vibrant festivals, celebrating everything from beer to wine to music.
Sample the local cuisine: German food is hearty and delicious, with regional specialties that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Learn a few basic German phrases: Even knowing a few basic phrases will help you connect with the locals and enhance your travel experience.

"Musik drückt das aus, was nicht gesagt werden kann und worüber zu schweigen unmöglich ist." - Victor Hugo (Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.)

Enjoy your musical journey through "Der Karneval der Tiere" and your exploration of German culture! We hope this guide has inspired you to experience the magic of music and create unforgettable memories during your stay in Germany. Viel Spaß! (Have fun!)