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Merit Badge Chit Chat:  Music Badge  |
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debbieklann
Sharpshooter/Schoolmarm
841 Posts
Debbie
Madras
OR
USA
841 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 30 2026 : 2:40:25 PM
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I have been working on badges this winter. For the music badge, we need to research and compare a classical composer and a musician from the past century. I chose Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Sir Elton John, namely because I love both of their music and I wondered what, if any, they would have in common!
Tchaikovsky was born in western Russian in 1840 and John in London in 1947, almost a 100 years apart. Both learned to play piano at an early age. Tchaikovsky took private piano lessons and had a high sense of melody. He joined the St. Petersburg Conservatory in 1862 and studied composition. He graduated in 4 years and became a teacher of harmony at the Moscow Conservatory and taught there until 1878. After this, he concentrated on composing.
John learned to play early, as well, and won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London. He showed great musical aptitude and ability to compose melodies.
Tchaikovsky's first operas were unsuccessful, as were John's first songwriting attempts, both being known to throw away scores of music. After Romeo and Juliet and John's first album in 1969, their careers began to take off. Both were successful in the theater and toured extensively in Europe and the US.
Tchaikovsky greatly admired Mozart and Mendelssohn and John, Chopin and Bach. Both were songwriters and pianists. Both struggled with their own personal demons. Tchaikovsky was a moody character, shy and nervous. His cause of death is unknown.
John is 79 today and is one of the best selling music artists of all time, selling over 300 million records.
Debbie Klann
Farmgirl Sister #770
2018 Farmgirl of the Year
"Well behaved women seldom make history"....Laurel Thatcher Ulrich |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
8369 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
8369 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2026 : 2:44:31 PM
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Way to do Debbie on finishing another badge! Thank you for sharing this neat information with us.
Krista
Farmgirl Sister #528
Farmgirl Of The Year 2025 |
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nndairy
True Blue Farmgirl
3732 Posts
Heather
Wapakoneta
Ohio
USA
3732 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2026 : 11:01:31 AM
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I'm surprised that they have so much in common! Interesting pair LOL! Great job finishing another badge :)
~Heather
“I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” — George Washington
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Tchr66
True Blue Farmgirl
543 Posts
Terri
Clarington
Ohio
USA
543 Posts |
Posted - May 22 2026 : 09:40:10 AM
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I have been working on the Make It Easy, Music, Intermediate level badge.
I chose to research the Composer: Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741). In class while researching various genres for the elementary level for this merit badge, my students and I discovered Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons. We enjoyed this. Vivaldi was the son of a professional violinist. His dad taught him to play at a young age. Then, he became an ordained priest. He could not conduct mass due to physical conditions so he returned to his love of music. Music served him for many years. However, he died a poor man whose funeral had no music. We then listened to some more current classical pieces.
I stumbled across Samy Moussa: Concerto for trombone and orchestra “Yericho”1. It is a short piece, less than 39 minutes. The soloist, Jörgen van Rijen, trombone was wonderful to listen and watch. He is an awesome musician. He is currently playing around the world. He is working to bring more attention to the trombone.
Both artists want the world to experience their music. Their music is dynamic. I had anticipated finding more differences than I have discovered.
As my students and I explored some current classical works, a couple pieces we explored were different from anything I had ever experienced. The composers employed the element of silence in a way that was uncomfortable to us all. I am certain, had we been willing to listen with a more open mind in a different setting, even the silence could have been refreshing.
I was beginning to wonder what our composers were doing this century. Then, I turned to current musicals. Some I truly enjoyed while others were not my cupo’ tea. This is the way music has been since the beginning of time. There is something for everyone if we are willing to explore various sources.
Jörgen van Rijen, trombone Samy Moussa: Concerto for trombone and orchestra “Yericho”
Jukka-Pekka Saraste, conductor
Jörgen van Rijen, trombone
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord
Joshua 24:15
Farm Girl #8042 |
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Merit Badge Chit Chat: Music Badge |
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Music Badge
