Friday, October 14, 1 PM
For next week’s Watch & Wonder Highlight, we’re thrilled to feature the film The Violin Alone. After watching, dive deeper with resources about the importance of descriptive score and the power of performance, as well as historical influences on music today and yesterday, on PBS LearningMedia.
The unlikely pairing of two modern visionaries, Vilmos Oláh, a Hungarian violin virtuoso, and Eric Funk, contemporary classical composer from the heart of Montana, has resulted in a new piece of music that pushes the boundaries of music and our notion of the possible. “Vili: Concerto for Violin Alone” is an extreme concerto in which its player must simultaneously play the solo and orchestra parts.
PBS LearningMedia
The Violin Alone Collection
Grades 9-12
The unlikely pairing of two extraordinary artists, Vilmos Olah, a Hungarian born violin virtuoso, and Eric Funk, a Montana born composer, has resulted in a new piece of music unlike anything written before, that pushes the boundary of classical music and our notion of “the possible”. Vili: Concerto for Violin Alone, Op 109 redefines what music can be. Written on two staves, the top line the solo part, and the bottom line the orchestra part, Olah has to perform both parts simultaneously. He is the soloist AND the orchestra.
In school or at home, take advantage of the Watch & Wonder broadcast schedule. Running each weekday from 1-3 PM, Watch & Wonder is great for classroom viewing, distance instruction, and families looking to spend some extra, quality time together. Featured programs are ideal for kids in grades 6-12, encouraging creativity with the arts, kick starting innovation through STEM, and expanding their horizons with stories from across the globe!
Each week, we’ll highlight a show from our Watch & Wonder block, and share a PBS LearningMedia resource — suitable for middle and high school students. Follow along on the Watch & Wonder Schedule page, or subscribe to our newsletter!