Music Notes
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Music is a central aspect of the novel
Characters are defined by their musical
preferences and driven by their love of music
Think of some examples.
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A formal style of music often orchestrated for
courts and churches
There are 3 distinct periods
Became increasingly complex, soft , loud, slow, fast,
high, low
Handel
Bach
Characterised by the symphony
 Orderly, clear, balanced,
 Appealing to intellect not senses
Mozart
Haydn
Vague period not easily defined
Liszt
Wagner
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Beethoven bridges the gap between Classical
and Romantic
Became deaf, experienced isolation like Keller
Music full of powerful feelings and emotions
What music does Keller choose for Paul to play in
Adelaide and why?
What music did Keller love before his personal
tragedy?
See page 139
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Why does Keller have to be led away from the
outdoor concert after hearing Wagner?
What music does Paul overhear Keller singing
and playing ?
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And how is he playing it?
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See page 73
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Keller’s wife Mathilde was an Opera Singer
who specialised in Wagner.
Wagner was Hitler’s favourite composer.
Keller was playing for Hitler when his wife and
child were taken away.
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Child musical genius, died in his thirties.
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How is he described on page 144?
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Paul uses this line to impress Rosie on page 163
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Paul considers playing Mozart at Keller’s
death.
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How does Keller describe Bach on page 27?
Why does Keller ask Paul to play the
children’s Bach?
What does Paul learn about music, himself and
the maestro on page 71?
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Which composer does Keller make a joke about
on page 64?
What is the name of this kind of humour?
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Polish, lived in exile.
His music reflected his homesickness and
nostalgia.
How does Paul react when Keller stops him
from showing off his ability? Pages 12 &13
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When Paul tells Keller that Rachmaninoff is
‘so beautiful’, what is Keller’s warning? P. 50
Chuck Berry
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How does Paul feel about playing this music?
Page 91
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Recorded background music for elevators, and
shopping centres.
At what stage of the novel does Paul object to
this music being played?
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Intermezzo
Short piece of music or drama between acts of
an opera or dramatic production (provides a
break)
What new developments occur in Paul’s life in
‘Intermezzo’?
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Rubato
Method to make music more dramatic by
changing tempo of right hand.
What ways is it mentioned in the novel?
(Consider in terms of both Paul and Keller.)
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Libretto
Book of words that goes with music of an
opera.
What else does libretto describe in Keller’s
world?