Naomi Wilkinson and her friend Ludwig van Offbeaten explore the history of western classical music in 7 episodes.
The videos
1. Medieval and Renaissance music. video
Naomi and Ludwig begin their exploration of music in the Medieval and Renaissance eras.
2. The Baroque period. video
Naomi and Ludwig consider the Baroque period, dominated by composers JS Bach, Vivaldi and Handel.
3. The Classical period. video
Naomi and Ludwig explore the Classical period, with its emphasis on elegance, balance and beauty.
4. The Romantic era. video
Dance, drama and emotion are the focus of this episode with Naomi and Ludwig exploring the Romantic era.
5. Nationalistic music. video
Naomi and Ludwig explore Nationalistic music, featuring composers Mussorgsky, Grażyna Bacewicz and Dvořák.
6. 20th Century music. video
Naomi and Ludwig consider C20th Century music, including composers Florence Price and Shostakovich.
7. The Contemporary period. video
In the final episode Naomi and Ludwig consider the music that is being written today.
The History of Music with Naomi and Ludwig
Naomi Wilkinson and her friend Ludwig van Offbeaten explore the history of western classical music in 7 episodes, beginning in the Medieval period and ending at the present day.
Their musical journey includes many of the great composers - Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, etc - but also some less familiar names including Clara Schumann, Joseph Bologne and Florence Price.
Many of the musical works included can be explored in more depth in our Ten Pieces pages. Many also feature in the for Key Stages 1 and 2.
On each video page you will find a guide to the content and also a range of follow-up activities that will help pupils to form a broad understanding of the development of western classical music.
All of Naomi and Ludwig’s young performers appear by arrangement with Bristol Youth Orchestra (conductor - Tim Harrison), Bristol Youth Choir (conductor - David Ogden) and Bristol Pre-Conservatoire (director - Jonathan James).