Introduction to Musical Paragraphs (02:35)

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Maestro George Marriner Maull compares paragraphs in storytelling to sections of related musical ideas in compositions.

Musical Paragraph Listening Exercise (03:27)

Maestro Maull plays Thelonius Monk's "Ruby, My Dear" and pauses between each section. Viewers should assign each section a letter beginning with A; repeated sections receive the same letter designation.

"Ruby, My Dear" (02:31)

The Dan Crisci Quartet plays Thelonious Monk's composition. Listen for sections.

"Kinderszenen" Listening Exercise (03:05)

Maestro Maull plays Schumann's "Scenes from Childhood." Assign letters to each section, or musical paragraph.

Program vs. Abstract Music (04:01)

Musical compositions with a topic or idea are called program music, including music with words. Abstract music compositions convey emotion and thought, but no story. Maestro Maull plays a song from Schumann's "Kinderszenen" and asks viewers what scene it suggests. Schumann titled it "Important Event."

"Prelude in D Major" (02:44)

Maestro Maull plays a Bach piece containing three elements and demonstrating contrapuntal texture. An example of abstract music, it conveys a positive mood. Composers can transmit feeling without words.

Value of Abstract Music (01:09)

Maestro Maull interviews people on the street about their opinions on music with or without lyrics.

Hidden Melody Exercise (03:42)

Maestro Maull instructs viewers to identify a popular melody disguised in a classical music composition. Hear the theme and first variation of Mozart's "Variations on Ah vous dirai-je, Maman." Maull urges viewers to be open and flexible listeners.

Credits: Paragraphs Without Words: Episode 6—Fall in Love with Music (01:28)

Credits: Paragraphs Without Words: Episode 6—Fall in Love with Music