M8U2 The universal languageM8U2 The universal language

Something that is universal affects or relates to everyone or every part of the world or the universe.

What is typically Chinese in terms of music?

the Peking Opera Chinese folk songs( 民歌 ) The melody of Jasmine is included and re

peatedly used in the opera.

Music is a universal language.Music is a universal language.

M8U2 The universal languageM8U2 The universal language

Reading Turandot in Beijing

What is Turandot? Turandot is an opera that tells the story

of a stubborn and cruel Chinese princess, named Turandot, who lives in the Forbidden city.

A r_____ A r_____ of an operaof an opera

reviewreview

Reading Turandot in Beijing

What is a review?

A review is a report or an essay giving some information as well as some opinions or ideas about a book, a performance, a painting or something similar.

As a As a reviewreview of an opera of an opera

What is included in the review?

Reading Turandot in Beijing

How is a review of an opera usually organized?

Reading strategy:Reading a review of an opera

It usually starts with some________________________.background informationbackground information

It goes on to__________________.talk about the storytalk about the story

Then it gives some other important information such as___________________.the actors’ namesthe actors’ names

Finally it gives an____________. It may include lots of lots of words______________________________________ . words______________________________________ .

commentcommentthat describe feelingsthat describe feelings

•the background information of the opera

•the brief description of the story

•other information about the performance

•the writer’s comments/evaluation

•the brief description of the story

•the background information of the opera

•other information about the performance

Fast-reading : match paragraphs with related information

para.1-2para.1-2

para. 3-7para. 3-7

para.8para.8

•the writer’s comments para.9para.9

Background information

The author:The author:

The setting:The setting:

an Italian composer Giacomo Puccini

in the Forbidden City in Beijing

(para.1-2)(para.1-2)

Turandot, a world-famous opera written by an Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, was performed in the Forbidden City in Beijing for the first time.

Background information

Why would an Italian composer write about a Chinese story?

He liked East Asia very much and had an interest in the Chinese culture.

Are there any other Chinese elements( 元素 )?

What is the writer’s evaluation( 评价 ) of the setting?

Background information

Other information about the performance

the director: the conductor: the main actors and

actresses:

(para.8)(para.8)

Music is a universal language. What comments does the writer make

on the production?(para8) The production combined the very

best of western and Chinese talents. The production was a c________ of the

western and Chinese c_______.People from the world bring together and

deepen the understanding of each other’s culture via music.

ombinationultures

Music is a universal language. Overall comments/evaluation (para9) wonderful, amazing Turandot is like an oriental( 东方的 ) jasm

ine blossoming( 盛开 ) in the distant west, giving off its unique fragrance of the traditional Chinese culture.

图兰朵宛若一枝东方的茉莉盛开在遥远的西方，散发着中国传统文化的独特幽香。

Let’s explore the story of Turandot

(para.3-7)(para.3-7)

•Main characters of the story•The development of the plot

•The theme of the story

Main characters of the story:

Turandot --- a Chinese princess Turandot --- a Chinese princess

Calaf --- a princeCalaf --- a prince

Liu --- Calaf’s father’s slaveLiu --- Calaf’s father’s slave

The development of the plot

Put the events of the story in the correct order.(Para C2)

The plot of the story (Para.3-7) Beginning

In order to______________, Turandot says that whoever can answer _______________will marry her, or____.

DevelopmentCalaf,another _____, falls _____

__ with Turandot and is determined ___________.

Liu, a young _____ of Calaf’s father, also_____ Calaf.

________________ between Calaf, Liu and Turandot appears in face of audience.

avoid marriage the three riddles die

prince in love

to marry her

slave

loves

A classic love triangle

Climax____ dies for Calaf. Calaf kisses Turandot and her heart grows_____.

EndingCalaf and Turandot ____________ and the whole city _________________________.

Liu

unite in marriage celebrates their happiness

softer

Turandot

Calaf

Liu

love trianglelove triangle

The story takes on

a classic _____________ _____________

falls in love with

solve the riddles

guess his name

expr

esse

s her

love

for

him

CalafCalaf

TurandotTurandotLiuLiudesperate to know

seizes C’s father & Liu

resist telling the namekills herself

Doesn’t want to

get married

The ending:________________________The ending:________________________Unite in marriageUnite in marriage

The plot?The plot?

dies

for

him

Further discussion

What kind of person is Turandot? What contributes to Turandot’s transforma

tion( 转变 )? Calaf’s unconditional love melt( 融化 ) the ic

e in Turandot’s heart.

What is the theme ( 主题 )of the story? How is the theme presented( 表现 )?

Love is an everlasting theme.Calaf→Turandot Turandot →CalafLiu →Calaf

Further discussion

persistent&unconditionalinfluenced & touched

loyal & selfless

It’s love that makes the world go round. And it’s also love that has such power to melt the icy hearts and bring people together.

Love is also a universal language. Let’s learn to share and appreciate it.

Love is a universal language.

Assignment

Write a brief review of the story Turandot.Outline Background information The plot and characters Theme Your comments