M8U2 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 repeatedly used in the opera. Music is a universal language. Music is a universal language.

M8U2 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_____ of an opera review 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 review 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 information It goes on to __________________. talk about the story Then it gives some other important information such as___________________. the actors’ names lots of words______________________________________. Finally it gives an____________. It may include lots of words______________________________________. comment that 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 storythe brief description of the story the background information of the operathe background information of the opera other information about the performanceother information about the performance Fast-reading : match paragraphs with related information para.1-2 para. 3-7 para. 3-7 para.8 para.8 the writer’s comments para.9

Background information  The author:  The setting: an Italian composer Giacomo Puccini in the Forbidden City in Beijing (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)

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. ombination ultures

Music is a universal language.  Overall comments/evaluation (para9)  wonderful, amazing  Turandot is like an oriental( 东方的 ) jasmine 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) Main characters of the story The development of the plot The theme of the story

 Main characters of the story: Turandot --- a Chinese princess Calaf --- a prince Calaf --- a prince Liu --- Calaf’s father’s slave Liu --- 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____.  Development Calaf,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_____.  Ending Ending Calaf and Turandot ____________ and the whole city _________________________. Liu unite in marriage celebrates their happiness softer

Turandot Calaf Liu love triangle The story takes on _____________ a classic _____________

falls in love with solve the riddles guess his name expresses her love for him Calaf Turandot Liu desperate to know seizes C’s father & Liu resist telling the name kills herself Doesn’t want to get married The ending:________________________ Unite in marriage The plot? dies for him

Further discussion  What kind of person is Turandot?  What contributes to Turandot ’ s transformation( 转变 )? Calaf ’ s unconditional love melt( 融化 ) the ice 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 → Calaf Liu → Calaf Further discussion persistent&unconditional influenced & 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