The Creative Corner
by Linda Kastner, [email protected]
The Fifth Symphony, with its “da-da-da-daaaa” beginning, is one of the world’s most famous pieces of music. Beethoven took these simple tones and rhythms and built the entire first movement around them. It has also been suggested that these four notes represent the sound of Fate knocking at the door. But whatever Beethoven meant when he composed his famous da-da-da-daaaa”, that little rhythm has stuck in our hearts and souls for over 200 years.
Let’s translate “da-da-da-daaaa” to rhythm in art - one of the most important
design principles. These exercises were done by Middle School students after attending the wonderful Beethoven workshop performed by Dennis Kobray as part of the Arts-in-Education program at MDS.
What is Rhythm in Art?
Rhythm in art is a visual beat. It is a combination of shapes that are repeated so that in the end it
suggests motion. It means that your eye does not go to one place and stay there. Rhythm keeps your eye moving from place to place.
Why is Rhythm in Art important? Rhythm in Art gives a picture life. It is an important element to use to enliven the human spirit. The same way rhythm in music enlivens a song, rhythm in art
enlivens whatever you are looking at. Architecture can have rhythmic elements, fashion can have rhythm, pottery can have rhythm - just start to look around!!!
How did we make Rhythm in Art? Students took ONE shape of their choice and traced around it. They did this THREE times for the DA DA DA in Beethoven’s Fifth. Then they picked another shape for the DAAAAAA , the fourth note and traced that once. They then continued to repeat the sequence so the pattern that they made became rhythm, reflecting the sounds of the opening to the Fifth. Tempera paint was used for color.