Thoughtful Thursdays: Sonnets, Lyrics and Music

Our Thoughtful Thursday sessions in the last two weeks have taken on a different dimension. They have helped us explore the deep-rooted connection between poetry, music, and all art forms. Therefore, we call it a MAP, focusing on Music, Art, and Poetry. The integration of these art forms has brought depth and meaning to the interpretation of the different genres and styles of art. 

When we spoke about poetry inspired by war and connected it to music by songwriters and performers like Bob Dylan, we could clearly see how music became a medium to take poetry to the masses. Lyrical poems have been composed, sung, and passed down through generations in ancient India and many other countries, like the Rhapsodies of Greece, Tanka of Japan, Shijig of China, etc. The folk singers of our country, like the Bauls of Bengal or the Pandavanis of Chattisgarh, create memorable poetry,  set it to music and make an invaluable contribution to Literature. 

Similarly, history proves that great works of art have inspired great poets, giving rise to Classic works like the famous Ode to a Grecian Urn by John Keats and Landscape with the Fall of Icarus by William Carlos William. In fact, Ekphrastic Poetry is a genre of poems written by poets inspired by works of art. This experience probably made Leonardo Da Vinci proclaim, ' Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt and Poetry is Painting that is felt rather than seen".

Brinda Ghosh
Host for Thoughtful Thursday Webinar and Mentor The Teacher's Academy.
With extensive experience in educational leadership, she now serves as the Director of Training at Gyanshree School (formerly the Principal) in Noida. 

How the session unfolded 

📧 Echoes in the Inbox: The Challenge of Engagement

Sandeep Dutt and Brinda Ghosh addressed the concern of low email open rates among teachers, which hover between 7-19%. Recognizing the digital clutter teachers face, they explored ways to enhance engagement, including structured messaging via WhatsApp and Telegram for better accessibility.

📜 The Melody of Poetry: A Journey Through Time

Brinda Ghosh introduced a fresh format blending poetry and music, tracing the roots of lyrical poetry from Greek 🇬🇷, Sanskrit, and Hindi 🇮🇳 Literature. She emphasized the enduring magic of rhythm and rhyme, highlighting the ballad as a timeless lyrical form.

🖋️ Sonnets: A Dance of Words and Rhythm

Brinda Ghosh illuminated the beauty of sonnets, explaining their 14-line structure and iambic pentameter 🎵. The discussion celebrated Shakespeare's mastery 🏰 while acknowledging modern poets like T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound, who embraced free verse. The session also explored Indian lyrical poetry, particularly the Ghazal and Geet 🎤.

🌼 Verse in Bloom: Shakespeare & Wordsworth in Harmony

Through an analysis of Sonnet 18 ("Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"), Brinda Ghosh highlighted themes of eternal love ❤️ and poetic immortality. The discussion then turned to Wordsworth's Daffodils, exploring its song-like quality, rhythmic flow, and evocative imagery.

📖 Lyricism Across Cultures: Dickinson, Ghazals, and Beyond

The lyrical depth of Emily Dickinson's Because I Could Not Stop for Death was examined alongside the rich heritage of Indian poetry. The discussion extended to translations of Indian poems, emphasizing their significance in modern education.

🎵 Harmonizing Words and Notes: The Art of Musical Poetry

Jatin Soni introduced the concept of art songs, where poetry and melody merge seamlessly. Using Franz Schubert's Erlkönig 🎻, he demonstrated how emotion, melody, and storytelling intertwine in music. The role of voice, accompaniment, and animation in enhancing poetic depth was also explored.

🎭 Art, Music, and Poetry: The Fusion of Expression

Brinda Ghosh and Sandeep Dutt emphasized the profound integration of art, music, and poetry in education. They highlighted the irreplaceable human touch in teaching and the value of time ⏳ in fostering creativity. Ethical concerns regarding the misuse of voice data by AI were also discussed.

🔮 Looking Ahead: The Canvas of Thoughtful Exploration

The session concluded with a commitment to further artistic exploration, previewing an upcoming session on art appreciation. The speakers emphasized the interconnectedness of words, music, and art, reinforcing the teacher's role in cultivating holistic artistic sensibility.

🌟 Thoughtful Thursdays continues to be a beacon for educators, illuminating the path where Literature, melody, and creativity converge. 🎶✨

We invite you to share your thoughts, reflections, or poetry in the comments below. Let's celebrate the beauty of words, music, and art together! ✨📜🎶

Manisha Khanna
GSA Ambassador