The Cellist of Sarajevo

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Art as Inspiration”

In this activity, students collect and share a piece of art that served or serves as inspiration for a historical figure or group.

In the novel, Albinoni’s Adagio inspires the cellist first, and then the others who hear the piece. Consider art forms or works of art that served as inspiration for someone or some group important in history, and then select one to share with the class.

• First, research how this art or art form was important to the historical figure or group and how the inspiration influenced change.
• Think creatively and representationally to display the art form for others to see.
• In a presentation to the class, describe how this piece has been used to catalyze change.
• Present the art form to your peers, explaining how it inspires, and compare it to the characters’ experiences in the novel.
• Compare your art form to that of the cellist’s music.

Come together as a class to discuss the presentations. What surprised you about the way art and history work together? Which presentations surprised you the most? Why?