FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC

COURSE OUTLINE

Through performance and discussion this course will introduce basic musical theory concepts, as well as a general survey of the major composers from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Post-Romantic eras of musical history. In addition, the course will examine the highly personal aspect of music; through shared experiences we will try to understand the reasons for music's association with significant life-events. This combination of listening, study, and reflection will lead to a deeper appreciation for the finest of the fine arts.

BASIC CURRICULUM
(By sessions)

1. Introduction; J.S. BACH and the Baroque Era; Invention No. 1; Chorale prelude.
2. Baroque continued; BEETHOVEN; sonata-form; Sonata No. 1; Major scales.
3. Beethoven continued, "Eroica" Symphony; SCHUMANN and the Romantic era; Florestan and Eusebius.
4. SCHUMANN; Carnaval; CHOPIN and the piano; Nocturne in D-Flat; Minor scales.
5. CHOPIN continued; RAVEL, DEBUSSY and others; L'isle joyeuse; Sonatine.
6. A Fun and Entertaining Review!

ROMANTIC PIANO TOUR

COURSE OUTLINE

In addition to the important Austrian/German composers of the late 19th century, Spain, France and Russia produced a wealth of exquisite and historically significant music. This music was influenced by the Post-Romantic tradition, but also had an eye to the future. As well, each of the composers we will study contributed a strong nationalistic element to their music, borrowing from the musical traditions unique to his own country.

BASIC CURRICULUM
(By sessions)

1. Introduction; a general evolution of musical styles of Spain, France, and Russia; brief synopsis of musical development in Europe during the 19th century; "Reflections at City Limits Diner", an imaginary meeting. Enrique Granados and "Goyescas".
2. "Goyescas", continued.Isaac Albeniz; La Vega, Iberia.
3. Background to French musical development; Claude Debussy; La plus que lente, L'isle joyeuse, etc.
4. Maurice Ravel; Valses nobles et sentimentales, La Valse, etc.
5. Music in Russia in the 19th century; Alexander Scriabin: Sonata No. 4; Symphony No. 3; Sergei Rachmaninov.
6. Sergei Rachmaninov; Etudes-Tableaux, preludes, etc. Final Review!

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

COURSE OUTLINE

This course focuses on the early to mid 1800's, a fascinating time in musical history. The cast of characters intermingle in a creative and human web of genius, passion, fear, lust, humility, failure, tragedy, and triumph.

GUIDE

Will Duchon

CAST

Felix Mendelssohn
Frederic Chopin
Clara Wieck (later Schumann)
Robert Schumann
Johannes Brahms

ALSO FEATURING

Hector Berlioz, Franz Liszt, Eugene Delacroix, Albert Dietrich, Louise Japha, Jenny Lind, Josef Joachim, Heinrich Heine, Ferdinand David, Hans von Bulow, Richard Wagner, the lovely St. Pauli Girls, and others.

REQUIREMENTS

A love of music, people, life, and a sense of humor. Also a pencil would be good. Please ask questions, and don't censor your thoughts. It helps to distract and amuse the rest of the class. We will be hearing lots of live and recorded music!

SUGGESTED TEXT

The Lives of The Great Composers, by Harold C. Schonberg (Norton)

ELEMENTS OF MUSIC

COURSE OUTLINE

This course presents the basics of Western Music Theory as an introduction to the understanding of musical form and composition.

BASIC CURRICULUM
(By sessions)

1. Intervals, note identification, clefs, basic rhythmic values.
2. Scales, key signatures, relative/parallel minor, relative/harmonic/melodic/natural minor.
3. Chord structure, chord inversions, and simple chord progressions.
4. Harmonic analysis; structure and form.
5. Rhythmic dictation
6. Melodic dictation.

Listening skills will be developed through keyboard demonstration and examples from the standard repertoire. The objective of this course is to develop a basic understanding of musical structure and language.

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