Have you ever wondered…
•
Why Gregorian chant is monophonic?
•
Why opera suddenly appeared at the turn of the 17th century? or
•
Why the first “American” symphony was written by a Czech composer?
A (Brief) History of Western Music will answer these and many
other questions in an exploration of how Western Classical Music came to be
the way
it is. This course is geared toward providing an intensive review of this
history for teachers of music at the high school level, but it would also be
suitable for those seeking to expand their understanding of the subject in
general.
The course will trace some of the most important narratives in the diverse
and complex story of music’s development in the West from the Medieval
through the Contemporary eras, paying particular attention to the men and women
who helped to shape them, as well as to the broader social, political, and
cultural contexts in which they lived and worked. This is a story that is
not limited to music alone.
As much as possible, we will base our discussions on the examination of
actual historical sources, including musical scores, historical documents,
and recordings (and possibly even live performances!). Participants in the
course
will be expected to read and listen critically to these sources
and to share their ideas and experiences with them. Participants will also
learn to identify and use some of the most important sources of information
we have
about Western Classical
Music, including useful reference and Internet-based materials, which they
will be able to bring to their own classes.
We will cover a lot of ground in a very short amount of time. Seatbelts are
optional — but recommended!
Instructor: Peter K. Marsh, lecturer in music, Lawrence University