HUAS78047 - Revolution or Evolution? Musical History Seen Through Style

Course Description

How do you get from Palestrina to Bach? From Haydn to Schumann? From Mahler to Minimalism? From the fervent mnemonic device of monastic chant to the multimedia extravaganzas of the 21st century, this course traces a narrative of music history by examining the stylistic elements that each generation chooses to discard, retain, extend- or introduce. We will ponder why Beethoven's longest symphony is only as long as Mahler's shortest. Why Handel's operas come with 40 arias, but Puccini stopped at five or six. Why Gould is considered an eccentric pianist and Horowitz considered a romantic (when objective listening suggests otherwise). We will also discuss some Before and After views of musical culture: From piano music as an amateur tradition to a virtuoso realm after Beethoven. From opera as a popular form to an elite one. From new music as a source of excitement to one of trepidation. Featuring: listening, live performance, and in-class analysis.