Course Description

This survey of Western Music History begins with the theoretical concepts and notational systems of the ancient world, continuing with the liturgical and secular vocal music of Medieval and Renaissance Europe. From there we will follow the birth and development of many of the major forms and genres of Western art music, including opera, oratorio, cantata, sonata and concerto. The primary goals of this course are to gain familiarity with repertoire, to understand historical changes in musical aesthetics and style, and to acquire facility in writing about music.