This course explores the various radical, rich and revolutionary trends and aesthetic directions of twentieth century European concert music. This study includes concepts, ideas, techniques, compositional materials and analytical principles of the music, as well as contextual perspectives and a historical, chronological survey of the composers and compositions of the modern era.
The objectives of the course are to develop: (1)knowledge of stylistic principles and their development in music of the period, (2) knowledge of principle genres of the period and the vocabulary associated with those genres, (3) an awareness of the historical context in which the music was composed and performed, and (4) to cultivate the ability to define historical issues relating to music and to draw and express informed conclusions regarding those issues.
The course involves a study of the twentieth century masters Schoenberg, Berg, Webern, Debussy and Satie, as well as nationalist composers like Bartok, Stravinsky and Copland, and the flowering of the avant-garde since 1945 in Europe.
Requirements: Attendance is mandatory. Class participation (20%), Homework (20%), Quiz (20%), Final Exam (40%).
