Course Notes from Music Appreciation Courses
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A Beginner’s Guide to Classical Music
Interested in classical music but don’t know how to start? This course provides a framework for understanding classical music, examining the major periods of music history, the music of the great composers, and the main classical genres.
Eight Great Composers
What makes a composer ‘great’? Explore the lives and music of eight of the greatest composers of classical music. We examine biographical details, historical background, musical style and the great works Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, Wagner, Tchaikovsky, Mahler, and Ravel.
Another Eight Great Composers
What is it about the music of some composers that continues to appeal to us? In this course we look at Handel, Haydn, Schubert, Chopin, Brahms, Puccini, Vaughan Williams and George Gershwin – eight more of the greatest composers of classical music.
Eight More Great Composers
Why is the music of some composers so wonderful? We examine the lives and music of eight more composers: Vivaldi, Mendelssohn, Dvořák, Verdi, Rakhmaninov, Elgar, Stravinsky and Shostakovich.
A History of Classical Music
This course explores the history of Western music, from medieval times to the 21st century, by linking musical examples to the art and society of their times. Whether you are a long-term listener or a classical beginner, this course will provide a framework for understanding the music you love.
A Beginner’s Guide to Opera
This course provides a guide to the appreciation and enjoyment of opera for the beginner, as well as a deeper exploration of the history and elements of opera for the more experienced listener. We explore the history, forms and structures of opera, considering the work of composers such as Mozart, Wagner, Verdi and Puccini.
Classical Genres
Ever wondered what a symphony actually is? Can’t tell a suite from a sonata? This course is designed for classical music beginners who want to better appreciate the music they listen to. We will explore the symphony, concerto, sonata, suite, opera, oratorio and others.
A Beginner’s Guide to the Orchestra
The sound of a great symphony orchestra in full flight is one of the most thrilling sounds in music. Explore the instruments of the orchestra and the variety of sounds they can achieve, and examine the growth and development of the symphony orchestra.
How Music Works: A Beginner’s Guide
What does ‘A major’ actually mean? What is harmony, and how does it work? Designed for absolute beginners, and taught in a practical and down-to-earth way, this course explores and demystifies the inner workings of music.
The Genius of J. S. Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach has influenced perhaps more composers than any other figure in classical music. But he lived a quiet life, surrounded by the family he loved, and little-known in greater musical circles. Explore the life and music of this great composer.
The Magnificent Handel
Handel is best-known for his choral music, particularly Messiah. But in his own time Handel was known as a German who wrote Italian operas for English audiences. This study day examines the whole range of Handel’s music, as well as the highs and lows of his life and career.
Mozart
Mozart’s life is a fascinating tale, from his beginnings as a true child prodigy, through to career challenges and triumphs, and fame and (sometimes) fortune. In this course we will examine the life and music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
The Legend of Beethoven
For over two hundred years, Beethoven’s music has spoken to us like no other composer. He took the conventions of the classical period and formed them into the beginnings of Romanticism in music. Explore the tragic and inspiring life and music of this great composer.
The Life and Music of Chopin
Perhaps no other composer is so closely associated with the piano as Chopin. His too-short life had its own drama and turmoil. This course explores the life and music of Chopin, delving into the story of his life, and listening to some of his greatest works.
The Unknown Liszt
A flamboyant virtuoso, a lady’s man, a champion of innovation, a pop star, a generous patron, and a catholic acolyte: Franz Liszt was all of these and more during his long and varied career. His music ranges from astonishing technical brilliance to deep emotional yearning. Explore the life and works of Liszt.
Romantic Brahms
From his beginnings as a tavern piano player to his final appearance receiving ovations after every piece, Brahms was a man of contrasts. The unique beauty of his music can be grand and stirring, intimate and expressive, or bold and vibrant. This course examines the life and works of Brahms.
Tchaikovsky: Turmoil and Triumph
Tchaikovsky created some of the most well-loved music of the classical repertoire, yet the composer was haunted by self-criticism and the criticism of others all his life. We explore the troubled life of this great composer and the passionate, intense music which came from his struggle.
What is it about Mahler?
Mahler’s rich and inspiring music has moved the emotions of millions of admirers, and doesn’t have to be difficult to explore. This course opens up the life and music of Mahler: a composer who formed a bridge between the lush Romanticism of the 19th century and the innovation of the twentieth.
The Great Puccini
Puccini’s operas are performed more often than any other composer’s, and loved by millions of listeners worldwide. Puccini lived a life that occasionally matched the drama and scandal of his opera plots. We examine the life and music of Puccini, and discover how he moves us so deeply, and the musical techniques he employed.
The Joy of Choral Music
Choral music has always thrilled and inspired us. This course provides a guide to understanding and enjoying Western choral music, with a look at its history and its most common forms, including the Mass, the Requiem, the oratorio and the cantata.
The Piano
Some of the most famous classical music of all time has been written for the piano. Explore the development of the piano, considering its forerunners in the organ and the harpsichord, through to the instrument we know and love today. Explore some of the wonderful compositions for the piano, and the composers who helped to find the instrument’s voice.
Understanding Chamber Music
Chamber music combines the wealth and richness of classical music with the intimacy of being able to see what each performer is playing. We explore the structures and development of chamber music, and the great composers who contributed to it.
Understanding the Symphony
Learning more about symphonies can deepen your enjoymen, and give you an understanding of what to listen for, and how to get more out of your listening to symphonies. We will explore the structure, history and development of the symphony, and its great composers.
Understanding the Concerto
What is a concerto? Enrich and deepen your understanding of concertos, by exploring the structures, history and development of the genre, with music of Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Tchaikovsky and others.
Music of the Baroque Period
The Baroque period has given us some of the most dramatic and beautiful compositions of music history. Unravel the rich complexity of Baroque music, learn what makes Baroque music sound Baroque, and what the great composers were striving to achieve.
Music of the Classical Period
Eighteenth century composers believed that music should be appreciated by all, regardless of class or education: little wonder then that the music is so popular! This course examines the music of the classical period, its structures, its historical context, and its principal composers.
Music of the Romantic Period
Composers in nineteenth century Europe wrote some of the most beautiful and dramatic of all classical music. Examining the music of the Romantic period in its historical context, including the works of composers such as Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky.
Music of the Impressionist Period
This course explores the period from around 1880 to 1920, sometimes described as Impressionism, which elicited some of the most beautiful and bewitching compositions of western music history. Discover the exotic and rich sounds of Sibelius, Elgar, Mahler, Debussy, Ravel and others, in their historical and social context.“I always like your course outlines and notes. I have kept them all and refer to them regularly to refresh my knowledge and especially for recommended pieces of music”
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