Historical Perspectives on Music, Culture and Society

What is music history? Is music history shaped by composers and scores, or by the cultural conditions which demanded and/or enabled musical performances? Why are there so few women composers in history books? Which roles and functions did music play in people's lives? Is music history relevant to today's music performance? Why do we study music history?

This course will engage students with these and other questions and provide an introduction to central characteristics of music development and role in Western culture, from the Middle Ages to 1900. In addition to a general review of music history and selected repertory, the course allows in-depth study in a selection of topics from various perspectives (analytical, historical, performance practice and present-day relevance) that encourage references and connections across time and genres.

Knowledge:

An examinee with a completed qualification in MUSV1031

• Has general understanding of the most important developments in Western music from the Middle Ages until today
• Has knowledge of selected musical examples from different periods in music history
• Has in-depth knowledge and understanding of selected works/genres/styles/performance practices in their historical, social and cultural contexts.
• Has basic knowledge of relevant sources and notational techniques from different periods and geographical locations
• Is able to make connections between repertories and periods
• Has critical awareness about the problems associated with writing about music and music historiography
• Has knowledge about practical issues connected with today's reconstruction, interpretation and performance of music of the past

Skills:

An examinee with a completed qualification in MUSV1031

• Can describe music from different periods, their aesthetic characteristics and structural features
• Can set and organise personal objectives, and work to briefs and deadlines
• Can work independently
• Can update his/her knowledge within the field of study
• Can express ideas and knowledge in written and oral forms
• Can listen actively so as to be able to participate in and learn from discussions
• Can make connections between what is learnt in class and his/her own practice as musician and music student
• Can apply knowledge, understanding and experience to their own work and/or musical performance

Lectures over 2 semesters (Autumn and Spring). Instruction is obligatory and demands minimum 80% attendance in each semester.

Classes include seminar activities (active listening, quizzes, analysis and score-reading, musicological exercises, individual and group work, student presentations and discussions.