Music History and Literature Faculty
Classical Music History and Literature
Stratis Minakakis‡
Gregory E. Smith ‡
Jazz History
Rick McLaughlin
‡ also College faculty
Music History and Literature
Modernism(s)
Stratis Minakakis, Instructor
Mon 6:00 - 8:00
2 Credits: $1150
Non-Credit: $820
FALL SEMESTER ONLY
The course examines music modernism during the first half of the 20th century as a multi-faceted phenomenon, consisting of several distinct yet interrelated tendencies. Starting with the turn-of-the century precursors of modernism, it covers the first post-tonal period of the Second Viennese School; iconoclastic works by Stravinsky and Bartók; the twelve-tone system; and modernist and experimental movements in America and the European periphery. The course concludes with assessing the impact of various modernist tendencies in the radical developments in music after 1945. Designed to approach the subject from analytical, performance, compositional, and historical perspectives, the course appeals to a wide variety of audiences, including composers, performers, theorists, historians and music lovers with an adequate theoretical background.
Modernism(s) II
Stratis Minakakis, Instructor
Mon 6:00 - 8:00
2 Credits: $1150
Non-Credit: $820
SPRING SEMESTER ONLY
Modernism II is a continuation of ‘Modernism(s)’ offered in the fall semester. The course begins with a survey of experimental pre-World War II composers and continues with the evolution of various early modernist movements after 1945. The primary objective of the course is to introduce technical and aesthetic innovations of 20th century music, focusing on the second half, through score-based analysis. In addition to analysis, course participants are exposed to theoretical models, philosophical texts and secondary sources that provide a broader context of the era and its protagonists. Composers whose work is addressed include Edgar Varèse, Pierre Boulez, Iannis Xenakis, György Ligeti, Eliott Carter, Milton Babbitt and Gerard Grisey.
While the course is conceived as a continuation of ‘Modernism(s)’, it is open to anyone interested in the subject.
The History of Western Music I:
From the 9th through the early 18th Centuries
Gregory E. Smith, Instructor
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
3 Credits: $1725
Non-credit: $1230
FALL SEMESTER ONLY
Note: This course follows the NEC college calendar.
The recorded history of music in Christianized Europe begins with the notation of sacred chant in the 9th century. The development of that repertory over the next several centuries laid the foundations on which the composition of music, sacred and secular, was based for generations to come. We will trace in this class the course of music's development from its long gestation in the bosom of the Church through its phases of courtly and aristocratic patronage, stopping at the Enlightenment. The focus of study will center on the changes of musical style that occurred over time, and on the social-cultural circumstances that engendered those changes. Among the composers to be studied: Perotin, Machaut, Dufay, Josquin, Palestrina, Monteverdi, Lully, Corelli, Bach, and Handel. There will be a mid-term and final exam, and one written critique of an assigned reading.
The History of Western Music II:
From the Enlightenment to Recent Times
Gregory E. Smith, Instructor
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
3 Credits: $1725
Non-credit: $1230
SPRING SEMESTER ONLY
Note: This course follows the NEC college calendar.
Many of the notions we hold today regarding music and its role in society are rooted in ideas that emerged in the Enlightenment of the 18th century. We will begin with a close study of those ideas and the music it fostered, then follow the rise of music to its preeminent role among the arts in the 19th century. Finally, we will explore the alternative paths composers pursued following the rupture with tonality and with conventional views on music at the start of the 20th century. Works from Bach to Babbitt will be included in our survey. There will be a mid-term and final exam, and one written critique of an assigned reading.
Jazz History I
To learn more, or to enroll for this course, please visit the Jazz Studies page.
Jazz History II
To learn more, or to enroll for this course, please visit the Jazz Studies page.
The Art and Soul of Cinema:
An Appreciation of Film Music
Sean Hagon and Dan Schmunk, instructors
Wed 7:30-9:00
1.5 Credits: $TBA
Non-Credit: $TBA
FALL SEMESTER ONLY
This course explains the various functions of music in film and clearly describes the roles of producers, directors and all other roles in cinema and shows how they each relate to the composer and the musical score for a given film. The evolution of film music from 1895 to the present is discussed and examined covering many of the representative film scores, film composers and styles and trends along the journey. Functions of film scoring and the operational aspects of the film music industry are also discussed along with interviews of music editors, orchestrators, film music agents, studio musicians, music copyists, music contractors and others within the business. Composers will be further examined using video and audio excerpts, representative scores, biography and a listing of the composer’s recognizable compositional style. This course is a must for movie goers, composers and film music enthusiasts. This course fulfills the Music History/Literature requirement for Certificate Students.
Experiencing American Popular Music
Sean Hagon, Instructor
Wed 6:00-7:30
1.5 Credits: $TBA
Non-Credit: $TBA
SPRING SEMESTER ONLY
This course is intended to help you think creatively and critically about popular music. We will study the most significant styles of American music in chronological order, beginning with the roots in the 19th century and continuing through the present day. We will explore several recurring themes throughout the course utilizing recordings, film and video examples of:
- The interaction of European American, African American, and Latin American traditions
- The influence of mass media and technology (printing, recording, radio, video, Internet)
- The role of popular music as a symbol of identity (race, class, gender, generation)
The course will enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the music you already know, as well as introduce you to less familiar styles and genres. You will develop critical listening skills and become more informed consumers of popular music. This course fulfills the Music History/Literature requirement for Certificate Students.
2012-05-18
JOHANNES BRAHMS