Choral Music

Catalog description

The first half of the course will cover the main forms of choral music, sacred and secular, and the most important composers from Handel to Brahms. The second half will include units on music and poetry, and on national styles in music. The final unit will be devoted to contemporary choral music, both "classical" and folk, with some emphasis on choral music around the world. The course will involve a combination of lecture, discussion and listening. Students will be expected to participate frequently in class to explain their reactions to the music we are listening to. Students will also be expected to write several short papers and a term paper. Attendance at concerts of choral music will be arranged. Some facility with music and music notation is helpful but not required; a love of listening to music is most important!