Print this page Demystifying 20th Century Classical Music

Twentieth-century classical music often sounds unfamiliar, yet it reflects a period of extraordinary creativity and social change. This course offers an accessible introduction to the music, ideas and historical forces that shaped the century. Through guided listening and discussion, we explore how composers responded to war, politics and new artistic movements, learning how to hear structure, intention and emotion in challenging works. No technical musical knowledge is required—just curiosity and an open ear.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

COURSE OUTLINE

• 1900-1914: The 20th century inherited a musical language ready to collapse with composers writing late Romantic music while others explored new horizons.
• World War I & its Aftermath: How did composers respond to WWI and its aftermath?
• Communism, Fascism and Democracy: How did music change in Communist Russia, Fascist Germany and Democratic America?
• World War II: WWII was the first conflict with mass electronic communication affecting both the soldiers fighting in the war and those on the home front.
• Music during the Cold War: After the war a massive split occurred in the musical world. Some musicians alienated themselves from the concert going communities, writing for small, likeminded audiences. While others continued to write for the general public.
• 1970’s onwards: There has been no overarching title for music in the 20th century, although sometimes called the “Age of Convergence” as composers' pallet of musical ideas with which to work continuously increased.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Identify some of the major concepts of the 20th century
2. Name some of the important composers
3. Explain the changes that occurred in music