Six Seminal Compositions

Throughout musical history compositions have been written that had remarkable consequences for the face of music making. These seminal works not only allowed subsequent composers to break new ground and explore different ways of communicating with their audience, but often took music in a totally different direction. This series delves into 6 of these pieces and looks at the impact they made on both composers and audiences.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face to Face

COURSE OUTLINE

• Machaut - Messe de nostra dame c 1365: This Mass composed by French poet and composer Guillaume de Machaut is considered a masterpiece of both medieval music and of all religious music. It is thought to be the earliest complete setting of the Ordinary of the Mass written by a single composer.
• Monteverdi - L’Orfeo 1607: Although actually the third opera ever written, L’Orfeo is usually considered the first ‘real’ opera. With the librettist Stringgio, Monteverdi’s musical drama is as awe inspiring today as it was 400 years ago.
• Mozart - Sinfonia Concertante in Eb: Mozart never mentions this work, so we know nothing of its origins, but we do know it is the greatest music he wrote while in Salzburg. Written exquisitely for both instruments, it is considered the most successful combination of both the symphony and the concerto.
• Beethoven - Symphony No 3.1803/4: The Eroica, as it its known, marks the beginning of Beethoven’s creative middle period. This historically significant landmark piece shocked audiences when it was first heard as it breaks away from the boundaries of the Classical eras, moving ever closer to the Romantic period.
• Debussy - Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun 1894: This symphonic poem is regarded as a turning point in the history of music with the score being seen as the beginning of modern music. Although often referred to as an impressionistic work, Debussy was actually inspired by another movement; the symbolists.
• Stravinsky - The Rite of Spring 1913: This Ballet, written for Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes in Paris with original choreography by Nijinsky, caused a rear riot when first performed. It boldly rejected the harmonies and rhythms of traditional compositions and led the way for many other movements throughout the 20th century.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

1. Identify these 6 works
2. Be able to explain their historical significance
3. Identify specific characteristics in each