It begins with chant and early secular songs of chivalry. The course traces the development of Western attitudes toward polyphony, notation, performance, and compositional techniques. Cultural history is an important subtheme, and we sample works associated with medieval castles and churches as well as Renaissance courts and controversies involving religions. Studies conclude with Baroque repertoire, culminating in the music of Handel and Bach. No musical background necessary.
Assignments consist of readings and listening to prepared cassettes.
Rudiments of music will be presented so that students will be able to follow the notation of musical examples. The grade will be determined by two hour exams and a final exam. This course is a logical election for students who want to go on to Music History 346, an historical survey of music from 1750 to the present. Introduction to Elementary Composition. For non-School of Music students only.