Symphonic Works Since Beethoven
Trace the evolution of Western music from the medieval era through the 20th century through a lively mix of piano demonstrations, CD and DVD recordings, lectures, and analysis.
Different elements such as harmony, rhythm, and melody will be explained and examined in representative masterpieces drawn from various eras, genres, and styles including Gregorian chant, Renaissance masses, and works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Frédéric Chopin, Igor Stravinsky and others. Music will be considered in historical context. Music literacy is not required.
Syllabus
Week 1: Berlioz and the program symphony
- Symphonie Fantastique (1830)
- Harold in Italy (with obbligato viola) (1834)
- “Dramatic Symphony” Romeo et Juliette (with chorus) (183
9) - Symphonie Funebre et Triumphale (giant wind band) (1840)
Week 2: Mendelssohn: Reformation, Beethoven Anxiety and Travelogues
- Symphony Nr. 1, 1824
- Symphony Nr. 2, “Lobegesang”, 1840
- Symphony Nr. 3, “Scottish”, 1842
- Symphony Nr. 4, “Italian” 1833
- Symphony Nr. 5, “Reformation”, 1830
Week 3: Liszt: The Satanic and Devine
- Faust Symphony (1854)
- Dante Symphony (1857)
Week 4: Schumann: The Master, the Amateur and the Poet
- Symphony No. 1 in B flat, “Spring”, (1841)
- Symphony No. 2 in C (1845-46)
- Symphony No. 3 in E flat, “Rhenish” (1850)
- Symphony No. 4 in D minor (1841; revised in 1851)
Week 5: “Brahms the Progressive” (with a look at Dvořák)
- Symphony No. 1 (1876)
- Symphony No. 2 (1877)
- Symphony No. 3 (1883)
- Symphony No. 4 (1885)
Week 6: Bruckner: Beethoven and God (or is that redundant?)
- Due to revisions, the chronology of Bruckner’s symphonies is quite complex. A separate handout will be provided.
Week 7: Mahler: The Agony and the Ecstasy
- Symphony No. 1 in D major (?1884–1888; rev. 1893–1896; 2nd rev. 1906)
- Symphony No. 2 in C minor (1888–1894; rev. 1903)
- Symphony No. 3 in D minor (1893–1896; rev. 1906)
- Symphony No. 4 in G major (1892, 1899–1900; rev. 1901–1910)
- Symphony No. 5 (1901–1902; scoring repeatedly rev.)
- Symphony No. 6 in A minor (1903–1904; rev. 1906; scoring repeatedly rev.)
- Symphony No. 7 in E minor (1904–1905; scoring repeatedly rev.)
- Symphony No. 8 in E-flat major (1906–1907)
- Symphony No. 9 in D major (1908–1909)
- Symphony No. 10 (1910–1911) (unfinished)
Week 8: Strauss and Hindemith
Strauss:
- Symphonia Domestica (Domestic Symphony), Op. 53 (1904)
- Eine Alpensinfonie (An Alpine Symphony), Op. 64 (1915)
Hindemith:
- Mathis der Maler Symphony (1933-1934)
Recommended Readings and Performances
These items are optional recommendations for those interested in further study.
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