Learning Outcomes:
Students should be able to:
• distinguish between styles of different periods;
• discuss issues of musical style and design with reference to broader contexts;
• create links between music history and cultural history in general;
• demonstrate critical thinking in the research and writing of a scholarly essay.
Indicative Module Content:
Late 18th century/early 19th century – classicism; large-scale homophonic forms; the development of the orchestra; patronage.
19th century – romanticism; music & literature; art & nature; the artist-genius; virtuosity.
20th century – modernisms; new rhythmic and harmonic languages; futurism; exoticism; technical innovation.
Late 20th century/early 21st century – pluralism; post-modernism; polystylism.