2004 Spring MUSIC 145-01
Bulletin Course Description The music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and its relation to contemporary political and cultural developments. Instructor: McCarthy or staff
(Instructor named in bulletin description above may not be current. For current instructor, see listing below.)
Title MOZART AND HIS TIME Department MUSIC Course Number 2004 Spring 145 Section Number 01 Primary Instructor McCarthy,Kerry Prerequisites
Prerequisites
No prerequisites. No technical background in music is
needed, but any kind of musical experience (through
listening, performance, or coursework) will be helpful
and welcomed.
Synopsis of course content
In this course, we will study Mozart within the contexts of
both "his time" and "our time." His time was the eve of
the French Revolution--the cataclysmic event that
dragged Europe into the modern age, and into endless
cycles of battle among nations and ideologies. Yet the
world Mozart knew, particularly during his last ten years
in Vienna, gave the appearance of being an orderly and
comparatively liberal society presided over by
enlightened, art-loving rulers. The tension between an
almost utopian surface and the dark forces stirring
underneath formed the backdrop to the short life of this
extraordinary artist.
"Mozart and his Time" will provide a non-technical
introduction to some of his finest music, from the
cheerful naiveté of his first childish efforts to the almost
frightening intensity of the music of his last years. We
will study his symphonies and concertos as well as his
works for chamber, church, and theater. We will also
critically examine modern representations of Mozart in
writings, film, and popular culture. Students will be
given opportunities to hear Mozart's music performed
live whenever possible, both in the classroom and
outside it.
Textbooks
1. Andrew Steptoe. Mozart (with CD package). New
York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1997. ISBN 0-375-40001-X.
2. William Stafford. The Mozart Myths: A Critical
Reassessment. Stanford: Stanford University Press,
1991. ISBN 0-8047-222.
Assignments
* Weekly listening to Mozart's music.
* Weekly readings from textbooks and additional
reserves.
* Weekly short papers (1-2 pp.) in response to reading
and listening assignments.
* In-class presentations by all students.
* One concert review.
Exams
Midterm and final exams.
Term Papers
No term paper. Students will write weekly short papers
(1-2 pp.) in response to reading and listening
assignments.
Grade to be based on
Class participation (including presentations) 35%
Written assignments 30%
Final exam 20%
Midterm exam 15%
