What is a symphony? For more than two centuries the symphony has represented the summit of a composer’s ambition. But what actually defines a symphony, and how do you listen to one? Learning more about symphonies can deepen your enjoyment of some of the most wonderful music ever composed. This course gives you an understanding of what to listen for, and how to get more out of your listening to symphonies. We will explore the structure, history and development of the symphony, and listen to music from some of the greatest symphonies of all time. No musical knowledge is necessary.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

COURSE OUTLINE

• The Symphony: Definition, Origins
• First Movement: Sonata Form
• The Classical Symphony: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven
• Second Movement: Theme and Variations Form
• The Romantic Symphony: Berlioz, Liszt, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Brahms, Bruckner, Tchaikovsky, Dvořák
• Third Movement: Minuet and Trio
• The Twentieth Century Symphony: Mahler, Sibelius, Rakhmaninov, Vaughan Williams, Stravinsky, Shostakovich
• Fourth Movement: Rondo Form

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

1. Describe the basic structure of a symphony
2. List some great symphonies
3. Describe briefly the development of the symphony