Music Appreciation 3 The Early 20th Century: Russian and French Composers (C00458-121303)

Course Overview:

Your course runs as three stand-alone terms, though links will be made between the three. For each course, the aim is to extend and deepen your knowledge and appreciation of a particular aspect of ‘classical’ music, predominantly from the listeners’ point of view.

Entry Requirements:

There are no entry requirements; the ability to read music is not required.

Course Content:

Your course comprises three terms:
TERM 1: LATE ROMANTICISM. We will be investigating the late Romantic period and style, considering the musical style through concentrating on particular composers; this knowledge will be put in the context of musical and social developments throughout the 19th century, leading into the 20th. Major works will be studied, with some input (choice and optional research) from students. The various cultural differences will be explored, as well as the legacy of the late Romantic style (neo-romanticism and film music).
TERM 2: RUSSIAN COMPOSERS. This 8-week course comprises an introduction to the great canon of Russian music, from its roots in the European culture of the 18th century, to the Nationalism of the 19th century (Glinka, Borodin et al) and the great innovations of the early 20th century composers such as Rachmaninov, Shostakovich and Prokofiev. The social and historical context of this changing musical landscape will be explored, and listening guides provided.
Russian composers: 8-week overview
week 1 Glinka (1804 – 1857)
weeks 2, 3 and 4: the 5 (‘the mighty handful’): Russian Nationalism comes of age
? Borodin (1833 – 87)
? Cesar Cui (1835 – 1918)
? Rimsky Korsakov (1844 – 1908)
? Mussorgsky (1839 – 1891)
? Balakirev (1837 – 1910)

Weeks 5 and 6: the Romantics: traitors or patriots?
? Tchaikovsky 1840 - 1893
? Rachmaninov 1873 - 1943

Weeks 7 and 8: Soviet Music
? Prokofiev (1891 – 1953)
? Khachaturian (1903 – 1978)
? Shostakovich (1906 – 1975)

TERM 3: THE EARLY 20th CENTURY. This 8 – week course comprises a gentle introduction to all aspects of early 20th century Art music. From the late-Romantic English sound of Elgar to the jazz influences in America, from the breakdown of tonality in Germany to the new harmonies in France, there is a wealth of great music from this period, The social and historical contexts of these musical cultures will be explored, and listening guides provided.
In all three terms, course content will be influenced by the students’ choices, recommendations and input.
Assessment is informal; there is no grade or final level.

Assessment Methods:

Assessment is informal; there is no grade or final level.

Additional Information:

• If you require further course information or advice & guidance that is not answered in this outline please email ccs@racc.ac.uk

• If you would like general information about the college, for example, fees & finance, funding, term dates or opening times please email info@racc.ac.uk telephone 020 8843 7921, or drop in to our main reception area at either site.

If you would like more information on course fees and how to get additional help to pay for them, please click here

Bring To First Class:

Pencil and notebook / folder – handouts are given in each session.

Attendance:

It is very important to attend all classes, if possible. However, if you are unable to attend for any reason, please notify the tutor in advance, so they can liaise with you on the work covered in that session.

Further Study and Career Opportunities:

Subsequent music appreciation classes; practical music classes.

Alternative Courses:

• C00187-121302 Acoustic Guitar - Blues and Beyond
  Start: 20/04/2013 Duration: 11 week(s) Days/Time: Sat (14:30 to 16:30)
• C00774-121301 Acoustic Guitar Post Beginners
  Start: 27/04/2013 Duration: 10 week(s) Days/Time: Sat (14:00 to 15:30)
• C00685-121303 How to Read Music
  Start: 10/05/2013 Duration: 6 week(s) Days/Time: Fri (12:45 to 13:45)

How to Enrol:

Enrolment is best carried out online.
If you prefer to enrol in person, you can enrol at either the Clifden or Parkshot centres. You can also enrol by post, payment should be by cheque made payable to ‘Richmond Adult Community College’ and sent to Postal Enrolments, RACC, Clifden Centre, Clifden Road, Twickenham TW1 4LT.

Frequently Asked Questions:

“How much homework will I need to do outside of class?”

Recommended reading and listening are given, to extend your understanding; this and any research activities set are completely optional.

“What will happen if I miss a class?”

Please inform your tutor if you are unable to attend, so handouts can be kept for you.

“Do I need any special clothing or equipment?”

No.

“Is there any tutorial support?”

This happens within the class itself; there are no extra sessions built in.

Information Advice and Guidance:

You can enrol online, over the phone or in person at either site
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