History & Humanities   

Music of the Mind (Baroque / Classical Period) (1600-1820)

From the Baroque to the Classical Period, music evolved from vigorous and complex to highly structured, clear, and balanced. Musical forms were mathematically calculated, and music became an art of the mind rather than feeling. Yet, this music feels fresh, clean, soothing – think prim-and-proper music of Jane Austen movies – yet containing intense beauty. During this time, orchestras expanded, new instruments were invented (the piano), laying a clear foundation for our modern music. Come learn about the connection in this music series.

Music of the Soul (Romantic Era) (1820-1910)

With Beethoven at the forefront, prim-and-proper music exploded into deeply emotional, expressive compositions. (Our greatest film scores would not exist without this development.) New, adventurous song forms, fueled by virtuoso musicians, gave full vent to the range of human emotion. Here, we explore this exciting development and listen to music that will

Music of the Cinema (1910-2000s)

Romantic music, focusing on intense emotions, developing themes, and telling a story exclusively through sound. Naturally, this type of music paired naturally with movies. Movie scores heighten the drama and parallel the storytelling in a way words cannot. See where scores for movies like Star Wars, Avengers, Home Alone and Harry Potter drew their inspiration.

Music of the Dramatic Stage (1800-2000s)

Wicked, Into the Woods, Westside Story, Sound of Music, An American in Paris -- The dramatic stage has seen music in many forms: bards, court singers, plays, operas, operettas, musicals. We owe our current musicals to the daring developments performers made over hundreds of years. This course traces history to explore the birth of the modern musical.