Topics in Tonal Literature and Analysis

Beethoven's Symphonies class taught by Michael Ruhling at New Sibley Library, Miller Center. // Summer classes at University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music July 13, 2016. // photo by J. Adam Fenster / University of Rochester

TH 401
Topics in Tonal Literature and Analysis
June 27-August 3, 2023 / Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:30-3:30 p.m., plus individual meetings with students
Room: NSL 404  (ESM 209 on July 4)

Matthew Brown

This course introduces and explores analytical techniques and issues relevant to the traditional tonal musical literature, addressing as well the performance implications of analytical decisions insofar as possible. The course deals with the analysis of various musical dimensions in a core repertoire that will vary from semester to semester. Topics include meter / rhythm, harmonic syntax, motivic structure, deeper-level linear structure, formal processes, and text / music relationships. 

This particular class will focus on the ways in which composers of the Common Practice Period tried to balance the local details of their music, details that make each piece unique and alluring, with the global form of entire work. The list of works will range from those by J. S. Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven to Clara Schumann and Claude Debussy. 

Tuition:
$5,670 / 3 credits     TH 401-1