Introduction to the History of Music Theory

MUSI
G
6300
Course Level: 
Graduate
Prerequisites: 
Permission of instructor.
Credits: 
3

Fall 2012 Music G6300
HISTORY OF MUSIC THEORY FROM RAMEAU TO RIEMANN
Call Number: 28991 Points: 3
Day/Time: M 10:10am-12:00pm  [NB: change of time]
Location: 620 Dodge
Instructor: Prof. Benjamin Steege (bio)

Survey of European music-theoretical perspectives from roughly 1720 to 1920.  This period witnessed the consolidation of the field of “modern” theory that continues to inform contemporary discourse.  In addition to tracing the emergence of novel theoretical topics—from “form” to “function”—we will address the relation of music theory to the new or modernizing fields it productively interacted with: physics, aesthetics, historiography, hermeneutics, physiology, psychology, and so on.  Texts will be read in connection with the analysis and interpretation of relevant musical repertories.

Readings are drawn from translation, but knowledge of French and/or German is very useful.  Presentations and final paper.