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Medieval and Renaissance Music
MUSC221 SP

Crosslistings: MDST221

This course is an introduction, using the techniques of musicology, music theory, and cultural history, to the styles and performance practices of the musics of the European medieval and Renaissance periods. In particular, we study Gregorian chant, a Notre Dame organum, a 13th-century motet, the "Mass of Our Lady" by Guillaume Machaut, the "Missa sidedero" by Jacob Obrecht, and a motet by Clemens non Papa. The students learn to read and to perform these works from the original notations. We make our own music. We use no recordings. In order to provide a context for our musical work, we also study Celtic illumination, Chartres cathedral, Dante's 'Paradiso," paintings by Piero della francesca, and Shakespeare's "The Tempest".

MAJOR READINGS

Manuscript and printed sources of the works studied and performed in the class.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Regular, intense participation in classroom discussions and performances. Students must learn to perform vocal parts. Attendance is mandatory.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Requirements for permission to enter the course: - an outline knowledge of the history of Western music - some sight-singing skill and general familiarity with notation - an interview with the instructor Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA MUSC    Grading Mode: Credit/Unsatisfactory   

Prerequisites: NONE

Last Updated on MAR-24-2000

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