This course examines the philosophies and aesthetics of Modernism and its legacy and the various ways in which this term has been applied to music from a broad interdisciplinary perspective. There will be a detailed study of the role of Modernism as a revitalizing and radical force in Western music, and of specific manifestations in the history of music (for example, the late-medieval transformation from quartal to third-based counterpoint, the revolution in theoretical understanding of tonality in the early 18th century, and 20th century Modernism). Similarly, we will investigate whether certain phenomena and approaches at different times in music history may be considered ‘postmodern'.

The course examines significant aspects of the complex heritage of Western music and is not bound by time-period. Rather, it encompasses a broad philosophical perspective that establishes historical, social and wide intellectual contexts for the repertoire to be studied. The course also enables students to develop both conceptual and applied knowledge, and encourages them to make informed interpretative decisions about how to evaluate many forms of Western music. The approach will be interdisciplinary and analytical, incorporating also discussion of historical performance practices and other current issues in Musicology.

This course forms part of a three-semester exploration of Western music history, developed by examining the broad repertoire with reference to Classicism, Romanticism, and Modernism in turn.

Students will learn to:

1. Identify the central socio-cultural themes embedded in the philosophical idea of Modernism and its consequences
2. Critique how this idea has impacted upon composers and the creation of music over a broad historical period
3. Synthesise and evaluate primary material in relation to the idea of Modernism
4. Summarise central arguments from a variety of perspectives and present them coherently in group discussion
5. Undertake aural analysis and relate to socio-cultural themes
6. Undertake research with both secondary and primary sources
7. To gain an understanding of the interpretive impact and the application to a performance environment of the knowledge acquired.

Attendance required at 85% of classes for successful completion, two listening tests worth 20%, essay (2,500 - 3,000) worth 40%, online blog worth 30%, tutorial participation (this will include students answering one set question per week and may be online) worth 10%

This course will be delivered as a combination of weekly lectures and seminars, or as a block intensive.

It is recommended that students undertaking this course have basic music theory and reading skills.

MUSM1290 The Idea of Classicism in Western Music and MUSM2277 The Idea of Romanticism in Western Music