MUS 121(S) Brahms in Context
In popular culture, Johannes Brahms is known especially as the composer of a well-known lullaby, as a gruff-looking bearded figure, and as the last of "The Three Bs" (the other two being Bach and Beethoven). Beneath the beard, however, Brahms (1833-97) was a complicated man whose personal challenges, along with the rich social and cultural environments in which he worked, played important roles in shaping the diverse musical repertory he produced. This course is a broad introduction to Brahms's life and works, with an emphasis on how the music relates to issues of biography, psychology, and trends in music history, aesthetics, politics, religion, literature, and the visual arts. Students will be exposed to many of Brahms's most important works, including symphonies, concertos, chamber works, piano pieces, songs, the famous German Requiem and, of course, the lullaby.
Evaluation will be based on two papers, a midterm and a final exam, and attendance and participation
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 15).
Hour: SHOLES