Twentieth century composers feel the presence of the musical past acutely, and each must respond to this presence in his or her own way. This seminar, the culminating course in the major, will examine a variety of modern composers' engagements with medieval and Renaissance music. Beginning with Johannes Brahms and his interest in and use of early music, we will explore ways in which and reasons why a range of composers spanning the last century have turned to music centuries old for inspiration and materials. Music and writings by composers ranging from Arnold Schoenberg to Charles Wuorinen, Peter Maxwell Davies, and Alfred Schnittke will be considered. Evaluation will be based on bi-weekly papers, class presentations, and class participation.