MUS 245T Music Analysis: Music with Text (Not offered 2006-2007; to be offered 2007-2008) (W)
The course explores the ways in which musical structure interacts with, can
comment upon, and can influence one's reading of a text set to music, and similarly, how texts set to music can exert influence upon and guide one's understanding of the musical structure. Using scenes from Mozart operas and selected
songs of the 19th and 20th centuries (by Schubert, Schumann, Brahms and
Schoenberg), the course will examine the bearing specific aspects of a text
(voice, person, time, alliteration, meter, and so forth) have upon the musical domain, and conversely, how musical structures have the ability to project or allegorize actions in the text. We will observe the often amazing ways composers of
texted music use the tonal system to create musical desires-desires that may be
fulfilled, withheld, delayed, redirected, and so forth, in ways that enhance, or enact the desires of characters in a drama or poem. In addition to the specific issues
involving texted and dramatic works, the course will introduce certain techniques and insights of linear analysis-one of the most profound developments
in tonal analysis during the last century. Analysis assignments, based on the student's close study of texted musical works, will offer the opportunity to apply
these techniques. The course will also confront the difficult issue of writing
about music and will help students define and clearly express ideas about music.
Format: tutorial. Students will attend one weekly group lecture and one weekly
tutorial meeting. Grades will be based on five analysis essays/presentations and
five critiques of another student's analyses.
Prerequisites: Music 104. Enrollment limit: 10 (expected 10). Preference will be
based on advanced progress in the theory courses.