MUS 402(S) Senior Seminar in Music: Schubert and Brahms

Franz Schubert reached artistic maturity during the early years of musical Romanticism, Johannes Brahms during the later years. The relation between the two composers illuminates critical features of this aesthetic period. Brahms cherished Schubert's music and shared many of his passions and preoccupations: folksong, dance, nature, childhood, love, memory, nostalgia, dreams, and death. Both composers were awed by Beethoven, sought a balance between tradition and innovation in form and harmony, and explored the relation between song and instrumental music. But there were important differences as well. Through comparative study of Schubert's and Brahms's works, careers, and critical reception, this seminar will explore the development of musical Romanticism. We will consider, among other topics, their conservative and progressive style traits; expression of central Romantic themes; ties to Romantic literature, art, and philosophy; involvement with Viennese traditions and institutions; personal and professional relationships; and response to political, societal, and cultural developments. Drawing upon a variety of historical, analytical, and interpretive methodologies, students will study works from an array of genres-Lieder, piano pieces, chamber music, choral music, and orchestral music.
Prerequisites: Music 202, 207, 208, 209 and permission of instructor. Enrollment limit: all senior music majors.

Hour: M. HIRSCH