History of Music Theory (515-0-1)

Instructors

Danuta Mirka

Meeting Info

RCMA 1-172: Tues 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

Knowing the own pedigree strengthens the sense of identity. This applies not just to individuals but also to communities and is equally valid for research fields. The History of Music Theory course retraces the pedigree of this discipline not in the spirit of an antiquarian exercise but as a discovery of its intellectual heritage which has manifold implications for today's music-theoretical discourse. The course covers the developments of music theory from Johann Mattheson (1681-1764) to Heinrich Schenker (1868-1935) and focuses on the most important debates and controversies that divided the field in this period. The readings of primary and secondary sources and in-class discussions will help you understand how positions of different parties were conditioned by different trends within the musical and intellectual culture of their times and how they resonate (or not) with current positions in the field of music theory. The course will have a seminar format. The assessment will include your preparation for and participation in the discussions (20%), presentation (20%), annotated bibliography (20%), and a final paper (40%).

Learning Objectives

By the end of the class the student will be expected to have become familiar with the main ideas and concepts developed by music theorists from Johann Mattheson to Heinrich Schenker and understood the conflicting positions taken by different parties in the main debates and controversies that took place in the field of music theory in this period.

Class Materials (Required)

No textbooks required.