Selected Topics in Music Theory (435-0-1)

Topic

Brahms Late Piano Music

Instructors

Richard Ashley
847/491-5720
r-ashley@northwestern.edu
Office Hours: W 10-11 and by appt.

Meeting Info

RCMA 1-168: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

This class engages Brahms late piano works (Opp. 116-119) both for their own sake structurally and aesthetically and as a vehicle for understanding the analysis of 19th century chromatic music. The primary theoretical frameworks will be those proposed by Daniel Harrison and Fred Lerdahl. The class will fulfill both the DMA "writing requirement" for students who need classes of that kind in their curriculum, and the "theory examination waiver requirement."

Learning Objectives

By the end of the class, students will be familiar with style and structure in these works and with analytic techniques for these works and other 19th century repertoire.

Teaching Method

Lecture, discussion, and student presentations of student-selected movements.

Evaluation Method

Daily analysis assignments: 70%. Final analysis paper: 20%. Class discussion: 10%. Attendance and participation are expected at all class meetings. Two "free" absences are allowed, after which each absence reduces the final grade by 5 points.

Class Materials (Required)

Brahms Opp. 116-119, in an edition of your choice. Number all measures.