The course is divided into eight parts, with a total of 43 lectures. Each part covers a specific period of classical music history and includes multiple lectures. The lectures are generally between six and twelve minutes in length.
The first part of the course focuses on the origins of Western classical music during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The second part covers the Baroque Era, while the third part covers the Classical Era. Part four of the course is dedicated to Beethoven, with a total of four lectures discussing the composer and his contributions to classical music.
The fifth part of the course covers the Nineteenth Century and explores the major developments and trends that emerged during this period. Part six focuses on Nationalism and the Exotic and examines how these themes influenced classical music. Part seven delves into Modernism and the Second Viennese School, covering the musical innovations of composers such as Schoenberg and Stravinsky. Finally, part eight discusses the current state of classical music and the direction it may take in the future.
In addition to the lectures, the course includes various activities such as quizzes, listening exercises, and discussions. These activities are designed to help students deepen their understanding and appreciation of classical music. By the end of the course, students will have gained a comprehensive knowledge of classical music history, including the major composers and musical styles, and be able to listen to and analyze classical music with a more informed perspective.
Course Content:
The Introduction to Classical Music course by Craig Wright on Coursera is divided into eight parts, each containing multiple lectures. The course includes a total of 43 lectures, with each lecture ranging from 6 to 12 minutes in length.
The course is structured as follows:
- The Middle Ages and Renaissance - 5 lectures
- The Baroque Era - 5 lectures
- The Classical Era - 6 lectures
- Beethoven - 4 lectures
- The Nineteenth Century - 5 lectures
- Nationalism and the Exotic - 5 lectures
- Modernism and the Second Viennese School - 6 lectures
- The Twenty-First Century and Beyond - 7 lectures
In addition to the lectures, the course includes quizzes, listening exercises, and discussions to help students deepen their understanding of classical music. By the end of the course, students will have gained a comprehensive knowledge of the history of classical music, including major composers and musical styles, and be able to listen to and analyze classical music with a more informed perspective.
Reviews:
Based on the reviews and feedback from students who have taken the Introduction to Classical Music course by Craig Wright on Coursera, the course can be evaluated as a comprehensive and engaging introduction to classical music history.
Many students have praised the depth and breadth of the material covered in the course, which spans eight parts and 43 lectures, with each lecture lasting between 6 and 12 minutes. The course is structured chronologically, starting from the Middle Ages and Renaissance and ending with the current state of classical music. Each part covers a specific period of classical music history, exploring the major composers and musical styles that emerged during that time.
The course includes various activities such as quizzes, listening exercises, and discussions, which help students deepen their understanding of classical music. Many students have found these exercises to be effective in reinforcing their learning and understanding of the material.
Although the course can be challenging at times, especially for those without a background in music theory, the lecturer's clear explanations and the additional resources provided have been helpful in addressing these challenges. The lecturer, Craig Wright, has been widely praised for his engaging presentation style and his ability to communicate complex musical concepts in an accessible and relatable way.
In summary, the Introduction to Classical Music course by Craig Wright on Coursera is a highly recommended course for anyone interested in classical music history. The course is well-structured, engaging, and informative, and provides a solid foundation in classical music history, which can help students listen to and analyze classical music with a more informed perspective.
At the time, the course has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on over 3,725 ratings.
What you'll learn:
After completing the Introduction to Classical Music course by Craig Wright on Coursera, students can expect to have gained several skills related to classical music history and analysis. Some of these skills include:
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A comprehensive understanding of the history of classical music, including major composers and musical styles from the Middle Ages to the present day.
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An ability to listen to and analyze classical music with a more informed perspective, identifying key elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and form.
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An appreciation of the cultural and social context in which classical music was created, including the political and artistic movements that influenced its development.
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Familiarity with the key concepts and terminology used in classical music analysis, including musical notation, musical genres, and musical forms.
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An ability to distinguish and compare different musical styles, including the differences between Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and modernist music.
Overall, the course provides a solid foundation for anyone interested in exploring classical music history and analysis. Students who complete the course will have gained a deeper appreciation and understanding of classical music, and be able to approach it with a more informed and critical perspective.
Author:
Craig Wright is a musicologist and professor of music at Yale University, where he teaches courses on Western classical music history and performance practice. He holds degrees from Harvard University, the New England Conservatory of Music, and the University of Chicago, and has written extensively on music history and theory.
Wright is the author of several influential books on music history, including "The Maze and the Warrior: Symbols in Architecture, Theology, and Music," "Music and Ceremony at Notre Dame of Paris, 500-1550," and "Listening to Music." He has also served as the general editor of the Norton Anthology of Western Music, one of the most widely used textbooks in music history courses around the world.
Wright's expertise lies primarily in the history and analysis of Western classical music, with a particular focus on the music of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. His research has explored a wide range of topics, including the role of music in religious and ceremonial contexts, the development of musical notation, and the influence of social and cultural factors on musical style and form.
Overall, Wright is widely regarded as a leading expert in the field of Western classical music history and analysis. His extensive scholarship and contributions to the field have helped to shape our understanding of the historical and cultural context of classical music, and his engaging and accessible teaching style has inspired countless students and music lovers around the world.
Requirements:
The requirements for Introduction to Classical Music course by Craig Wright on Coursera are as follows:
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A basic understanding of music notation and terminology, including the ability to read sheet music and understand musical terms such as melody, harmony, and rhythm.
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Access to a computer or mobile device with a reliable internet connection, as the course is entirely online.
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A willingness to engage in active listening and analysis of classical music, and a desire to learn about the history and cultural context of classical music.
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Basic computer skills, including the ability to navigate online resources, participate in online forums, and submit written assignments.
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A commitment to completing the course, including attending lectures, completing assignments, and participating in discussions with fellow students.
Overall, the course is designed to be accessible to anyone with an interest in classical music, regardless of their prior experience or educational background. However, some basic familiarity with music notation and terminology is recommended in order to fully engage with the material.
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