MUSIC 427/627

The Symphony

The Symphony. The word conjurs up images of darkened concert halls, elegantly dressed patrons, conductor in black tailcoat. For some of us, there is nothing quite so exciting and wonderful as going to hear "the symphony." The word refers to an ensemble we have come to define as consisiting of players of certain instruments in certain numbers, but it also refers to a body of musical literature bearing that title. Neither the ensemble nor the body of literature has remained constant since the inception of the idea of the symphony. This class explores the history of the literature of this ensemble. We concentrate on works fitting the "usual definition" of symphony, but also examine other works for symphony orchestra.

A schedule of topics to be covered in the course can be found by clicking here.

Syllabus information about this course can be found by clicking here.

Click here for the listening list.

To return to the Music History Home Page, click here

To return to UWSP Music Department Home Page, click here

To go to UWSP's Home Page, click here