01148 - Musical theory II

Learning outcomes

This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of musical theory in the Western world, and the written and artistic music tradition from 17th to 20 th century in particular. Students are taught the principle elements of the musical language and learn to identify them by guided listenings.

Course contents

The course is divided in two parts (30 hours each, 6 CFU x 2 = 12 CFU). Furthermore students are invited to follow the propedeutical training ofAlfabetizzazione musicale (20 hours).

First part: Musical theory from an historical perspective.

Second part: Music, mankind and nature: Simphony no. 5 and no. 6 by Beethoven.

The course is open to students from all the courses. Any students wishing to be introduced to musical language is very welcome, regardless of their previous musical experience.

The course will emphasize the cultural, social and ethic functions of music in any society.

The course has two main purposes. The first is to outline the musical theory of the Western world with particular reference to terminology and cultural and historical contexts. The second is to teach students how to listen, recognize and describe in an appropriate language a musical composition from artistic repertory.

During the propedeutical training of Alfabetizzazione musicale students will be introduced to the main points of musical language - melody, rythm, scales, polyphony, harmony, genres and forms. Through guided listening will be introduced to European artistic repertory from 17th to 20 th century.

First part: Musical theory from an historical perspective.

• What's the today meaning of musical theory.
• Pluralism in music and how we think music.
• The roots of musical theory's concept in Greek and Roman antiquity.
• Changements of the idea of musical theory in the early Middle Age.
• Augustine: number, music and kosmos. 
• Boethius: the three kinds of music and  the quadrivium.
• Some historical hints about musical theory form Middle Age to Modern Age.

Second part: Symphony no. 5 and no. 6 by L. van Beethoven: historical introduction, guided listening and 'close encounters' with the musical score and its problems.

 

Readings/Bibliography

First part

N. Cook, Musica. Una breve introduzione, trad. it., Torino, EdT, 2005;

J.J. Nattiez, Pluralità e diversità del sapere musicale, in Enciclopedia della musica, II: Il sapere musicale, a cura di M. Bent, Torino, Einaudi, 2002, pp. xxiii-xlix;

D. Restani, Le radici antropologiche dell'estetica boeziana: anima humana e musica humana, in Le fonti dell'estetica musicale. Nuove prospettive storiche, Atti del convegno (Venezia, 26-28 ottobre 2006),  a cura di M. Semi, «Musica e Storia», XV, 2007, pp. 243-258.

G. Rico, La formazione musicale nell'ambito del Quadrivium, in Enciclopedia della musica, IV: Storia della musica europea, a cura di M. Bent, Torino, Einaudi, 2004, pp. 118-129.

H. Powers, La melodia, in Enciclopedia della musica, II: Il sapere musicale, cit., pp. 25-44;

K. Agawu, Il ritmo, in Enciclopedia della musica, II: Il sapere musicale, cit., pp. 45-71;

N. Meeùs, Scale, polifonia, armonia, in Enciclopedia della musica, II: Il sapere musicale, cit., pp. 72-88;

N. Cook, Forma e sintassi, in Enciclopedia della musica, II: Il sapere musicale, cit., pp. 117-142.

Other suggested readings:

Il sapere musicale e i suoi contesti: da Teofrasto a Claudio Tolemeo, a cura di D. Castaldo, D. Restani, C. Tassi, Ravenna, Longo, 2009.

F. Tammaro, Con il senso e con la ragione. La teoria musicale prima della tonalità, Torino, il Capitello, 2003.

L. Azzaroni, Canone infinito. Lineamenti di teoria della musica, Bologna, Clueb, 2001 (seconda ed.).

Second part

For the second part of the course students must have an edition of Symphony no. 5 and no. 6 “Pastoral” by Ludwig van Beethoven.

G. Pestelli, L'età di Mozart e di Beethoven, Storia della musica, vol. 6, Torino, EdT, 1991: the chapter about Beethoven.

Further suggested listenings and bibliography will be given during the course.

Students who cannot attend the lessons must contact the teacher for further listenings and bibliography.

 

Teaching methods

Audiovisuals, pc, films and listening will be used during the lessons. Individual tutoring may be provided.

Assessment methods

Oral exam.

Agenda of exams in progress.

Palazzo Corradini
Tel. 0544 936900

Teaching tools

Audiovisuals, pc, films and stereo.

Links to further information

http:// http://www.sjsu.edu/beethoven

Office hours

See the website of Donatella Restani