Frederick the Great playing a flute concerto in Sanssouci, C. P. E. Bach at the harpsichord, Johann Quantz against the wall to the right (1852)
90 minute video: Bach - A Passionate Life
Instructor: Ken Hoffman - khoff999@yahoo.com
This course explores the great musical works of 18 important Baroque composers and
the historical events that shaped the era's arts between 1600 and 1750. Discuss how kings
in the Age of Absolute Monarchs, like Louis XIV of France, scientific and technological
advancements, changes in religion, and more influenced the direction of music. Most of
the instrumental and vocal music genres of the era, except opera, will be covered.
Learn about the lives of the most important composers including Domenico Scarlatti,
Antonio Vivaldi, George Frideric Handel and Johann Sebastian Bach (Bach's music will
be covered over several weeks).
Watch concert videos of renown piano and violin virtuosi as well as famous
conductors and orchestras from the 1960s until today as they play the music of the
Baroque masters.
Course Syllabus and Tentative Schedule
10/03: Musical developments in the Middle Ages
10/10: Music of the Renaissance I
10/17: Music of the Renaissance II (no class next week 10/24)
Classical vs. Romantic Eras / Classical vs. Romantic Values
Classicism & Romanticism in Western Art
10/31: Classicism & Romanticism in Music
Introduction to the Baroque Era - An Overview (1600 - 1750)
11/07: Baroque Developments in Violin & Orchestra Music
11/14: Baroque Keyboard Music
11/21: Baroque Keyboard Music II: Couperin, Rameau, Domenico Scarlatti
11/28: Baroque Vocal Music, George Philipp Telemann
12/05: George Frideric Handel
12/12 & 12/19: Johann Sebastian Bach
Break two weeks for the holidays. Resume 1/9/2023
01/09: Johann Sebastian Bach Day 3
01/16: Transition to the Classical Era / What is a Symphony?
01/23 - 02/06: Joseph Haydn
