Beethoven at Work

Course Description

How did Ludwig van Beethoven compose? Modern-day musicians are extraordinarily fortunate that Beethoven saved his work in various stages of completion. Through his surviving autographs and sketches, we have the ability to trace his early ideas to their eventual fruition. The simple becomes sophisticated; the seemingly vapid can be enlivened or abandoned altogether. Perhaps as inspiring as the grandeur of these compositions in their final form is Beethoven’s industry and sheer diligence so clearly evident in the sources. This seminar provides performers an opportunity to examine and analyze Beethoven’s compositional process and exposes them to practical research tools. This course also delves into evolving musicological trends by accessing digital archives located throughout the world. A visit to the Library of Congress in Washington DC will be scheduled. All musicians are welcome. Prerequisite(s): Undergraduates need to have successfully completed 2 out of the following courses in order to register: PY.610.321, PY.610.322, PY.610.323, PY.610.324, PY.610.325, PY.610.326, PY.610.327;Graduate students must meet musicology seminar proficiency requirements in order to enroll in this course.

Code

PY.610.658

Credits

3

Subject

Musicology