Samuel Coleridge Taylor: 'the African Mahler'

He was the composing son of a West African father and English mother. His “Hiawatha” trilogy became one of the most popular choral works in England. His sad neglect recently is overdue being turned round.

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Key course information

Date
22/10/11

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £37
Senior fee: £23
Concession: £11

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HH046

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

Best known for his youthful masterpiece Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912) was considered by Elgar to be the most gifted composer of his generation. As a student he wrote some brilliant chamber works as well as the start of the series of works based on Longfellow’s Hiawatha that dominated his life. Through necessity he composed much light music but after meeting Paul Lawrence Dunbar he also became aware of his African roots and started to be influenced by African melodies as well.

What topics will we cover?

The course will follow Coleridge-Taylor’s life and career chronologically looking at the influences on his music and hearing numerous examples including a selection of his songs and salon piano works as well as his choral works such as Hiawatha, and orchestral works such as his early Symphony and late violin Concerto. We shall also look at his three trips to America, his family life and how hard work contributed to his tragically early death.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Demonstrate how his music was influenced by his contemporaries and African folk melodies.
Show appreciation of the wide variety of his music.
Show you understand why he was so popular in his lifetime.
Judge whether his music deserves to be better known.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an `introductory` course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course and to participate fully in discussions. You will gain more from the course, in terms of enjoyment and learning, if you are able and willing to do some supplementary reading. As with most of our history and current affairs courses, curiosity, an open mind and a willingness to listen to different views are more important than specific levels of skills.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Lectures, discussions, questions, listening to musical extracts and following scores.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring pen and paper.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Another 'History Saturday'.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.