Jewish music in Britain

We will focus on some significant periods and developments in the history of sacred and secular music produced by Jewish composers and performers in Britain.

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Key course information

Dates
10/01/12 - 20/03/12

Day(s)
Tue

Duration
10 weeks

Time
10:00 - 12:00

Fees
Full fee: £119
Senior fee: £67
Concession: £32

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
MD035

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol on this course - please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover missed content with you. Please be advised that the published course fees will apply.

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course will explore the wealth of musical styles, secular and sacred, produced by Jewish immigrants and by their descendants from the time of Henry VIII. We will look at music based on ancient traditions and music that reflects the varied experience of the Jewish Diasporas, as well as the rich repertoires of art music composed by British Jewish composers and performers from the 17th to the 21st centuries.

What topics will we cover?

The course will survey sacred music of both Sephardi and Ashkenazi traditions in Britain, as embodied by the repertoires for Bevis Marks, the earliest Synagogue in London established in 1701, and the 19th century Ashkenaze communities in Britain, such as the Great Synagogue Duke’s Place, and Princes Street, Liverpool.

We will survey the varied international influences on the music of cantor-choirmasters who composed and published hymns and chants, including De Sola, Mombach, Saqui and Allmann. We will also look at the evolution of Jewish art music and the contribution of Jewish composers, singers and performers prominent in musical life from the 16th to 21st centuries, including court musicians under Henry VIII, Cervetto, Aguilar, John Braham, Isaac Nathan, Sir Julius Benedict, Frederic Cowen and others. We will give special attention to aspects of Jewish music in the last decades including contemporary composers such as Goldschmidt, Goehr, Saxton, Singer, Horovitz, and the revival of Klezmer and Ladino styles.

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

- understand the role and evolution of Jewish music, sacred and secular, within in the context of general musical history.
- understand the variety of cultural sources of immigrant communities to Britain from the 16th century and at other important moments in world history, including the late 19th century and especially WWII.
- appreciate the issues of multi-culturalism and stylistic hybridity in Anglo-Jewish music.
- appreciate the musical qualities of a work of Jewish music by having a clearer understanding of the way its traditional elements are being used.
- describe in detail several major works by significant composers in the field of Jewish music.

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

No previous knowledge required.You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English, engage in class discussions and take notes in English.

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

Illustrated lectures and two or three associated concert visits.

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

Possibly one concert ticket.

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?

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 2630

music@citylit.ac.uk

Auditions and Advice Information

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Music

Tel: 020 7492 2630

music@citylit.ac.uk

Auditions and Advice Information

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

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