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There are lots of books and courses about the history of opera, the history of symphonies, and indeed of many large-scale musical forms but fewer explore the history of smaller works that we know as chamber music. From intimate songs to intricate string quartets, this genre is extremely rich and rewarding for the listener.
On this course we will explore a variety of chamber music genres that are coming up in UK recitals and concerts this season. Hopefully you will find something new and inspiring.
What will we cover?
- genres of chamber music - key works and their historical context - musical form, structure and texture including instrumental sonorities
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Identify several chamber music genres with ease - navigate upcoming concert programmes with increased confidence - enjoy works from our sequence of recommended chamber music examples
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for students at many levels, and no special music-reading skills are needed. However, a basic interest and beginners’ knowledge of classical music is advised for context: (e.g. What is a symphony? Which instruments are in a string quartet? And what do we mean by the Romantic tradition?) This course is most suitable for those who regularly listen to classical music, as they will be able to compare/contrast the works on this course with memories of famous pieces of western classical music.
If you identify as an absolute beginner with little or no previous experience of listening to western classical music, we recommend you first consider our exploring classical music courses which will introduce you to a basic chronology of western classical music.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Sessions will comprise combinations of lecture, discussion, guided listening, video and score study. Course materials (handouts, scores, links to online videos) will be shared via google classroom. You will be encouraged to do extra reading outside class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class, links to these materials will be available online after each session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
To find out more about music history classes Music history courses in London and online which lists our full programme of classes ordered by term, and by day of the week. You may then click on each title to read the full course outline.
Pauline Greene studied composition at Nottingham University and then composed, performed and was Musical Director with various theatre companies. She taught flute and composition, performing her music across the UK at various venues, including the Southbank Centre and the Edinburgh Festival, with her group The Concert Party, which she managed and directed. She has taught at the Universities of Middlesex and Hertfordshire, and ran the Music Access course at Morley College. She taught at Birkbeck from 1984-2023, moving from Music to Arts Management, and currently lectures on the MA in Events and Experience Management at Goldsmiths. She has given talks at the Royal Opera House, Wigmore Hall and Glyndebourne. At City Lit Pauline teaches a wide range of music history courses, with specialisms in opera, music for dance, theatre and film, musical analysis, and music since 1900. She is still involved in the organisation of small-scale charity concerts and one-off musical events, and she sings and plays with several small groups.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/chamber-music-in-production3034501Chamber music in productionhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpg299299GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music history/Courses/New courses228513141351136317431228513141351<p>Explore key works from the rich variety of chamber music performances that take place in and around London during 2027. <strong>Break Week: 27th Oct 2026</strong></p>003034345Chamber music in production299299https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Musicianship_for_singers-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-22T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allSep 2026Performing artsMD038A299299Chamber music in production239209299Pauline Greenechamber-music-in-production/md038a-2627<p>Explore key works from the rich variety of chamber music performances that take place in and around London during 2027. <strong>Break Week: 27th Oct 2026</strong></p>0000-Available|2026-09-22 00:00:00<p>There are lots of books and courses about the history of opera, the history of symphonies, and indeed of many large-scale musical forms but fewer explore the history of smaller works that we know as chamber music. From intimate songs to intricate string quartets, this genre is extremely rich and rewarding for the listener.</p><p>On this course we will explore a variety of chamber music genres that are coming up in UK recitals and concerts this season. Hopefully you will find something new and inspiring.</p><p>Explore key works from the rich variety of chamber music performances that take place in and around London during 2027. <strong>Break Week: 27th Oct 2026</strong></p><p>- genres of chamber music<br/>- key works and their historical context<br/>- musical form, structure and texture including instrumental sonorities</p><p>- Identify several chamber music genres with ease<br/>- navigate upcoming concert programmes with increased confidence <br/>- enjoy works from our sequence of recommended chamber music examples</p><p>The course is suitable for students at many levels, and no special music-reading skills are needed. However, a basic interest and beginners’ knowledge of classical music is advised for context: (e.g. What is a symphony? Which instruments are in a string quartet? And what do we mean by the Romantic tradition?)<br/>This course is most suitable for those who regularly listen to classical music, as they will be able to compare/contrast the works on this course with memories of famous pieces of western classical music.</p><p>If you identify as an absolute beginner with little or no previous experience of listening to western classical music, we recommend you first consider our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/searchcourse/?q=exploring+classical+music" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">exploring classical music</a> courses which will introduce you to a basic chronology of western classical music.</p>Sessions will comprise combinations of lecture, discussion, guided listening, video and score study. Course materials (handouts, scores, links to online videos) will be shared via google classroom. You will be encouraged to do extra reading outside class.You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class, links to these materials will be available online after each session.<p>To find out more about music history classes <a href="https://https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Music history courses in London and online</a> which lists our full programme of classes ordered by term, and by day of the week. You may then click on each title to read the full course outline.</p>MusicMusic historyvirtual239299209MD038ANONETue22/09/26 - 01/12/2613:30 - 15:3013:3015:3010 sessions (over 11 weeks)105-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetPauline GreeneBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-09-22T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Performing arts299299Chamber music in productionchamber-music-in-production/md038a-2627<p>Explore key works from the rich variety of chamber music performances that take place in and around London during 2027. <strong>Break Week: 27th Oct 2026</strong></p>0000-Available|2026-09-22 00:00:00<p>There are lots of books and courses about the history of opera, the history of symphonies, and indeed of many large-scale musical forms but fewer explore the history of smaller works that we know as chamber music. From intimate songs to intricate string quartets, this genre is extremely rich and rewarding for the listener.</p><p>On this course we will explore a variety of chamber music genres that are coming up in UK recitals and concerts this season. Hopefully you will find something new and inspiring.</p><p>Explore key works from the rich variety of chamber music performances that take place in and around London during 2027. <strong>Break Week: 27th Oct 2026</strong></p><p>- genres of chamber music<br/>- key works and their historical context<br/>- musical form, structure and texture including instrumental sonorities</p><p>- Identify several chamber music genres with ease<br/>- navigate upcoming concert programmes with increased confidence <br/>- enjoy works from our sequence of recommended chamber music examples</p><p>The course is suitable for students at many levels, and no special music-reading skills are needed. However, a basic interest and beginners’ knowledge of classical music is advised for context: (e.g. What is a symphony? Which instruments are in a string quartet? And what do we mean by the Romantic tradition?)<br/>This course is most suitable for those who regularly listen to classical music, as they will be able to compare/contrast the works on this course with memories of famous pieces of western classical music.</p><p>If you identify as an absolute beginner with little or no previous experience of listening to western classical music, we recommend you first consider our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/searchcourse/?q=exploring+classical+music" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">exploring classical music</a> courses which will introduce you to a basic chronology of western classical music.</p>Sessions will comprise combinations of lecture, discussion, guided listening, video and score study. Course materials (handouts, scores, links to online videos) will be shared via google classroom. You will be encouraged to do extra reading outside class.You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class, links to these materials will be available online after each session.<p>To find out more about music history classes <a href="https://https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Music history courses in London and online</a> which lists our full programme of classes ordered by term, and by day of the week. You may then click on each title to read the full course outline.</p>MusicMusic historyconfigurable
13631351Music historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history1/2/285/1314/1351/13631/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music history
