Great artists: Leonard Bernstein
- Course Code: MD038C
- Dates: 18/07/24 - 18/07/24
- Time: 14:00 - 16:00
- Taught: Thu, Daytime
- Duration: 1 session
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Pauline Greene
Course Code: MD038C
Duration: 1 session
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What is the course about?
Once again in the limelight after the release of the film Maestro last year, Bernstein held a central position in American musical life. Best-known as a conducting prodigy, his fame spread world-wide. His compositions, however, attracted both praise and criticism, and we'll investigating how he created his ‘classical’ and pop/jazz-inspired works, for orchestra, voices and stage. The fascinating blend of traditional and new, seen against the background of other musical styles of the time and his own personality, will be illustrated by works including Candide (1956) and Chichester Psalms (1965).
What will we cover?
• a brief look at Bernstein's life and times
• a closer examination of a variety of his works
• Bernstein's position in the history of 20th century music, especially in an American context.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• have an overview Bernstein's career
• understand the blend of styles he used in his compositions
• reflect on his influence, particularly on American composers.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a beginners’ course. No prior knowledge is assumed or expected.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor presentation, class discussion, guided listening and watching.
Course materials will be shared via Google Classroom, with options for you to explore further after the course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a notebook and pen to take your own notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Read our blog to find out more about Music history courses in London and online at City Lit, and click on the links to read the full course outlines.
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.
