Symphonies in production
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 14 Jan 2026End Date: 25 Mar 2026Wed (Daytime): 14:00 - 16:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 10 sessions (over -11 weeks)Course Code: MD038BTutors: Pauline GreeneFull fee £269.00 Senior fee £215.00 Concession £188.00
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What is the course about?
We will be studying at least five symphonies, based around what will be performed in and around London in 2026-27. Each work will be put into its historical context, with a study of its composer’s typical style, the circumstances of its composition and reception, and its legacy in terms of popularity and/or innovation. The works to be studied in this course will be published in late March 2026.
What will we cover?
- A brief historical overview of each style
- The composers of our chosen works
- Details of any programmatic elements
- Significant musical features
- The creation of musical effects / orchestration.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Identify typical features of style from the historical periods of these works
- Understand the historical context of each symphony
- Analyse significant moments in each work.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is an in-depth topic: it assumes a broad familiarity in listening to this genre of music. There may be a focus on lecture style classes and specialist musical terminology, as well as homework tasks and /or reading lists for future reference.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor presentation, guided listening, class discussion and debate, video and score study.
Course materials will be shared via Google Classroom: handouts, scores, links to online audio and video, recommendations to encourage and support further reading and listening outside class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a notebook and pen to make your own notes.
You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class; links to these materials will be available after each session. You may also wish to attend live performances.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offers a wide range of Music history courses. For more information, visit our Guide to the Music history programme.
You may also be interested in our Music theory and musicianship offer, or one of our many practical music courses.
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.
