Stravinsky in the 20th century
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: MD1002
Duration: 10 sessions (over 11 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course aims to provide students with a greater understanding and appreciation of Stravinsky’s life and music. During this course we will study key works, placing them in their appropriate context, historically and musically, and analysing them in terms of their formal, melodic and harmonic content.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
- Stravinsky’s biography, through source readings, images and current scholarship
- Stravinsky’s relationship with the Ballets Russe
- Developments in Stravinsky's compositional style through the detailed study of key works
- The ideas - both musical and non-musical – that influenced Stravinsky.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- an understanding of the key events in Stravinsky’s life
- a greater understanding of the stylistic changes that occur in Stravinsky’s output
- an understanding of the ideas that influenced Stravinsky
- a more informed appreciation of Stravinsky's musical achievements.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for absolute beginners. However, we will look at some music scores (both handwritten and printed) and learn to identify key features of music notation (e.g. how many singers, or orchestral parts), so this will be suitable for those who are curious and ambitious to learn.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This is an online course:
Sessions will be held via video-conference (zoom) and comprise combinations of lecture, discussion, quizzes, 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 will need a good internet connection and a computer with microphone & webcam. If using a tablet it will need a screen large enough for you to comfortably view the class handouts.
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.
