Beethoven and the early Romantics
Exploring the musical development of the 19th century Romantic era, beginning with the later compositions of Beethoven, and discussing the wonderful instrumental, vocal and piano music of Schubert, Brahms, Schumann, Mendelssohn and Chopin.
The Evolution of Film Music
A six-session study of film music from the earliest simple film reels with live music, to the sprawling scores of modern cinema. Session 1: Music for a New Visual Age Exploring the music of the silent age – live scores … More details …
The Genius of the Classical Era in Music (1750-1820)
We will explore the evolution of the orchestra, the formalisation of the symphonic and sonata form, Mozart’s operas and masses, the symphonies and string quartets of Haydn, the explosion in popularity of the fortepiano and the demise of the harpsichord. … More details …
The Story of the Blues
Explore the social history that brought about Blues music and gain an understanding of its nature and origins.
Thomas Hardy and Gerald Finzi
Thomas Hardy was one of the greatest of English poets, Gerald Finzi one of the subtlest and most sensitive of composers. The conjunction of the two led to a miraculous fusion – songs which are truly more than the sum … More details …
Masters of Baroque Music (1600-1750)
Masters of the Baroque (1600-1750) : Discover the seamless beauty of some of the most exquisite music ever written, and how the great composers of this age influenced everything since. We will explore a wide range of works by … More details …
Period Instrument Performance (3)
Original instruments make their way into “modern” music. The influence of the past on the present is seen in Stravinsky, Schoenberg and composers such as Pärt and Tavener, leading to synthesis and the way forward in the 21st century.
The Evolution of Ballet Music 1840-2010
Our journey will take us from the moment we first entered the world of fairies, via the political manoeuvres of the Soviet State and Balanchine’s updating of Imperial Russia, to Modern Ballet.