MUSIC 401 - Music in the Middle Ages

The purpose of this course is to review concepts and music practices already studied (on the undergrad/master’s degree) level), and to develop basic analytical tools, as well as practical experience in research and reference works for this period. The question of how one proceeds with a research project, using manuscripts, indices, and available concordances, will be considered. N. van Deusen, The Cultural Context of Medieval Music (2011, available in Huntley Book Store) is recommended as a summary of concepts and terms useful for understanding medieval music in several of its dimensions. Music analysis is an ongoing process, and we will also apply many of these concepts, carefully articulated in the period(s) now known as the “Middle Ages” as relevant in terminology and concept, to ordinary concepts used today as well as to world music cultures.
Units: 4
Course Type: Seminar