Introduction to (Western) Classical Music

Introduction

• Music is what feelings sound like. (Probably Misattributed to Victor Hugo)
• It’s very difficult to hate someone who passionately loves the same music that you do

Playlists to follow along:

• Spotify
• Apple Music
• YouTube

Why we like what we like

Lecture 1.1

1. Chopin – Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor for Piano, Op. 35: III. Marche funébre (Funeral March)

   Q.: What do you feel? This was supposed to be a funeral march. Listen for the ‘soaring’ melody which falls into a sudden and urgent dark chasm.

   (The first part feels poignant but the middle feels somewhat hopeful. The transitions feel abrupt though)

2. Bach – Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme Cantata, BWV 140 : Choral: “Gloria sei dir gesungen”

   Q. What was the purpose of the composition? To induce a sense of belonging ?

   How would we know what is the purpose of the composition? I feel only the artist could answer if they composed a given piece with something in mind

Lecture 1.2

1. Tchaikovsky – Piano Concerto No 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23: i. Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso

   Context: Stronger beat (with respect to most classical music) and prominent melody

   While typically repeated patterns are seen in pop music, this is one classical piece which has a repeated pattern and thus a stong melody

Lecture 1.3

1. Mozart – Serenade No. 13 In G Major, K. 525, “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik”

   1. What context is this piece appropriate for ?

2. Bach – Fugue in g BWV 578

   1. What context is this piece appropriate for ?

3. Giacomo Puccini – Gianni Schicchi, Act 1: “O mio babbino caro”

   1. What context is this piece appropriate for ?