Overview

Music is neither created nor performed in a vacuum: it is the product of culture and society. Understanding music on its own terms and the contexts in which that music was created and performed originally, and the subsequent reception of that music, helps us to develop a deeper and more profound understanding of these works, especially where they are performed today. Looking primarily at the Western tradition, this module provides a necessary bridge between musicology, composition and performance by placing composers and their works in context and addressing them within the wider study of cultural history.

Indicative lecture topics include: - The invention of opera - The rise of instrumental music in the 17th century - The Baroque concerto - Music in Restoration Britain - Women, music and the Baroque - Bach - Baroque opera - Baroque oratorio - The hegemony of sonata form - String quartet and symphony - The classical concerto - Beethoven - Schubert and the Lied - Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn - Virtuosity: Paganini, Liszt and Chopin - Verdi

Assessment Strategy

Third Class: D- to D+ (40%–49%) The crucial achievement is demonstration of a basic grasp of what the topic is about, and the sort of material involved. However, the mark will be limited to this level by such things as: mere repetition of information without demonstration of real understanding; confusion of argument which indicates a failure to properly understand the material; inability to distinguish the relevant from the irrelevant; inability to grasp ideas; inclusion of factual errors; seriously defective bibliographical or footnoting skills; poor expression; oral reticence; scrappy presentation.

Lower Second Class: C- to C+ (50%–59%) The main quality which warrants marks in this category is the amassing of a reasonable body of relevant material drawn from a fairly wide range of reading or other forms of information retrieval, sorted into a coherent order and expressed intelligibly. Qualities which limit the mark to this level are: incoherent arguments, or argument which is defective in some way; limited or defective bibliography or footnotes; limited understanding of ideas or argument; limited evidence of a broad knowledge and understanding of the topic; limited engagement with negotiating and renegotiating ideas in oral discussion; limited evidence of serious thought, as opposed to straightforward diligence.

Upper Second Class: B- to B+ (60%–69%) The distinguishing quality is the ability to construct focused argument which is properly evidenced. The work will therefore probably demonstrate the ability to understand the discussion of a work of art and to apply that knowledge to different works; the conveyance of a general knowledge and understanding of the topic as a whole, and of a more detailed knowledge and understanding of specific areas; competent bibliographical and footnoting skills; effective communication of ideas and argument; ability to see problems and contradictions within source reading; thoughtful contribution to oral discussion; skills in observation and analysis. Upper Second Class work may contain many of the same qualities which apply in First Class work, but they will be demonstrated at a less independent level, or the work may be outstanding in one First-class characteristic but significantly deficient in another.

First Class: A- and A (70%–83%) The distinguishing quality is evidence of real intellectual and independent thought in a sustained discussion. Work at this level will probably demonstrate initiative in carrying out research beyond the obvious sources; ability to evaluate critically sources used; sustained and coherent discussion; articulate expression in speaking and writing; ability to bring together material from disparate sources; observational and analytical skills of a high order; the ability to employ knowledge to illuminate musical texts; indications of wide knowledge beyond the narrow confines of the topic addressed; the ability to lead oral discussion; ability to identify and rigorously confront problems in the topic, contradictions in texts, or lacunae in available evidence.

First Class: A+ to A** (84%–100%) Work at this level is highly original and of a standard that attains or closely approaches professional standards. The work will demonstrate in a consistent manner all of the features listed in the A-/A (70%-83%) category, and will be of such a quality that it either stands up to publication or broadcast in its submitted state or has the potential for publication or broadcast with presentational amendments.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse and critique music from scores and performances.

• Communicate ideas effectively.

• Demonstrate a knowledge of specific works, styles, genres and musical features in repertoire composed between c.1600 and 1850.

• Demonstrate a knowledge of the historical and cultural circumstances in which music was composed and performed between c.1600 and 1850.

• Research topics in music history independently.