In this course, we will explore several different approaches to interpreting chromaticism in Franz Schubert’s songs and instrumental works. In addition to studying the relationships among these approaches, we will consider how these perspectives can affect the ways in which we listen to, understand, and perform his music. Topics include concepts related to chromaticism (e.g., modal mixture, modulation, enharmonicism), diatonic and chromatic music theories, hermeneutics, tonal and chromatic spaces, tuning and temperament, musical form, and aesthetics.
Course Requirements:
Evaluation for this course is based on participation in class discussions and activities, analyses of select musical works and excerpts, completion of assigned readings, a midterm project, and a final paper.