Introductory Topics in Music History: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven

In this coursed we will explore the lives and works of the three composers who for more than two centuries have been acknowledged as the classical masters of the western musical tradition. Their works still define our standards of “classical” music and their lives have helped shape our notion of the artist’s role in contemporary society. Through extensive listening across the whole range of their output – symphonies, chamber music, concertos, and operas – we will try to understand their relation to their own times and to ours. No prior musical experience is required. 3 hrs lect./disc.