MHMUS 429 — National and Cosmopolitan Styles in the Baroque

Prerequisite: MHMUS 311  The first half of the semester will consist of an in-depth discussion of the distinctive national styles that formed in the 17th century in Italy, France, Germany, and England, as well as the historical and social factors that shaped these individual styles. Building on this framework, the second half of the semester will proceed to explore the various ways in which these musical styles and musicians of different nationalities intersected and influenced each other throughout the Baroque period, including exploration of the concept of the goûts-réunis (the “reunited styles”) and cities that promoted a cosmopolitan musical environment. A range of representative compositions will be studied throughout the course, including pieces from the major national styles and selected works by composers such as Bach, Telemann, and Couperin.