GRMUS T631 — Form as Narrative

This class will cover forms including the Classical sonata, the Romantic character piece, and larger works (ballades, scherzos, fantasies, etc.), exploring the idea that musical form can be described as a story, or narrative. Drawing from the work of authors including Edward T. Cone, Robert Hatten, James Hepokoski and Warren Darcy, William Kinderman, and Michael Klein, we will deepen our interpretation of the following pieces (and others TBD): Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas in E major (op. 109) and A-flat major (op. 110), Chopin’s Ballade in F minor (op. 52), Brahms’s F-minor Clarinet Sonata (op. 120, no. 1), Schubert’s Wanderer Fantasy D. 760 and Piano Sonata in B-flat major (D. 960), as well as Schumann’s Kreisleriana (op. 16). In addition to exploring potential literary influences on these composers and pieces, we will also refine our understanding of harmony and form in these works and learn techniques for describing them as musical narratives (for instance, musical themes or chromatic motives may suggest characters in a story). Students will write 3–4 short analytical summary papers and present their interpretations to classmates during weekly discussions.