THMUS 521E — The Music of Mahler and Bernstein

3 credits
Spring
Thomas Cabaniss

Prerequisite: THMUS 511 . The Music of Mahler and Bernstein explores the music of two symbiotically connected conductor/composers, both of whom were music directors at the New York Philharmonic. They are connected by their innovations as music directors: Mahler pioneered the maestro-driven orchestra, and Bernstein oversaw the change from seasonal work to full-time contracts. Bernstein was the ultimate Mahler champion, bringing his music into the media age. Students will make use of the resources of the Juilliard, Carnegie Hall, and New York Philharmonic archives, which house original scores and materials used by both musicians during their tenures. Theoretical concepts include both composers’ use of progressive and obscured tonality, folk materials, quotations of popular styles, and other borrowings.