Compositional techniques of 20th century music II

Specific Foundation / Core

This course will assist students in meeting these standards: —Demonstrate an understanding of theoretic compositional models that have been developed during the first half of the twentieth century, as well as the historical necessities behind their development —Demonstrate an understanding of the compositional problems composers have been faced with during the first half of the twentieth century and the solutions which have been proposed and applied. —Demonstrate the ability to make critical judgments about the various compositional techniques using correct terminology. —Demonstrate the ability to discern by ear aesthetic trends, styles and compositional techniques of the first half of the twentieth century

The course is a continuation of the course "Theory and History of Musical Styles: 20th century Compositional Techniques I" and it examines from a technical point of view the multitude of compositional practices, which have been developed during the second half of the 20th century. Indicatively, techniques under examination include: integral serialism, aleatoric and indeterminacy, stochastic and algorithmic music, micropolyphony, sound masses, textural music, minimalism, new complexity, spectral music, etc. The aims of the course are achieved by giving equal emphasis to three factor: a) experiential approach (repeated and guided critical listening and audio-visual presentations, b) analytical approach (study of theoretical texts, analysis of representative works by Messiaen, Boulez, Cage, Feldman, Xenakis, Penderecki, Reich, Reilly, Glass, Scelsi, etc), and c) application (compositional assignments with emphasis to certain techniques discussed in class). The course is offered, in parallel, to the students of the Musicology Area, either as Elective or Free Elective. Although musicology students are not required to submit composition assignments, they are strongly encouraged to try.

11-12-2018