Five Masterworks in the Choral Repertoire
MUS3-5b-Fri1
Gil Harel
This course will take place virtually on Zoom. Participation requires a device (ideally a computer or tablet, rather than a cell phone) with a camera and microphone in good working order and basic familiarity with using Zoom and accessing email.
October 25 - November 22
The power of the human voice as a musical instrument is, for many listeners, second to none. Choral music has been a staple genre for composers for hundreds of years. During this course, participants will immerse themselves inside five important historical works from the canon of western art music, spanning genres and time periods representing a wide swath of music history. They will also learn to identify certain genres using their ears, and to be able to discuss the ontology of certain works and genres such as cantata, oratorio, mass, requiem, etc. In studying these works, class members will discuss aspects of theology, geopolitics, and other contemporaneous artistic disciplines.
More lecture than facilitated discussion.
Various readings will be provided to members. These will include program notes, textbook excerpts, study guides, and more.
Approximately 2 hours/week.
Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and composer with interests ranging from western art music to contemporary musical theater. While on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College he was awarded the prestigious "Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching." Currently a Full Professor of Music at CT State Naugatuck Valley, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions. He has been presented with the AFT "Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College" and honored with the coveted Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) Teaching Award.