Course Description

Designed as an exploration of the man and his music, this course begins with a viewing of the 1984 Academy-Award-winning feature film, Amadeus.  To obtain an overview of the dynamics of the Mozart family and the culture of Hapsburg Austria, we will read the best of current research on Mozart.  Against this background, we will study his sublime music.  We will examine melody, harmony, and musical form through recordings, scores, and videos.  By placing his work in its context, we will gain a deeper understanding of his all-too-brief life and musical legacy. 

Course Objectives

 The subject matter of this course can be enjoyed and understood by musician and non-musician alike.  Together we will determine the goals and objectives to ensure that the course is meaningful to you and is tailored to the backgrounds and interests of the class.

 The course will be taught in seminar format.  We will share in presenting material and initiating discussion.  I invite you to submit questions for discussion at any time.

Course Materials

Readings will be drawn from a variety of sources.  Assignments will also include listening to recordings (with score in hand) and viewing selected videos.  Materials are on reserve in the Trexler Library.

Grading Criteria

Your grade will be determined as follows:

Attendance and participation in discussion  25%
Journals and listening logs    25%
Presentations and papers    25%
Final exam      25%

Policies

 Many myths surround Mozart.  Your attendance and participation are crucial to the success of our endeavor to tease out the truth about this remarkable man.  Failure to attend class will adversely affect your grade.

 You are expected to know and adhere to the Academic Behavior Code.

 Students with documented disabilities should see me during the first week of class to determine what, if any, accommodations may be necessary.

Class Schedule  (from Summer, 2001)

July 9 Introduction and goals
 Explanation of seminar format, journals & listening logs, presentations & papers, final exam
 Discussion of preconceptions
 Background for viewing Amadeus - the 18th century, classical ideals, freemasonry
 Reading assignment

July 11 View Amadeus

July 16 Discussion of Amadeus
 Classicism in music - Ratner, sonata form – Eine kleine Nachtmusik
 Reaction paper due
 Reading assignment

July 18 Mozart’s life and character – myth vs. reality
 How to listen to music - Copland
 Review sonata form – Symphony no. 40
 The concertos
 Listening assignment:  Flute and Harp Concerto, Piano Concerto no. 20

July 23 The concertos, cont’d.
 How did Mozart compose?
 Mozart & Haydn
 The symphonies
Journals & listening logs due
 Reading assignment

July 25 Life with father:  Leopold 
 The symphonies, cont’d.
 Listening assignment:  Symphonies no. 40 and 41 (Jupiter)

July 30  Mozart and the Masons – Schikaneder 
  The operas
  Idea paper due
 Journals & listening logs due
 Reading assignment

August 1 View Don Giovanni
 Viewing assignment:  Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute)

August 6 Constanze:  dutiful wife or ?? 
 Who was Constanze and what happened to the children?
 Requiem
 Journals & listening logs due

August 8 Salieri and the death of Mozart 
 Who was the real victim?
 Requiem, cont’d.
 Listening assignment:  Requiem

August 13 Class presentations

August 15 Journals & listening logs due
 Term papers due
 Final exam 

Materials on reserve  (Additional items will be added as the term progresses.  You are encouraged to browse the shelves for sources.)

Books:
 Braunbehrens.  Mozart in Vienna
 Gartner.  Constanze Mozart After the Requiem
 Thayer.  Salieri:  Rival of Mozart

Recordings/Scores:
 Flute and Harp Concerto
 Piano Concerto no. 20
 Symphony no. 40
 Symphony no. 41 (Jupiter)
 Requiem

Videos:
 Amadeus
 Don Giovanni  (score is also on reserve)
 Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute)  (score is also on reserve)