BRASIL IDIOMAS
SPECIAL COURSES PROJECT: MUSIC FOR ENGLISH SPEAKERS
l Introduction
Music is something which touches the deepness of our soul. Understanding the trends and the evolution of music is important for every one who is involved with it, for it gives us an idea of how the human genius evolves from time to time.
Few people get interested in knowing and discovering the paths music has strolled through. When we listen to a baroque composition, for instance, certain features are clearly visible: the rhythmic alternating of strong-weak intensities, the regular beat of the string instruments and the concern of the composer to get across the idea of offering music which is aimed at "shaking the soul inside". These aspects can be easily contrasted with those presented by the classical music of Mozart and Haydn, for example. And so it goes. Through the different moments of the erudite music which is sometimes incorrectly called classic, being this word specifically related to the last two decades of the eighteenth century and the first two decades of the nineteenth century we can compare and study the evolution of the techniques men have been using to "shake the soul inside", no matter what composing style (symphony, opera, ballet, aria, dance) is involved.
l Objectives
The main purpose of this course is to offer English speakers an opportunity to discuss, learn, compare and contrast the different characteristics and features comprehended by the various epochs and styles. The only requisite needed in this course is that the student is currently studying intermediate or advanced levels, or that he has a reasonable set of skills which enables him to understand the course. Throughout the course, however, the student will also become familiar with common peculiarities of music (expression, intensity, height, rhythm etc.).
l Contents
This music course for English speakers covers a wide variety of styles and epochs. The course is structured so that the student has a comprehensive knowledge of:
It is obvious that the principal representatives of each period and style will be studied (for example, Pergolesi, Haendel, Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Telemann, Monteverdi, Scarlatti, Pachelbel, Rimsly-Korsakov, Tchaikowsky, Chopin, Lizst, Verdi, Villa-Lobos, Dvorak etc.).
l Methodology
All the classes will have theoretical and practical activities; the first ones will be related to the study of the characteristics of the music considered, as well as the main composers and their biographies, and the last ones will include the listening of masterpiece recordings of each period.
l Timetable
There isnt a specific begin-and-end timetable. The classes can be held once or twice a week, and be stretched out as long as the student wants, or as long as the subjects go. There wont be any formal test, and the student will be continuously assessed on his understanding of the topics.
l Materials
Students will receive booklets prepared for each music period. At the end of the course, students will have a collection of papers which will enable them to keep a wide view of music, from Ancient music to Contemporary music.
Basically, these booklets will be: