Department of Music
MUSC 42, Masterpieces of Western Music:


NOTE: At this time Music 42 either is not being offered or is being taught by another instructor. This page does not provide current information about the course. Students should return to the Music Department homepage for current information.

Music 42 introduces non-music majors to the study of some of the great works of Western art music. It is designed for students who enjoy music but have no previous training in the study of music. In particular, it is not necessary to read music, although students who do possess some prior experience in musical performance or notation are encouraged to attend.

The course opens with a two-week introduction to basic terms and concepts in music, followed by an exploration of a number of works composed from the Baroque to the present day. These works--studied at a rate of about one work per week--are listed below. Work for the course consists mainly of listening carefully to recordings of each of these works; there are also a quiz, a midterm, and a final, as well as several written assignments. In addition to two lectures per week, students attend a discussion section led by a graduate assistant.

The textbook is a coursepack prepared by the instructor. Recordings are on reserve in the Music Library in Hill Hall; in addition, selected recordings have been placed on special order at a local music store and will be available by the beginning of the spring semester.

Music 42 satisfies the General College Aesthetic/Fine Arts perspective.

Works Studied

J.S. Bach: Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue

Handel: Acis and Galatea

Haydn: String Quartet in D, Op. 64, No. 5 ("The Lark"), Hob. III:63

Mozart: Piano Concerto in C, K. 467

Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 in E-flat, "Eroica," Op. 55

Schubert: Die schöne Müllerin

Chopin: Polonaise in A-flat, Op. 53; Barcarolle in F-sharp, Op. 60; Fantasia in F Minor, Op. 49

Verdi: La Traviata

Ives: Symphony No. 4

Stravinsky: Symphony in C

Berio: Sinfonia

Last updated 9/22/98