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Event Materials

Optional materials for further study of classical music. These are some of our favorite books for a beginning or casual classical music lover.

  • Classical Music 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Classical Music
    Classical Music 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Classical Music
    by Fred Plotkin
  • A History of Western Music (Eighth Edition)
    A History of Western Music (Eighth Edition)
    by J. Peter Burkholder, Donald Jay Grout, Claude V. Palisca
  • A Concise History of Western Music
    A Concise History of Western Music
    by Paul Griffiths
  • For The Love of Music: Invitations to Listening
    For The Love of Music: Invitations to Listening
    by Michael Steinberg, Larry Rothe
  • The Unanswered Question: Six Talks at Harvard (Charles Eliot Norton Lectures)
    The Unanswered Question: Six Talks at Harvard (Charles Eliot Norton Lectures)
    by Leonard Bernstein

    Leonard Bernstein’s six Charles Eliot Norton lectures. An excerpt of the viewo version can be viewed here.

  • Study and Listening Guide: for Concise History of Western Music, Fourth Edition and Norton Anthology of Western Music, Sixth Edition
    Study and Listening Guide: for Concise History of Western Music, Fourth Edition and Norton Anthology of Western Music, Sixth Edition
    by J. Peter Burkholder, Jennifer L. Hund-King

What to Listen For in Classical Music

June 5, 2010
Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
Click here to register.

Tuition: $115.00
Location: Downtown Gleacher
Notes: One-hour lunch break.

This course examines the evolution of Western music from the Baroque era through the 20th century. Different parameters such as harmony, rhythm, and melody are concisely explained and examined in representative masterpieces drawn from eras, genres, and styles, including the works of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and Stravinsky among others. Rich historic context will be provided. This class will be a lively combination of lecture, analysis, and listening.

Notes on this Event:

John Gibbons typically teaches this event by first introducing basic music appreciation concepts at the blackboard, then outlining the historical eras of classical music. The morning session concludes with a performance of a few musical examples. After a lunch break, there will be a discussion of each piece performed,

Morning Session:


A. Definition of musical components
• Melody
• Harmony
• Rhythm
• Form
• Instrumentation
• Genre


B. Definitions of Musical Terminology
• Tempo indications
• Special nomenclatures for expression and articulation


C. Historical Overview of Western Art Music Eras


D. Performance of selected pieces as historical and stylistic examples

-Lunch Break-


Afternoon Session:


E. Discussion of the performed pieces as exemplars of essential aesthetics in Western music. What makes the Baroque piece Baroque? What makes the classical piece classical? How do the basic musical components in Part A contribute to musical style?


F. A fairly brief survey of musical theatre genres, principally opera but also including the art of the conductor (presented on DVD)


H. Question and Answer session