MUSC 0131
Everything a cappella
Everything a cappella! Unaccompanied Vocal Music, Medieval to Modern
The phenomenon of the a cappella group is, surprisingly enough, not one that developed on New England's liberal arts college campuses. From royal court entertainment to a few guys on the corner, vocal ensembles have sung about the important things in life for several centuries. In this course we will explore music for unaccompanied vocal groups of different time periods, places and cultures. Students will listen to, study, and experience a cappella music to develop understanding about its inspiration, function, and performance. Why voices-only, and why is a cappella always "in"? (Music reading ability is helpful but not required.) 3 hrs lect./disc.
The phenomenon of the a cappella group is, surprisingly enough, not one that developed on New England's liberal arts college campuses. From royal court entertainment to a few guys on the corner, vocal ensembles have sung about the important things in life for several centuries. In this course we will explore music for unaccompanied vocal groups of different time periods, places and cultures. Students will listen to, study, and experience a cappella music to develop understanding about its inspiration, function, and performance. Why voices-only, and why is a cappella always "in"? (Music reading ability is helpful but not required.) 3 hrs lect./disc.