This course will focus on how poetry is used by composers, and transformed into musical expression. We will discuss the concepts of rhythm, melodic contour, coloring, dynamics, and phrasing as they are used musically to respect the essence of the spoken language. In many cases we will examine how the same poetic text may be set and viewed by different composers. Among the poets to be studied are: Machado, Lorca, Bécquer, N. Guillén, Benaros, and Mistral, depending upon the availability of recorded music and other sources. Students do not need to have musical abilities or background for this class; rather, the class focuses on how to listen to poetry with different ears. (1 unit).

This course is cross-listed with Literature.

Required text: Material in course pack form, to be purchased upon arrival at Middlebury.