This music course, offered by HarvardX, dives into Hector Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique, exploring its music and narrative elements that marked a new direction in 19th-century music. Harvard's professor Thomas Forrest Kelly guides students through a detailed analysis of the symphony, discussing Berlioz's innovative compositional techniques, orchestration, and the broader cultural reception of this controversial piece. The course culminates with a live performance by the Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra.
No specific prerequisites are required for this introductory level course, making it accessible to anyone interested in music and its history.
This course is designed for students, educators, and music enthusiasts who are interested in understanding the evolution of music in the 19th century, especially those keen on Romantic music and its narrative capabilities.
Knowledge gained from this course can be applied in various fields including music education, performance, and criticism. Learners can use their understanding of romantic music and compositional techniques in curating performances, teaching music history, or contributing to scholarly discussions about music’s role in cultural contexts.