MUS 131 — Beethoven’s Nine Symphonies
Quarter: Spring
Instructor(s): Ilias Chrissochoidis
Date(s): Apr 15—Jun 3
Class Recording Available: No
Class Meeting Day: Mondays
Class Meeting Time: 7:00—8:50 pm PT)
Please Note: No class on May 27
Tuition: $420
Refund Deadline: Apr 17
Unit(s): 1
Enrollment Limit: 40
Status: Closed
Quarter: Spring
Day: Mondays
Duration: 7 weeks
Time: 7:00—8:50 pm PT)
Date(s): Apr 15—Jun 3
Unit(s): 1
Tuition: $420
Refund Deadline: Apr 17
Instructor(s): Ilias Chrissochoidis
Enrollment Limit: 40
Recording Available: No
Status: Closed
Please Note: No class on May 27
The nine symphonies composed by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) constitute the most influential body of music in modern times. These symphonies elevated the tradition of orchestral music to unprecedented heights, establishing themselves as timeless models of the symphonic genre. Beyond their sheer craftsmanship and emotional resonance, Beethoven uniquely transformed abstract sounds and harmonic processes into universal narratives. For the first time in history, music, in its purest form, could claim a universality akin to the great works of Sophocles, Michelangelo, and Shakespeare.
This course will take students on a journey through musical genius by combining a survey of Beethoven’s symphonies with a critical probing of their intellectual power and spiritual depth. We will then delve into specific examples, such as how a four-note motif can inspire a movement lasting several minutes (as seen in the Fifth Symphony) and his masterful incorporation of voices in the grand finale of the Ninth Symphony. Students will have the opportunity to thoroughly examine Beethoven's masterworks while also listening to the instructor's live performance of piano examples. You will leave the course with a deeper appreciation for Beethoven’s genius and the reasons behind his enduring impact on classical music to this day.
This course will take students on a journey through musical genius by combining a survey of Beethoven’s symphonies with a critical probing of their intellectual power and spiritual depth. We will then delve into specific examples, such as how a four-note motif can inspire a movement lasting several minutes (as seen in the Fifth Symphony) and his masterful incorporation of voices in the grand finale of the Ninth Symphony. Students will have the opportunity to thoroughly examine Beethoven's masterworks while also listening to the instructor's live performance of piano examples. You will leave the course with a deeper appreciation for Beethoven’s genius and the reasons behind his enduring impact on classical music to this day.
A basic knowledge of this repertory is required.
ILIAS CHRISSOCHOIDIS
Research Associate, Department of Music, Stanford
Ilias Chrissochoidis is a music historian, composer, and pianist. The recipient of numerous research awards, he has written extensively on Handel and opera. He is also the editor of Spyros P. Skouras’s memoirs and has released the music albums Inspiratorio, Ringtones, Hellenotropia, and Eviva! He received a PhD in musicology from Stanford. Textbooks for this course:
There are no required textbooks; however, some fee-based online readings may be assigned.