MUS 62 — The Joy of Bach
Quarter: Winter
Instructor(s): Stephen Schultz
Date(s): Jan 29—Mar 5
Class Recording Available: Yes
Class Meeting Day: Wednesdays
Grade Restriction: NGR only; no credit/letter grade
Class Meeting Time: 5:30—7:00 pm (PT)
Tuition: $360
Refund Deadline: Jan 31
Unit(s): 0
Status: Open
Johann Sebastian Bach’s brilliance not only defined an era but laid the foundation for centuries of musical evolution, inspiring greats like Mozart and Beethoven, who revered him as a model of compositional excellence. Unlike anyone before him, he masterfully fused German, French, and Italian traditions into a transformative synthesis that continues to influence composers and musicians today. This course offers an in-depth exploration of Bach’s life and compositions, from his early cantatas and Passions to the monumental works of his final decade, such as the Mass in B Minor and The Art of the Fugue. As we journey through these masterpieces chronologically, we’ll unravel the growth of Bach’s melodic, harmonic, and contrapuntal genius. Along the way, we’ll examine historically informed performance practices and compare them with modern interpretations, providing a comprehensive understanding of his music. By the end of the course, you’ll not only appreciate Bach's profound impact on music history but also develop a deep, personal connection to his timeless work.
No knowledge of music theory is required. In each class session, students will listen to an array of music selections.
STEPHEN SCHULTZ
Professor of Music History, Carnegie Mellon
Stephen Schultz plays solo and principal flute with the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Musica Angelica and performs with other leading early-music groups such as Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, Apollo's Fire, Portland Baroque Orchestra, Wiener Akademie, Con Gioia, and Chatham Baroque. He teaches music history and flute at Carnegie Mellon and is the Carnegie Mellon Baroque Ensemble director. Schultz has also been a featured faculty member of the Jeanne Baxtresser International Flute Master Class at Carnegie Mellon and has taught at the Juilliard School and the International Baroque Institute at the Longy School of Music. Textbooks for this course:
There are no required textbooks; however, some fee-based online readings may be assigned.