Mozart
S06, S07
Allen Shawn
This course will take a chronological look at Mozart’s life and work beginning with piano pieces he composed at the age of six and culminating with his last three symphonies, the opera Die Zauberflote (The Magic Flute), and the requiem he composed during his 35th year. Biographical readings will include selections from Mozart’s letters to his family, and Mozart’s Last Year by H.C. Robbins Landon. The course will include viewings of videos made of several operas, including Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro, and The Magic Flute. Homework will include extensive listening assignments, several short papers and in-class presentations, and one in-depth study. Music students will be expected to contribute as performers and music scholars. Those without music-reading ability may contribute to the study of Mozart from a literary, historical, philosophical, or scientific perspective.