Harmonic Spheres

Course Description

Summary

Composers and improvisers periodically reinvent the wheel, creating systems of scales and tunings, instruments, and even philosophies of harmony and rhythm. In this course, we’ll also explore how to invent your own systems. Beginning with tuning, students will build an acoustic or virtual instrument based on their own temperament. The class will then explore harmonic systems that ground the work of Bartók, Hindemith, and Messiaen, as well as later 20th century music. The class will examine concepts of mode comparatively, including Indian concepts of raga and tala, and Javanese concepts of pathet. Students will be expected to do harmonic analysis, master readings, and create original work.