57-173 Survey of Western Music History

9 units, Carnegie Mellon University

This course surveys European art music—what, loosely, problematically, has been called "classical music." We survey its development and contexts as well as its adaptation globally. While keeping in view the chronology from Gregorian chant to music of our own time, this survey also emphasizes key personalities and issues. So, classroom lectures and musical examples may not always follow a strict progression through the centuries. Since most in this course have experience singing, playing, writing, or listening to music, we are particularly interested in connections between particular genres and period styles—what you can hear— and their broad historical contexts. In turn, what connections can we make to our own situation? So, history is practical, not esoteric.

Prerequisites: none listed

Offered: Fall 2026, Summer 2026, Fall 2025

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