Learning Objectives and Expected Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

In accordance with the educational objectives of the degree programme — including the development of students’ ability to collaborate in activities related to the production, promotion, enhancement, dissemination, and cataloguing of musical artistic works, as well as to continue their studies in the field of musicology — the course aims to:

• provide students with the foundations for listening to and understanding music of the past;
• provide methodological and critical tools for the study of music history and for understanding different interpretative approaches;
• outline the main stages of European music history from the 17th century to the end of the 19th century;
• encourage reflection on the production, organisational, and performance processes related to the music of the period under study (material and social history of music).

Expected Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Students will acquire knowledge of the fundamental elements of European musical culture between the 17th and 19th centuries and understand them within the framework of cultural history.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Students will be able to independently comment on the musical works presented and analysed during the course, using the methodological tools provided.

Making Judgements

Students will develop the ability to independently conduct historical-musical research, using the specific terminology of musicological studies and evaluating the most appropriate sources for their personal investigations.

Communication Skills

Students will be able to discuss aspects, issues, and repertoires of the musical cultures analysed, using historically and musicologically appropriate terminology.

Learning Skills

Students will be able to use a wide range of historical sources (musical works, images, and objects) in order to present and interpret their subject of study.

Prerequisites and Course Contents

Prerequisites

Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of the history of Western art music.
For this purpose, prior knowledge of Claudio Casini, Storia della musica. Dall’antichità classica al Novecento, Giunti (any edition), Part I: Il Seicento and Part II: Il primo Settecento, is recommended.

Course Contents

The course programme focuses on the in-depth study of the history of music from the beginning of the 17th century to the 19th century.

The main stages of the course will include:

• The spread of instrumental music in the 16th century; Venetian polychoral music; the origins of opera
• France, Germany, and England
• Sonatas and symphonies; the Baroque concerto
• Bach and Handel
• The Galant style
• Classicism (Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven)
• The 19th century: symphony, symphonic poem, solo concerto, chamber music, absolute music, and programme music

Reference Texts

• Mario Carrozzo, Cristina Cimagalli, Storia della musica occidentale, Vol. 2, Armando Editore, Chapters 16–19; 21–26; 28–31.
• Selection of digitised texts provided by the lecturer.
• Essential musical listening materials (indicated on YouTube).

The course primarily aims to foster the development of students’ broader listening horizons and musical exploration, also in connection with their individual repertoire.

Teaching Methods and Assessment

Teaching Methods

The course is based on classroom lectures supported by multimedia materials for guided music listening activities.

Assessment Methods

Written examination:
The assessment consists of a written exam divided into two sections. The first section evaluates students’ factual knowledge of the topics covered, with particular attention to historical periodisation. The second section (open-ended question) focuses on the student’s personal discussion and analysis of one of the musical works studied during the course and/or belonging to their own repertoire.