This workshop is a guided tour through the history of Western Art Music (Classical Music). We will explore landmark events and changes in art and politics in Europe from the 16^th Century through to the present and see how these changes affected music. Participants will examine the key aspects of classical music distilled into 4 differently focused sessions on the four ‘Periods’ or ages of music. Key pieces of music will be used to amplify stylistic trends.

Week 1 – The Baroque Period, including the music of Purcell, Vivaldi, Handel and Bach
Week 2 – The Classical Period, including the music of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert
Week 3 – The Romantic Period, including the music of Schumann, Brahms, Wagner and Tchaikovsky
Week 4 – 20^th Century – present, including the music of Debussy. Stravinsky, Shostakovich and Glass

Anyone interested in classical music and wondering why different composers’ music sound so different from that of others. History buffs will also get a new perspective on the influence of history affects the Arts.