96379 - Musical Theory. Fundamentals (1)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the student: knows the basic instruments of musical notation and reading; reads and interprets a musical score; understands the essential elements of musical analysis and matures specific skills in reading the elements that characterize the score; learns the basic tools to analyze the main forms of Western art music, from 17th to 19th century, with references to the previous and subsequent repertoire.

Course contents

The basic notions of grammar and logic of Western music will be dealt with, with reference to musical notation, the concepts of time, metre and rhythm, tonality and construction of scales, classification of intervals, chords, transposing instruments.

The students will be able to practice, with laboratory methodology, on:

- reading and writing of modern musical notation;
- elements of music theory and grammar;
- elements of harmony;
- elements of musical analysis, vocabulary and musical forms;
- scales and keys;
- intervals;
- melody and harmony;
- chords and cadences;
- modulations;
- continuo.

Readings/Bibliography

Basic bibliography

• J. W. Solomon, Music Theory Essentials, New York and London, Routledge, 2019;
  
• W. Ziegenrücker, ABC Musica. Manuale di teoria musicale con esercizi, Milan, Rugginenti, 2016 (or other editions);
• F. Della Seta (ed. byi), Breve lessico musicale, Rome, Carocci, 2009;
• O. Károlyj, La grammatica della musica, Turin, Einaudi, 2000 (or other editions);
• W. Piston, Harmony, New York, Norton, 1989;
  

For these volumes, a reasoned selection of the essential chapters will be indicated during the lessons.

Teaching methods

The course will be carried out with traditional teaching methods.

Updates depending from the evolution of the health emergency will be promptly communicated.

Lectures, listening and analysis of musical examples.

Assessment methods

During the final exam (oral interview), students will report on the bibliography and on some exercises related to the topics covered in the lesson.

Teaching tools

Didactic materials will be made available online for the students.

Office hours

See the website of Nicola Badolato