2003 Summer Seminar Bentley College, June 28 - July 5

Structure in Music: Outside Narrative Influences on Structure

—Douglas Wagoner

Course Description:

One hurdle in understanding concert music is identifying a composition’s overall structure. Structure provides a sense of direction to the work; without it a listener can easily feel overwhelmed or confused by the music. While composers use many tactics to generate recognizable audible structures, one common device is the use of programmatic elements. These elements provide an explicit reference to something outside the music itself, such as a work of literature or a scene from nature. Douglas Wagoner will survey a range of works and techniques, including his recently composed Overture to The Fountainhead, to illustrate how composers use programmatic elements to add resonance and formal structure to their music. Mr. Wagoner has pursued advanced studies in music at Berklee College of Music, New England Conservatory, and Boston University. He has over 30 years of public performance experience as singer, player, conductor, and composer. Recent performances have included the Verdi, Faure and Mozart Requiems, and Orff's Carmina Burana.

Schedule: Sunday, 8:00 PM
Track: Art and Aestethics