Women Writing Symphonies
MUSC 247Z
Summer 2026
| Section:
01
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The course focuses on the lives and work of pioneer female composers of the 19th and early 20th centuries who dared to venture into the traditionally male-dominated field of writing for orchestras -- symphonies, in particular. We will examine their compositional style in context of the "norms and traditions" of the day, survey critical reception and response to the premieres, as well as current scholarship, and take a closer analytical look at some of the scores that illustrate particularly innovative approaches to the genre of symphony. Featured composers are Louise Farrenc (1804-1875, France), Emilie Mayer (1812-1883, Germany), Alice Mary Smith (1839-1884, Great Britain), Amy Beach (1867-1944, United States), and Florence Price (1887-1953, United States). This course requires the ability to read music and knowledge of basic music theory. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA MUSC |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Music) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 - Summer Session II |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
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Friedland, B. LOUISE FARRENC, 1804-1875: COMPOSER, PERFORMER, SCHOLAR.
Cormac, J. REGIONALIZING THE NATION: THE SYMPHONIES OF FRANZ LACHNER AND EMILIE MAYER IN RELATIONSHIP TO GERMAN NATIONAL IDENTITY.
Smith, A. M. SYMPHONIES: A-R EDITIONS.
Bomberger, E. D. THE CAMBRIDGE COMPANION TO AMY BEACH.
Block, A. F. AMY BEACH, PASSIONATE VICTORIAN.
Brown, R. L., & Ramsey, G. P. THE HEART OF A WOMAN: THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF FLORENCE PRICE.
Horowitz, J. DVORAK'S PROPHECY: AND THE VEXED FATE OF BLACK CLASSICAL MUSIC.
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Examinations and Assignments:
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Reflections on music listening assignments (in-class and take-home)
Written score study assignments.
Reflections on readings.
Online research in current music journalism (concert and recording reviews)
Final presentation (on any female symphonist not covered in class)
Final essay (tied to the topic of the Final Presentation) and a timed listening quiz (via Moodle) |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
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This course requires the ability to read music and knowledge of basic music theory.
Grading:
Attendance and participation (20%)
Homework assignments (30%)
Final presentation (20%)
Final essay and listening quiz (30%) |
| Instructor(s): Potemkina,Nadya Times: .MTWRF. 11:00AM-12:40PM; Location: ONLINE; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 10 | | SR major: 2 | JR major: 2 | | |
| Seats Available: 10 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 2 | JR non-major: 2 | SO: 2 | FR: X |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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