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Caltech Course Catalog / 2025-2026 Catalog / Courses 2025-26 / The Concerto Through History

Mu 136 - The Concerto Through History

Mu 136

The Concerto Through History

9 units (3-0-6)   |  first term
Prerequisites: Students in this class will need to be able to read music. Some background in music theory will be helpful, but we will review as needed.
This course traces the history of the concerto genre, beginning with its origins in the late Renaissance and continuing into the 20th century. We will investigate how the form and structure of the concerto has changed over time, evolutions in the role of the concerto soloist, and the variety of functions the concerto has played in concert culture. We will consider individual concertos through musical analysis, as well as theoretical writings on concerto composition and historical records related to concerto performance. Students will be encouraged to nominate their favorite concertos for study in class.
Instructor: Ballance
Published Date: Aug. 19, 2025