The period between the First and Second World Wars was one of extraordinary artistic experimentation and social change. This course explores how composers responded to a rapidly changing world and examines the distinctive musical cultures that emerged in Paris and Berlin during the interwar years. Participants will discover major composers, artistic movements and musical innovations that shaped the era, including Neoclassicism, the music of Les Six, the influence of Erik Satie and developments within Germany's Weimar cultural scene. By placing music within its wider social and political context, the course reveals how artistic expression both reflected and challenged the realities of twentieth-century Europe.

Suitable for music lovers, history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the cultural history of the modern world.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE OUTLINE

• World War I and its impact on music
• Neoclassicism and how it was interpreted differently in France and Germany
• The music of Paris between the Wars
• Les Six, Eric Satie and others
• Music in the Weimar
• Some of the main contributors of music in the Weimar

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Understand the major stylistic musical ideas from the interwar period in Paris and Berlin
• Identify major composers from the period
• Have a good understanding of Neoclassicism and its importance in the 20th century.