Course: History of Music Theory

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Course title History of Music Theory
Course code KMU/DHT
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Seminar
Level of course Master
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter and summer
Number of ECTS credits 4
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Stratilková Martina, Mgr. et Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
1. music-theroretical concepts of Ancient Greece and early Middle Ages 2. mediaeval system of modes and theory of polyphony music 3. Zarlino and transformations in conceiving tonality, concept of mathematical and universal harmony 4. Rameau and his theory of harmony 5. 18th century books on composition 6. 19th century theories of harmony and composition 7. Hugo Riemann, theory of harmony and the concept of musical logic 8. Arnold Schönberg, theory of harmony and composition 9. Heinrich Schenker and August Halm 10. theories of musical form and tectonics in 1920s and 1930s 11. Czech music theory in the 18th and 19th century 12. Czech music theory in the 20th century

Learning activities and teaching methods
Lecture, Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook)
  • Attendace - 25 hours per semester
  • Preparation for the Exam - 40 hours per semester
  • Homework for Teaching - 10 hours per semester
  • Preparation for the Course Credit - 25 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
This course provides an overview of key concepts in music theory from antiquity to the twentieth century, with a greater emphasis on modern music theory. It traces the evolution of views on the function of individual elements in musical structure and focuses on concepts fundamental to the organization of tonal music.
Students will gain an overview of the most significant theories of musical structure and composition, understand their historical significance and connection to the musical works of their respective periods, and deepen their understanding of the historical development of music and the evolution of aesthetic perspectives on music. Students will receive training in music-theoretical thinking.
Prerequisites
Succesfull participation in music theoretical courses, knowledge of historical changes of the music structure.
KMU/AHS
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KMU/ANAL2
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KMU/AZAK

Assessment methods and criteria
Mark, Written exam, Seminar Work

1. Sufficient and active participation in class (maximum of 2 absences), completion of a term paper. 2. The seminar component of the course is graded based on the student's ability to discuss the literature assigned for independent reading. 3. The final exam assesses the student's knowledge and understanding of the topics covered in the lectures and the required reading.
Recommended literature
  • Damschroder, David a Williams, David Russell. (1990). Music theory from Zarlino to Schenker; a bibliography and guide. New York.
  • De la Motte-Haber, Helga. (2005). Musiktheorie. Laaber. Laaber.
  • Hradecký, Emil. (1972). Úvod do studia tonální harmonie. Praha.
  • Christensen, Thomas Street, ed. (2004). The Cambridge history of western music theory. Cambridge.
  • Ludvová, Jitka. (1989). Česká hudební teorie novější doby 1850 - 1900. Praha.
  • Ludvová, Jitka. (1985). Česká hudební teorie 1750-1850. Praha.
  • Risinger, Karel. (1963). Vůdčí osobnosti české moderní hudební teorie. Praha.
  • Spurný, Lubomír. (2012). Heinrich Schenker (1868-1935): kapitoly z hudební teorie a analýzy. Praha.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Musicology (2019) Category: Theory and history of arts - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Musicology (2019) Category: Theory and history of arts - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Musicology (2026) Category: Theory and history of arts - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Musicology (2019) Category: Theory and history of arts - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Musicology (2026) Category: Theory and history of arts - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: -