FPA 233 - Music of the Enlightenment and Age of Revolutions

This course examines the music composed and performed during the Colonial Era in America (1660-1792), beginning with contextualizing the writings of Thomas Paine within the historical and musical climate of Enlightenment-Period Europe, prior to Paine’s birth and the American Revolution. The course will examine how the philosophical writings of Thomas Paine and his contemporaries influenced musical and artistic ideals and aesthetics in early America and abroad. A study of art music, popular music and entertainment, religious music, music for intellectual pursuits, and the use of music for political propaganda will be explored. Also considered is music by Native Americans and the musical traditions of enslaved African people of early America.
Lecture
Credits: 3
Offered in the Fall Semester
Core Course