Module MUSI1281: Analysis 1: Elements of Tonal Theory and Practice

Department: Music

MUSI1281: Analysis 1: Elements of Tonal Theory and Practice

Prerequisites

• A-level Music or equivalent.

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• The module aims to provide students with foundational knowledge in the disciplines of music theory and analysis, focusing on the elements of harmonic and formal theory as they apply to the common-practice repertoire of the late-seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Beginning with an introduction to the core principles underpinning tonality, it provides a thorough grounding in the analysis of thematic syntax and of baroque and classical forms. The module serves both as an introduction to music theory and analysis, and seeks to secure basic musical literacy, which will reinforce students' learning in technical and historical modules.

Content

• The module comprises three parts. Part I introduces students to basic concepts in the theory of common-practice tonal harmony, concentrating on voice leading, cadence, prolongation, post-cadential harmony, sequence, and modulation. Part II detals with the construction of baroque and classical themes, with specific focus on motive and formal function. Part III provides an introduction to the analysis of baroque and classical forms, paying close attention to ritornello, fugue, binary and ternary forms, variations, rondo and sonata. Each part of the module is supported by extensive engagement with repertoire from Corelli to Beethoven.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will gain an essential grounding in core concepts of tonal theory, baroque and classical syntax and form, as well as the analytical techniques required to understand tonal musical practice. They will also gain deep knowledge of the baroque and classical repertoire, which supports their learning in Historical Studies I, and contextual knowledge of practices that are applied compositionally in Musical Techniques I.

• The ability to conceptualise the core constructive elements of tonal practice.
• The ability to recognise common harmonic, syntactic and formal characteristics in a broad range of baroque and classical repertoire.
• The ability to apply theoretical knowledge in the analysis of the specified repertoire.

• The application of theoretical knowledge in the analysis of core repertoire.
• Students learn how to construct analytical essays.
• Students learn how to write in a manner appropriate to the disciplines of theory and analysis.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module is taught by weekly lectures, small-group seminars, each focussed on a set work, and tutorials. The module is assessed by a terminal exam, which comprises a set work, on which students are required to answer two questions, and an unseen extract, on which students are required to answer one question. Students also submit two summative essays, the covering the analysis of baroque and classical harmony and syntax, the second testing the formal analysis of set eighteenth-century works. Both summatives and exam test applied knowledge: they require students to apply theoretical concepts in the analysis of repertoire. They also furnish students with analytical experience that can be applied historically (in Historical Studies 1) and compositionally (in Techniques 1).
• The weekly lectures introduce students to core concepts, illustrated by examples from the repertoire; they also demonstrate applications of theory in the analysis of repertoire in a wide range of genres. The seminars reinforce learning through small group work on a series of focused case studies. The tutorials offer students the chance to discuss specific worked examples, in tandem with the work proposed for the formative assessments.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Three formative assessments, one per term, each of which will test the security of core knowledge in the three parts of the module. Formative 1 will comprise exercises in harmonic and voice-leading analysis. Formative 2 will test students' ability to recognise motivic processes and formal functions in baroque and classical themes. Formative 3 will give students experience of analysing whole-movement forms, using the concepts developed in the module.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University