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Intimacy of Creativity: Entering the Minds of Composers
  • Level Professional
  • Duration 5 hours
  • Course by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • Offered by

About

Bright Sheng guides us through three works — by Brahms, Beethoven, and Sheng — for an intimate look inside the composer's mind. This course strives to give students a new appreciation of music, based on an understanding of the craft behind each work. This class is perfect for those wanting to gain a unique perspective on the creative process of music composition, while challenging traditional notions of how composers approach formal structure, melody, and harmony. Week 1 focuses on the question “what is melody?”, and on the meticulous design of Brahms's Intermezzo, op. 118, no. 2. Week 2 concentrates on the fundamentals of harmony, and how Beethoven thought of harmony to generate his Symphony No. 7 in A Major, op. 92. Week 3 applies the same paradigm to a living composer, Bright Sheng himself, and reveals how he found inspiration in the works of these titans of music in his Four Movements for Piano Trio. While helpful, it is not expected students have a background in music to take the course.

Modules

Orientation

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • Meet and Greet

1 Videos

  • Introduction and Course Overview

1 Readings

  • Assignments and Grading

Module 1: Melody

    • 12 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quiz 1

12 Videos

  • 1.1 Telling a Story through Music
  • 1.2 Brahms and Romanticism
  • 1.3 What is a Melody?
  • 1.4 Opening Theme Analysis
  • 1.5 Understanding Melodic Shape - Octave Displacement
  • 1.6 What is Development?
  • 1.7 Continued Development of the Theme
  • 1.8 Inversion
  • 1.9 What is Form?
  • 1.10 Analysis of Section B Theme
  • 1.11 Relationship Between A and B Sections
  • 1.12 Quotation of the Main Theme and Final Thoughts

Module 2: Harmony

    • 9 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quiz 2

9 Videos

  • 2.1 Beethoven and the Classical Period
  • 2.2 What is Harmony?
  • 2.3 What is Harmony? (cont.)
  • 2.4 Analysis of Movement I Introduction
  • 2.5 Analysis of Movement I Introduction (cont.)
  • 2.6 Long-Range Harmonic Analysis of Movement I Introduction
  • 2.7 Analysis of Movement II
  • 2.8 Analysis of Movement III
  • 2.9 Analysis of Movement IV

Module 3: Post Tonal Music Composition

    • 8 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quiz 3

8 Videos

  • 3.1 Musical Anarchy
  • 3.2 Establishing a New Order
  • 3.3 Harmonic Language of Movement II
  • 3.4 Structure of Movement II
  • 3.5 Analysis of Movement III
  • 3.6 Rhythmic Development of Movement III
  • 3.7 Discussion of Movements I and IV
  • 3.8 Performance

Auto Summary

Explore the intimate world of music composition with renowned composer Bright Sheng. This engaging Arts & Humanities course delves into the minds of Brahms, Beethoven, and Sheng himself, offering a unique perspective on melody, harmony, and creative process. Over three weeks, learners will gain a deep appreciation of musical craft through detailed analysis of iconic works. Ideal for those curious about music composition, no prior musical background is required. Available on Coursera, with Starter and Professional subscription options.

Bright Sheng
Instructors

Bright Sheng

Ilari Kaila
Instructors

Ilari Kaila

Isaac Droscha
Instructors

Isaac Droscha