Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/classical-composition
Have you ever listened to the intricate harmonies of Mozart and wondered how such beauty is crafted? Or perhaps you’ve dabbled in music creation and found yourself yearning for a deeper understanding of classical composition? If so, Coursera’s ‘Write Like Mozart: An Introduction to Classical Music Composition’ might be the perfect course for you.
This course delves into the strategies behind European art music of the common practice period, offering a fascinating glimpse into the minds of composers like Mozart. It meticulously breaks down essential elements such as harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture. The syllabus promises a structured journey, starting with the fundamentals in Module One, covering chord voicing, root position chords, and basic textures. The instructor thoughtfully incorporates self-assessed assignments and encourages peer learning through forums, acknowledging the limitations of online education while maximizing its potential.
As the course progresses, it expands your harmonic vocabulary with chord inversions and keyboard voicing in Module Two, even touching upon creating Schubert-esque arpeggiated passages. Module Three introduces sequential progressions and the concept of the ‘circle of fifths progression,’ demonstrating how composers manipulate these patterns to create rich polyphonic textures. Analysis of works by Mozart and Beethoven brings these theoretical concepts to life.
Module Four tackles chord substitution, both diatonic and chromatic, and introduces melodic writing within phrases. The crucial role of cadences in defining musical form is explored, leading to an understanding of simple forms like the period. This module equips you to transform short musical sketches into more substantial compositions.
Building on this, Module Five explores chromatic harmony and introduces the basics of two-voice counterpoint, using a Beethoven Bagatelle as a practical example. The final module, Module Six, delves into ‘progressions within progressions’ (secondary dominants) and the ubiquitous Alberti bass. It culminates in a comprehensive look at elaborating progressions and uses a famous Mozart theme and variations as a model for the course’s final project, which requires composing in rounded binary form.
**Who is this course for?**
This course is ideal for aspiring composers, music theory students, or even passionate music lovers who want to understand the mechanics of classical music. While it does assume some basic familiarity with musical concepts, the instructor’s clear explanations and practical examples make it accessible.
**What I loved:**
The course strikes an excellent balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The step-by-step approach, coupled with analyses of masterworks, makes learning engaging. The self-assessed assignments, while requiring self-discipline, are designed to reinforce learning effectively.
**Recommendation:**
‘Write Like Mozart’ is a highly recommended course for anyone interested in classical music composition. It provides a solid foundation and practical tools to begin creating music in the style of the masters. Prepare to be inspired and to discover your own compositional voice!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/classical-composition