You don’t need to be a Russophile to appreciate Russian music. 19th- and 20th-century Russian music is some of the most brilliant, moving, and technically difficult of all time. We Westerners know little about the roots of this vast body of work.

Russia was a late bloomer in developing traditional classical music due to suppression by the Orthodox Church. Peter The Great saw European music as a mark of civilization and a way of westernizing his country. He began his focus on European music. Repression of Russian art and music continues to this day.

Our class will journey through Russian music history from the 1800s through late 20th century. We will be guided by the music and lives of Borodin, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, and others using the visual arts, audio media, contemporary readings, and performances of their music. This is a class for music aficionados and those who would just like to explore a musical heritage little known to many Westerners.
Six Sessions. $235/$210. Led by Glenn Derringer