Birds in Classical Music, Part 2: Mythological Creatures

About this course:

Birds have inspired compositions from the very start of the western musical tradition. Many are, after all, natural singers—one could argue musicians in their own right. References to birds in music take on many forms. In some compositions, birds signify allegorical meanings. In others, they inspire close imitation of birdsongs in the texture of the musical content. In this course, we explore the captivating world of mythological birds and their portrayal in classical music. From ancient folklore to contemporary compositions, we delve into the rich tapestry of avian symbolism and inspiration found in various cultural mythologies. The composers whose music we listen to and discuss include Jean Philippe Rameau, Robert Schumann, Modest Mussorgsky Alexander Scriabin, Igor Stravinsky, Lili Boulanger and more.