Western Classical Music History Class
۲۱ اردیبهشت ۱۴۰۴ ۱۴۰۴-۰۲-۲۱ ۱۵:۴۶Western Classical Music History Class
Western Classical Music History Course
Course description
The Western Classical Music History Course, delivered in three two-hour online sessions, offers an accessible and engaging platform for those interested in classical music. Through the introduction of key resources, explanation of foundational concepts, and analysis of landmark works, the course provides a focused overview of the development of Western music — from the emergence of tonality to the modern era. Its aim is to present a clear and coherent understanding of the musical ideas that have evolved throughout history.
While a comprehensive exploration of music history requires significant time and depth, this course, by concentrating on essential themes and pivotal moments, opens the door to deeper study and offers a solid foundation for understanding the historical trajectory of Western classical music. The material is presented in a simple and accessible manner, making it suitable not only for performers, composers, and music students, but also for enthusiasts without formal background in the field.
Course headings
▪️The Physical Nature of Sound and the Evolution of Musical Perception
An exploration of the physical properties of sound and the shifting perspectives of musicians toward musical sound throughout the history of music.
▪️Tonic and the Emergence of Tonal Music
An explanation of the role of the tonic and the significance of tonality in shaping the structure and perception of musical works from the Baroque era onward.
▪️Musical Textures and Their Evolution
An introduction to different types of musical textures, their distinctions, and their historical development from polyphony to modern harmony, accompanied by analyses of representative works from each period.
▪️The Impact of Instrumental Combinations on Music
A study of how instrumental combinations in each era influenced musical structure and timbre, from the Baroque period to contemporary music.
▪️Stylistic and Structural Features of Historical Periods
An analysis of the stylistic and structural characteristics of four key periods in music history: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern.
▪️Analysis of Landmark Works by Renowned Composers
A presentation and examination of major works by leading composers of each period as clear examples of the musical traits of their time.
▪️Educational Resources for Further Study
A curated collection of diverse resources — including books, scores, videos, and documentaries — to support continued learning.
Teacher Alireza Gholamian
Alireza Gholamian is a composer and tar player who has studied composition under esteemed mentors such as Maurizio Azzan, Lidia Zielińska, Ardavan Vossoughi, and Karan Keyhani, and trained in tar performance with Behrouz Hemmati, Dariush Pirniakan, and Ghasem Rahimzadeh. His works have been performed in Iran and internationally, including in Germany, Italy, and Russia. Gholamian has collaborated with ensembles such as Ensemble Suono Giallo, mdi ensemble, and Moscow Contemporary Music Ensemble, and has participated in festivals like the Unerhörte Musik Festival in Berlin. His achievements include selection for the 2024 Tchaikovsky International Composition Academy, receiving a full scholarship from the Horizon Etendu Academy, and winning awards at the Iranian Youth Music Festival.
