Topics in 19th-Century Music

Module description

This module explores a selected topic in music and/or musical culture(s) during the long nineteenth century, examining a central movement, theme, place, institution, composer or other musical figure; and the social and aesthetic issues with which they engaged.

This year, we’ll be exploring the history, production and consumption of Western art music during the 19th century from the perspective of its relationship to contemporary material culture. Instead of starting from the supposedly intangible, ephemeral sounds of music-making long ago – and music histories dominated as a result by composers and performers – we’ll take a more grass-roots approach, investigating 19th-century musical life in the West from the ground up. From new infrastructural systems such as transport networks to the explosion of the printed press, the growth of the high capitalist market and radical technological innovation, the nineteenth century was a period of enormous change. This module examines music’s role in the century’s unprecedentedly material world. We’ll scrutinise a series of musical “objects” (both musical works and other relevant materials and artefacts) to explore the impact of material culture on nineteenth-century music-making, unearthing its significance for composers, performers, critics, audiences – and for musical works themselves. Above all, we’ll ask how material phenomena enabled the emergence of new understandings of music: understandings which have largely persisted today. 

Assessment details

• 1500 Word Essay (40%)
• 2500 Word Essay (60%)

Educational aims & objectives

To provide a sophisticated understanding of central issues in music and musical culture during the long nineteenth century, in relation to social, political and artistic changes in the period

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practical skills appropriate to a Level 6 module and in particular will be able to demonstrate:

• A sophisticated, in-depth understanding of an important aspect of musical culture during the long nineteenth century
• A critical knowledge of and ability to evaluate the connections between that aspect of musical culture and contemporary political, social and artistic life
• The ability to conduct independent research in 19th-century music

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.